Nutrition_Ink_Magazine_Fall 2025

Notes FROM NANCY

As the leaves have turned and the air has grown crisp, I’ve found myself reflecting on what a truly wonderful fall season it’s been here at The Nutrition Group. From celebrating our 50th anniversary to seeing our teams continue to innovate and serve with heart, I’m reminded every day why I love this company and the incredible people who make it all happen.

This fall has been filled with connection, creativity, and community. Our chefs have introduced so many new menu items. Our schools had so much fun celebrating National School Lunch week. This was also the second year of our Bingo Fundraiser for TNG Charities. You can read about that and so much more in this issue.

As many of you know, I recently stepped into a new role as Chief Operating Officer. After 34 years with The Nutrition Group, I’m honored and humbled to continue serving in a new capacity. This new role will allow me to collaborate even more closely with our teams across all divisions. My goal is simple: to continue building on our legacy of Caring People Serving Great Food, while looking ahead for new opportunities to grow, innovate, and make an even greater impact in the communities we serve.

What excites me most about this next chapter is the chance to elevate the amazing work being done every day. Together, our districts and everyone here at The Nutrition Group has made this season one to remember. Here’s to a bright and nourishing year ahead!

Yours in good taste,

Nancy Kohl Chief Operating Officer

Summer Seminar

TNG Charities

National School Lunch Week

Welcome New Accounts

Chef Info Nutrition For LIfe

Social Media  Crave Dayz

Celebrating 50 Years at Summer Seminar 2025

Every year, we bring our TNG team members together for Summer Seminar. During this one-day event, K-12 Directors of Food & Nutrition (DFNs), Regional Managers, our Commissary Division, our Facilities Maintenance Division, and corporate staff all take part in TNG-focused training. We do fun activities, listen to inspiring speakers, and (of course!) eat a delicious meal.

This year’s keynote speech was given by Simon T. Bailey, an award-winning speaker, coach, and author. Simon wrote the book “Be the Spark – Five Platinum Service Principles for Creating Customers for Life.” He outlined the SPARK acronym for our team, encouraging us to incorporate these strategies into everything we do.

Something else extra special about this year’s Summer Seminar was the celebration of our 50th anniversary. What an incredible milestone for The Nutrition Group!

Carrying on the SPARK for Professional Development Days

We know that our team members that serve and engage with our customers are truly the face of our company. As such, we hold Professional Development Days (PDD) for our hourly cafeteria teams to strengthen their connections to those that they serve. These events are held for all districts, bringing staff together by region for one-day seminars in schools, hotels, and universities.

We align each session with our Summer Seminar theme to ensure a consistent and uplifting message across the organization. This year’s agenda, wrapped around Simon T. Bailey’s SPARK strategies, included training on Cost Control, Safety, Customer Service, HACCP/Sanitation, Production Records, and Offer vs. Serve.

Our PDD program blends professional learning that not only earns USDA continuing education credits, but also provides camaraderie that motivates our teams to serve great meals and deliver exceptional hospitality.

We’re Dedicated to Giving Back

As a people company, we care deeply about our employees and the communities we serve. To best provide assistance, we established TNG Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of The Nutrition Group. Funds raised by TNG Charities help individuals facing hardships or traumatic events, and provide grants that invest in students’ future endeavors.

TNG Charities may be just four years young, but the funds we’ve raised have already made a real difference in the lives of our students and team members. In that time, we’ve proudly awarded 56 student scholarships totaling $64,850 and contributed $103,916 to support individuals facing hardships or unexpected challenges.

TNG Charities mission is simple yet profound:

To offer grants to students as they plan for continuing education after high school and to lend a hand to those in need within the communities we serve.

Most of the funds were raised through two fun-filled events: our Annual Golf Outing in June and our TNG Bingo Event in October. Both were incredible opportunities to come together, have fun, and make a positive impact!

We’re so grateful to everyone who participates in these events, donates to TNG Charities, and helps us bring our mission to life.

TNG Charities Grant Applications Are Live!

TNG Charities is proud to offer grant opportunities to student workers. This allows them to begin the journey to their future with funds that can be applied toward college, trade school, or vocational school.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Current high school seniors employed in the Food Service or Facilities Management Division.

• Student must have been employed for a minimum of three months to apply. Student must still be employed at the end of the school year to receive the funds.

Applications accepted beginning January 1, 2026 until March 31, 2026. Recipients will be awarded and notified in May 2026.

If you know any students that meet this criteria, please encourage them to apply today!

National School Lunch Week

Students Take a Tasty Trip Around the World!

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is an annual celebration, started in 1962 by President Kennedy to highlight the importance school lunches play in a child’s health and academic success. NSLW is recognized and celebrated across the nation.

This year’s theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport,” invited students to explore international flavors right in their own cafeteria.

Each day, menus showcased dishes inspired by cuisines from around the globe, from Italian pastas to Mexican favorites and Asian-inspired creations. Students collected “passport stamps” as they sampled new tastes and discovered how food connects cultures, communities, and classrooms.

At The Nutrition Group, we believe that lunchtime is more than just a meal, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. We are so proud of how our teams brought the NSLW celebration to life with colorful decorations, themed fun facts, and plenty of smiles.

Thanks to our dedicated food service staff and adventurous student travelers, this year’s event was truly a world-class success!

24 new accounts to the TNG family!

Anderson School District Four

315 East Queen Street

Pendleton, SC 29670

Anderson County

Enrollment 2998, 6 bldgs

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus

1565 OH-167

Jefferson, OH 44047

Ashtabula County

Enrollment, 1 bldg

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Halifax Area School District

3940 Peters Mountain Road

Halifax, PA 17032

Dauphin County

2 bldgs enrollment 909

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Buckeye Community Schools

238 Lafayette Street London, OH 43140

Madison County

7 bldgs enrollment 2300

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Central Local School District

06289 US 127

Sherwood, OH 43556

Defiance County

2 bldgs enrollment 852

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Dundee Community Schools

420 Ypsilanti Street

Dundee, MI 48131

Monroe County

4 bldgs enrollement 1835

Previous Food Service: Compass Group-Chartwells

Millcreek Township School District

3740 West 26th Street

Erie, PA 16506

Erie County

9 bldgs enrollment 6637

Previous Food Service: Aramark

Mohawk Local Schools

295 State Highway 231

Sycamore, OH 44882

Wyandot County

1 bldg enrollment 854

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Previous Food Service: Self-op We are proud to

Morgan Locals School District

65 W. Union Avenue

McConnelsville, OH 43756

Morgan County

5 bldgs enrollment 1600

Previous Food Service: SFE

Northern Potter School District

745 Northern Potter School Road

Ulysses, PA 16948

Potter County

2 bldgs enrollment 521

Philadelphia Academy Charter School

11000 Roosevelt Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19116

Philadelphia County

2 bldgs enrollment 1183

Previous Food Service: Maschio’s

Renaissance Academy Charter School

413 Fairview Street

Phoenixville, PA 19460

Chester County

Enrollment 1230, 1 bldg

Previous Food Service: Whitson’s

South Point Local SD

302 High Street

South Point, Oh 45680

Lawrence County

Enrollment 1480, buildings 4

Previous Food Service: Self-Op

Southington School District-Chalker HS 2482 OH-534

Southington, OH 44470

Trumbull County

1 bldg enrollment 384

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Spartanburg School District One

121 Wheeler Street

Campobello, SC 29322

Spartanburg County

10 bldgs enrollment 5300

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Spartanburg School District Two

3231 Old Furnace Road

Chesnee, SC 29323

Spartanburg County

15 bldgs enrollment 9669

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Spartanburg School District Three

3535 Clifton Glendale Road

Spartanburg, SC 29307

Spartanburg County

5 bldgs enrollment 2766

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Spartanburg District Five

100 North Danzler Road

Duncan, SC 29334

Spartanburg County

14 bldgs enrollment 11015

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Spartanburg School District Seven

610 Dupre Drive

Spartanburg, SC 29307

Spartanburg County

12 bldgs enrollment 7972

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Saint Joseph High School

800 Montana Avenue

Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Allegheny County

1 bldg enrollment 112

Previous Food Service: AVI Consulting

Tri Valley School District

110 Main Street

Valley View, PA 17983

Schuykill County

3 bldgs enrollment 872

Previous Food Service: Chartwells

Trimble Local School District

One Tomcat Drive

Glouster, OH 45732

Athens County Ohio

2 bldgs, enrollment 710

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Western Wayne School District

1970 Easton Turnpike, Bldg C

Lake Ariel, PA 18436

Wayne County

5 bldgs enrollment 1774

Previous Food Service: Self-op

Western Beaver School District

343 Ridgemont Drive

Midland, PA 15059

Beaver County

Enrollment 680, 2 bldgs

Previous Food Service: Self-op

What’s New this Year

WE’RE SO GLAD YOU ASKED!

TNG is always innovating. Our goal is to keep our food and our ideas fresh, and to keep our customers engaged. This school year we introduced new initiatives, programs, and foods that we’re excited to share with you.

Nutrition Expedition

We’re passionate about helping students discover the power of good nutrition, especially when they’re young and forming healthy habits. That’s why we created “Nutrition Expedition,” an exciting new program that takes elementary students on a delicious journey around the world! Each adventure explores a different country’s foods and culture, showing how global flavors nourish growing bodies and minds. With delicious menu items, hands-on lessons and fun take-home materials, it’s learning that’s both tasty and inspiring.

Take Nutrition Global

Like Nutrition Expedition, “Take Nutrition Global” was created for high school students to explore foods from around the world, but with a deeper dive educationally. Students will taste global flavors, learn about the nutritional power of regional ingredients, and even take home recipes to try for themselves. It’s a flavorful journey that feeds both mind and body.

Sustainability Programs

We know students and their families care about more than just what’s on their plate. They care about their health, their classmates, and the planet. That’s why we introduced a new sustainability program to help students make mindful choices in the cafeteria and see how their actions can make a difference in the world. Our elementary program, “Planet Pals,” and our secondary program, “More Taste. Less Waste,” will encourage students to take only the food, napkins and utensils they truly need.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

TNG Chefs

The Nutrition Group’s Chefs are dedicated to inspiring culinary excellence across all programs by developing innovative, nutritious, and customer-focused menu offerings. We are committed to elevating food quality, fostering creativity, and sharing best practices that enhance the dining experience while upholding the mission and values of The Nutrition Group.

Chef Department Structure

Kevin Rindock

Vice President

Guy Quang

Corporate Chef

Jason Williams

Regional Chef

Ryne Spaulding

Regional Chef

Chef Committee Members

Marcos Cortes

Todd Gurry

Cody Knarr

Nathan Manfredo

Kelly Robison

Candy Slingerland

Jason Snavley

Our entire team of chefs follow a set of goals that guide and inspire everything they do. Those goals are as follows:

• Culinary Innovation: develop creative, nutritious, and student-approved recipes

• Consistency & Quality: ensure recipes are prepared to the highest standards

• Collaboration: partner with Chef Committee members and regional teams

• Education & Training: promote continuous improvement through training and resources

• Engagement & Recognition: encourage team participation and celebrate achievements

• Nutrition Expedition & Global Concepts: expand to five additional countries and U.S. regional cuisines.

Our chefs have achieved so many amazing accomplishments. Those include:

• Developing the Chef Department

• Expanding the Monthly Feature Faves Program items

• Creating Nutrition Expedition & Global Concepts with diverse international dishes

• Developing seasonal wellness recipes

• Stepping up training & communication tools

• Expanding our menus to include adult-friendly selections

• Coming up with new Action Stations & Pop-Up Themes

• Unveiling five new sodium-free spices

Recipe Contest Kick-Off

We are excited to launch The Nutrition Group’s corporate Recipe Contest! This initiative is designed to engage hourly team members by recognizing their creativity and innovation in menu development. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, contribute new recipes, and take pride in their contributions to TNG’s menus. Winning recipes will be highlighted across our programs, and contestants will be recognized at both the individual and team levels, reinforcing a culture of collaboration, ownership, and culinary excellence. We can’t wait to see what delicious ideas come out of this contest!

Nutrition for Life Makes Lunch Fun and Educational

When young students start school for the first time, it can be overwhelming. There are so many new sights, sounds, and things to take in. Even the lunchroom can feel a little confusing and scary.

That’s why we created Nutrition for Life, a fun event that welcomes first-year full-time students to the cafeteria and helps them feel confident and excited about school meals.

As your partner in education, we’re passionate about helping students (and parents!) discover the benefits of good nutrition for growing bodies and minds. Through hands-on learning, we show children how to choose balanced, nutritious meals.

During Nutrition for Life events, our team, alongside the cafeteria staff, guides students through each step of the lunch experience. With friendly smiles, we help them identify food groups, build colorful trays, and celebrate their healthy choices with a small daily prize.

Nutrition for Life is more than just an introduction to the cafeteria. It’s the start of a positive relationship with school meals that encourages participation and healthy habits for years to come.

GRAND CHAMPION SPONSORS

CHAMPION SPONSORS ADVOCATE SPONSORS

Thank you to each of our generous sponsors who kindly donated to the Nutrition for Life program which helps to educate our youngest students on the benefits of school nutrition.

@thenutritiongroup

linkedin.com/company/thenutritiongroup

facebook.com/TheNutritionGroup

BEAUFORT COUNTY SD

Who else loves Breakfast for Lunch? There’s just something extra special about seeing breakfast favorites on the lunch menu! Our students love fueling their day with this delicious twist.

CENTRAL DAUPHIN SD BUT WAIT... There’s more! We LLLOOOOVEEEE the excitement, the “now whats” and the “of course it dids” because we love our students.

WOODLAND HILLS SD

Homecoming Catering –Students-Selected Menu! Our high school students stepped up and helped design the Homecoming menu – and it was a huge success! With a mix of crowd favorites and fresh ideas, the celebration was fueled by student creativity and great food.

ELIZABETH FORWARD SD

Our Toy Story themed lunch at Willian Penn featured items including Slinky Dog’s Corn Dog on a Stick, Pizza Planet Cheese Pizza, Mr. Prinklepants Prickly Pears, and Mr. Potato Head’s Fries. A few students who bought lunch were chosen at random by the Claw to win a prize.

MCKEESPORT AREA SD

During spirit week our staff participated in a wide variety of dress down days culminating in our district wide pink out supporting breast cancer awareness month.

BRENTWOOD BOROUGH SD

The Chinese stir-fry action station at the MS/ HS was a great success! #BBSD Food Services also launched its Take Nutrition Global program in the building, teaching our students about the cuisine and culture of China. Thanks to Cortney from Montour and Rose form Peters Twp. for helping with the cooking demonstration.

LEBANON SD

Henry Houck pulled off a flawless #willywonka promotion yesterday! It was extra special to find out one of the classes is reading the book currently!

SMETHPORT AREA SD

Back to School Night and Staff Dinner. Everything looked delicious and it was so great to welcome families back in the building tonight. It’s going to be a GREAT YEAR!

CHESTNUT RIDGE SD

Sending a HUGE congratulations to one of our very own CRHS’s Mindy Shadle on being chosen by the students at CRHS for the staff Homecoming Queen. You make us and The Nutrition Group proud! So blessed to have you!

NORTHERN POTTER SD

Welcome Back Breakfast & Lunch for the staff. WE are so excited to be at this new district!

CLAIRON-LIMESTONE AREA SD

• The Nutrition Group at ClarionLimestone served up an incredible meal today featuring

• Local beef from Fraser’s Livestock

• Watermelon, sweet corn, coleslaw, lettuce, tomatoes, & onions from Zacherl’s Farm Market & Greenhouse

• Fresh PA Honey Crisp apples

Thank you to all the incredible C-L and TNG staff that made this day possible for the students.

WELLSBORO AREA SD

Students at the Charlotte Lappla celebrated Nutrition for Life for the past three days. This event encourages students to try out lunch for FREE, thanks to the generous donations from The Nutrition Group’s food vendor partners. Congratulations to Mrs. Lightner’s class for the highest overall participation in the event. They will enjoy a pizza party with Mr. Kyle.

Students Go Crazy for Crave Dayz!

Crave Dayz are special events that provide students with an even greater experience in the cafeteria beyond the delicious meals we serve. Each themed day includes fun menu items, decorations, prizes, and more. We just love to see what our districts do for Crave Dayz – keep up the good work!

serving up delicious and nutritious meals. From fresh and simple to elegant and upscale, we have the capabilities to cater for every and any occasion. Check what we did for some of our districts recently!

FARM TO FORK + FARMER’S MARKET

Our Farm to Fork and Farmer’s Market Programs encourage students to explore how food travels from local farms to their plates. We are so proud of how our districts have been partnering with local farmers to bring fresh food choices into the schools. The students are absolutely loving these experiences.

FREAKY FOODS

We believe in trying all foods at least once! That’s why we created Freaky Foods, a fun new program for high school students to sample and learn about foods they may not have seen or experienced before. Students spin the wheel to determine what tasty fare they’ll try next.

MOMENTS MATTER

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

To encourage our younger students to try new foods, we created the Wellness Wednesday program. Schools designate a special table in the cafeteria where there’s a new featured recipe. It could be foods that are familiar but in a new combination, or something they’ve never tried before. Each recipe is carefully crafted by our chefs and features colorful vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seasonings. Even the choosiest eaters are eager to sample these exciting new dishes.

Every interaction our team has with students, faculty, and the community can genuinely and positively impact someone’s day. To celebrate those meaningful moments, we continue to recognize valued team members through our #MomentsMatter program. This initiative rewards team members who spread positivity, uplift others, and make our cafeterias a welcoming place for everyone. Our Directors of Food and Nutrition, Regional Managers, and Management Team nominate staff who truly embody the spirit of #MomentsMatter. As a token of appreciation for their hard work and heart, winners are celebrated with balloons, cakes, a fun staff party, and a $100 cash prize.