During the 2010 Child Nutrition Industry Conference, Otis Spunkmeyer conducted “Listening Sessions” with foodservice directors from around the country. The objective of these sessions was to hear what directors need, want, and even expect from Otis Spunkmeyer. We also conducted these sessions last year at CNIC in New Orleans and found some interesting changes in perspectives this year.

While budget reductions have increased this year over last, 90% of the directors we met with said purchasing decisions are not being made strictly on price alone. In fact, some were extremely adamant about this and stressed that this message be “relayed to Otis Spunkmeyer loud and clear” so that we don’t lessen the quality of our products. Student taste tests and student approval of products is essential before purchasing is considered.

Brands and the importance of brands registered with greater importance this year. Although about half of the directors do not “market” the Otis Spunkmeyer brand (some want their kids to think that the cookies are homemade and do not want to give away their secret), the brand is an important component as directors make their decisions. The majority of directors expect to see the Otis Spunkmeyer booth at ANC. Due to its terrific staffing, directors can ask questions and taste products without having to wait in long lines—this was a plus for all.

My perception about Otis Spunkmeyer is…

1. “It is a high-quality company that actively works to find products that meet our needs in school nutrition.”
2. “Otis offers high-quality food products at a reasonable price.”
3. “They produce a high-quality product that has name recognition and is accepted by students.”
4. “All of their products are very good.”
5. “A good-quality product that kids are aware of and like/ will eat.”
6. “Love their cookies. Miss the school specialist rep. Have no contact with company anymore. Didn’t even have a broker/rep anymore.”

Based on the conversation from last year, the consensus was that directors wanted healthier cookies. This year, however, the feeling was that cookies are a treat and should taste like a treat. Even the three RDs who participated all believed strongly that there is “room for dessert” in a healthy diet.

That being said, when menuing a cookie or a muffin, directors would prefer to menu a product made with 51% whole grains (“we still need ways to get whole grains onto our menus”). Yet the majority of the participants did not know about Otis Spunkmeyer’s 51% whole-grain cookie offering or that Otis has muffins that are made with whole grains.

While we heard how much foodservice directors love Otis Spunkmeyer, they also said they don’t hear enough from us. This is something we will continue to address as we build our communication plans going forward.

Getting preschoolers to eat their veggies isn’t an easy task. That is, unless you’re serving Veggie Bagel Faces. This bagel, topped with cream cheese, a snap-pea smile, broccoli hair, and cherry-tomato eyes, is a recipe that will be served in many Dakota County home daycares through the Learning About Nutrition Through Activities (LANA) program.

Developed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota, this program has been tested and found to be successful in New Horizon Academy childcare centers in the metro area.

Dakota County is the first Michigan county to execute the program, hoping to positively affect the eating habits of more than 600 preschool-age children and their families. It’s part of the county’s effort to promote healthy eating and combat childhood obesity.

Combined with the LANA curriculum, which includes storybooks and a puppet called “Lana the Iguana,” children are served unique and healthy snacks such as red pepper strips wrapped in turkey slices or Veggie Bagel Faces. These recipes are also shared with the parents to help encourage healthy eating at home, something day care owner Pat Gentz says is the key to raising healthy eaters.

Source: Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Originally, the HealthierUS School Challenge program was created to recognize elementary schools creating healthier school environments through the promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. The Obama Administration recently announced that the HealthierUS School Challenge will now be expanded to include middle and high schools.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are leading the charge, because, says the First Lady, “With one in three children in the country being overweight or obese, we must take steps to ensure that all kids have access to nutritious meals, nutrition education and physical education so that they can lead healthy, productive lives.”

In addition to the expansion of this program, the USDA is creating an “Adopt-a-School” program. This allows schools that have obtained the designation to assist neighboring schools with health and nutrition.

For information and a tool kit on becoming a HealthierUS School, visit www.fns.usda.gov.

Source: Medical News Today