MENU PLANNER

Princeton Independent School District

MENU PLANNER

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Menu Planner                                       WAGE/HOUR STATUS: 

REPORTS TO:  Director of Child Nutrition            PAY GRADE:  226 Days

DEPARTMENT:  Child Nutrition                             DATE REVISED:  03/2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

Responsible for management of all Menus and Food Production Records in regards to technical and administrative work. Plan and implement programs that meet regulatory and nutritional requirements for students, promote development of sound nutritional practices, and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition or in Restaurant, Hotel, and

Institutional Management or related field, preferred

• Certification as a Registered Dietitian and/or School Nutrition Specialist preferred
• Manager Food Handler Certificate or Serve Safe Manager required

            Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of federal school meal programs and nutritional requirements for

students and adults

• Knowledge of quantity food production methods and procedures
• Completion of a credited sanitation course and maintain certification
• Competence in adult and student education, presentation techniques, training materials development and evaluation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions from employees, students and the general public
• Self-starter; bilingual preferred but not required
• Knowledge of Windows/Office software

            Experience:

                        Three (3) years of management or food service experience in an institutional/school food service establishment or operation preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

All federally funded incumbents of this position must comply with time and effort reporting requirements.

1. Develop cost-effective school menus in accordance with USDA requirements and federal and state regulations.
2. Oversee the development of all menus, production plans and records in accordance with USDA requirements and federal and state regulations.
3. Oversee the distribution of all menus, production plans, records, and related materials.
4. Develop menus, recipes, production plans and records for special serving days or events (holiday menus, After School Snack Program, Summer Feeding Program, etc.).
5. Produces the monthly menus for students and parents.
6. Provide monthly carb counts to all nurses with monthly menus and all special event theme menus.
7. Oversee commodity inventory and plan menus to utilize commodities in a timely manner; assist with the management of USDA donated commodities and commodity processing.
8. Conduct nutrient analysis of all school meals and menus; evaluate nutritional information on food bids.
9. Responsible for following procurement policies and procedures to meet all required regulations.
10. Authorize substitutions made by vendors on orders.
11. Review and process all documentation regarding student nutritional services, especially special diets and food allergies, in a timely manner. Disseminate special diet information as needed to Food Service Manager, school nurse and parents.
12. Develop and maintain appropriate records such as vendor, bid lists and CN label filing system.
13. Maintain the Food Service website with up-to-date nutrition information and other areas as assigned.
14. Assist with staff development by organizing and teaching lessons as scheduled.
15. Organize and oversee taste testing to various groups (student, F &NS staff, or District staff, etc.) to obtain customer participation information (menu item feedback and menu item suggestions) and make recommendations based on input.
16. Attend and participate in all manager and safety meetings as scheduled; participate in development of in-service training programs for all Food Service staff; provide training as assigned.
17. Attend workshops, in and out of District staff development sessions, and other continuing education courses that will develop and maintain professional credentials for this position.
18. Keep abreast of supply sources and new product development by meeting with vendors, attending food shows and participating in local and state professional associations.
19. Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Princeton ISD and the National School Lunch, Breakfast, CACFP, and Summer feeding programs.
20. Perform school site visitation as needed to observe meal service, food quality and customer satisfaction.
21. Assist at school sites for meal service as needed.
22. Manage, implement, and communicate nutrition education activities and information through Food Service staff to students, parents, campus staff, and administrators as needed to create awareness of importance of good nutrition as related to overall good health.
23. Assist in the planning and future development of the department, including short- and long-range goals, budgeting, purchasing, staffing strategies, marketing and equipment needs.
24. Utilizes effective marketing strategies in the planning and promotion of programs and activities through the use of media and other entities.
25. Communications Liaison for special events, observances, and nutrition education with the

support of the district public relations department.

1. Additional duties as assigned by Director of Child Nutrition or his/her designee.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer (various hardware and software systems), telephone, AV equipment,

fax, calculator, typical food service equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:  Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress. Use of personal vehicle for in-district and occasional in-state travel. Prolonged sitting and repetitive hand motions. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Physical Demands:  Work with frequent interruptions. Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions. Frequent sitting, standing. Occasional lifting up to 44 pounds.; stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.

Environment:  Moderate exposure to hot and/or cold temperatures, wet and/or humid conditions; exposure to machinery with moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic and caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock, moderate noise levels.

Safety:  Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.