Training Program and Classes

Pasco County Schools is recognized as a leader in providing professional development and career advancement opportunities for our school nutrition professionals. Having a work force that is knowledgeable and customer-focused ensures that Pasco County students have nutritious, safe, and high quality menu selections in warm, welcoming, and fun environments.

The importance of professional development cannot be overemphasized, especially in the child nutrition field. By participating in professional development and keeping abreast of child nutrition changes, nutrition advancements, techniques and knowledge in the profession, employees become valuable school nutrition professionals and have more career advancement opportunities. Professional development is available for every school nutrition employee, regardless of his or her current position and work location.

Key Performance Indicators

Professional development courses are organized into eight key areas. Within each area, courses are offered during the summer and throughout the school year.

Key Area 1: General School Food Service
Key Area 2: Safety and Sanitation
Key Area 3: Cooking Principles
Key Area 4: Menu Planning and Production
Key Area 5: Nutrition Wellness
Key Area 6: Communication and Marketing
Key Area 7: Finance and Technology
Key Area 8: Leadership Development

Professional Development Opportunities

Food and Nutrition Services offers employees a variety of methods to gain professional development. Click on the training opportunties to view our training newsletter and class offerings.

Food and Nutrition Services Training Workshops/Classes

These courses are provided by the Food and Nutrition Services Department; therefore, they are eligible for District inservice points and job advancement training requirements.Employees may log into the District’s professional development program, Avatar, to view current and upcoming training courses.

Food and Nutrition Services Online Courses

These online courses have been approved by the Food and Nutrition Services Department; therefore, they are eligible for District inservice points and job advancement training requirements.Employees may log into the District’s professional development program, Avatar, to view current and upcoming training courses. This courses are open in intervals to allow registered participants time to complete the course before awarding credit.

To participate in the online courses, employees must utilize the District’s web-based course software “L.E.A.R.N.” On the District website, click on the Employees tab, then L.E.A.R.N (Moodle). Employees enter their user name and password. Your user name is the same as your grouper user name. If you need assistance with your password, please contact Benea Masella, FNS Training Assistant at (813) 794-2403. Click on the Professional Development Center, then Food and Nutrition Services. Then select the course to begin.

National Food Service Management Institite Online Courses

Once a course is completed, a certificate of completion must be printed. NFSMI online courses are offered free of charge. On the NFSMI website, click on the Online Courses tab. Courses offered in the areas Food Safety, Child Nutrition, or related Webinars are eligible. A completed “Request for Course Approval” form along with a copy of the certificate of completion must be submitted to Food and Nutrition Services Training Team, for approval.**Webinars must be a minimum of 3 hours combined to count as “one” eligible training course for job advancement.

School Nutrition Association Online University

These courses are not provided by the Food and Nutrition Services Department; therefore, they are NOT eligible for District inservice points, but are applicable for job advancement training requirements. The School Nutrition Association’s online university has been designed to provide training and education to professionals working in all levels of the school nutrition and foodservice industry in a convenient “anytime, anywhere” format.

Once a course is completed, a certificate of completion must be printed. Fees vary for each of the courses offered. On the School Nutrition website, click on the Course Catalog link for a complete listing of available courses. A completed “Request for Course Approval” form along with a copy of the certificate of completion must be submitted to Food and Nutrition Services Training Team, for approval.

School Nutrition Association Wednesday Webinars

Avatar Professional Development System

Employees are encouraged to sign into the District’s inservice system, Avatar, to view and register for available courses. The best way to find available training courses, is to enter “FNS” in the search field. This should help employees to narrow the list to the specific courses available in the eight key areas. If you need assistance with Avatar, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), FNS Training Assistant, at (813) 794-2403; (727) 774-2403; or (352) 524-2403.

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Current meal prices

Reduced Price Breakfast: $0.30
Reduced Price Lunch: $0.40

Full Price Breakfast
Elementary: $1.25
Secondary: $1.40

Full Price Lunch
Elementary: $2.00
Secondary Classic: $2.50
Secondary Alternative: $3.00

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.