--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections | Claire Turner (2) description: (2) --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## Claire Turner ### Recent Posts ## [From Critics to Advocates: 3 Tactics to Help Get Upset Parents on Board with School Meals](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_critics-to-supporters.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) Recently, it's become common to see pictures of school meals shared online that students and parents deem unacceptable. Or, to see an article that [negatively compares American school lunches to those from other countries](http://www.attn.com/stories/6085/school-lunches-around-world-compared-to-the-united-states). Unfortunately, this trend perpetuates an already dangerous, false stigma that all American school lunches are unacceptable. And we know that's not the case! Parents want to be assured that their students are served healthy, delicious meals at school, but may be wary if that is actually the case based on content they see online. Combating this negative stigma can be difficult, but it's become a necessary battle for school nutrition departments across the country. **Here are a few tips that can help you get upset parents on board with schools meals:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) ## [How to Spice Up Your School Menu Calendars in 7 Steps](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/meni-calendars.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) Menu calendars are a staple to any school nutrition program. Whether they're available in print or online, parents at your school district check them regularly. The design of your menu calendars give you the opportunity to portray your program's personality while offering important information in a clear and concise way. **Here are 7 steps to help spice up the look and feel of your school menu calendars:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) ## [Our Top 3 School Breakfast Blog Posts](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/our-top-3-school-breakfast-blog-posts) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/NEW_Blog_Header_Template-top-breakfast.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/our-top-3-school-breakfast-blog-posts) In the morning, school breakfast offers the necessary nutrition a student needs to thrive and grow in the classroom throughout the day. Across the county, districts have been adopting and growing their school breakfast programs. **We've rounded up our top 3 articles about school breakfast:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/our-top-3-school-breakfast-blog-posts) ## [5 Inspirational TED Talks to Get People Talking About Nutrition in Schools](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-inspirational-ted-talks-to-get-poeple-talking-about-nutrition-in-schools) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/ted-talks2.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-inspirational-ted-talks-to-get-poeple-talking-about-nutrition-in-schools) [TED](https://www.ted.com/) is a nonprofit organization that strives to spread ideas, spark curiosity, share information, and start conversations about topics that matter. Their short-form, powerful [TED Talks](https://www.ted.com/talks) cover a myriad of topics from technology to sociology and fine arts to nutrition. **In the spirit of sharing ideas, we've rounded up 5 inspirational, thought-provoking TED Talks that will get you talking about nutrition in schools:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-inspirational-ted-talks-to-get-poeple-talking-about-nutrition-in-schools) ## [The Top 5 School District Nutrition Facebook Pages To Watch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-top-5-school-district-nutrition-facebook-pages-to-watch) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_fb-top-10.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-top-5-school-district-nutrition-facebook-pages-to-watch) [Creating a Facebook page for your School Nutrition department](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-create-a-facebook-page-for-your-school-nutrition-program-in-6-easy-steps) is the perfect way to promote your program, [connect with school nutrition professionals](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-connect-with-school-nutrition-professionals-in-your-area), and share the great work your program does on a daily basis. And there are some school's out there that are doing just that and more! **Here are 5 delicious school nutrition Facebook pages that you just have to see for yourself:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-top-5-school-district-nutrition-facebook-pages-to-watch) ## [4 Important Considerations Before You Start Breakfast In The Classroom](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-important-considerations-before-you-start-breakfast-in-the-classroom) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_breakfast-in-the-classroom.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-important-considerations-before-you-start-breakfast-in-the-classroom) So you're thinking breakfast in the classroom might be [the right breakfast service model for your school](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/what-school-breakfast-service-model-is-right-for-your-district)?  Maybe you've noticed students don't have enough time in the morning to eat before class, or that some students are coming to school hungry and unable to focus.  Breakfast in the classroom has helped schools across the country increase participation while ensuring that students are well-fed and ready to learn. **Here are 4 considerations to think about before starting breakfast in the classroom at your school:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-important-considerations-before-you-start-breakfast-in-the-classroom) ## [10 Steps to Maximize Your Online School Fundraiser](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-steps-to-maximize-your-online-school-fundraiser) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_maximise-fundraiser.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-steps-to-maximize-your-online-school-fundraiser) Bringing your school fundraiser online makes your cause convenient to donate to and easy to manage. But even with all the [benefits of online fundraisers](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-benefits-of-collecting-school-donations-online), there are still things you and your team can do to truly amplify the success of your event. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-steps-to-maximize-your-online-school-fundraiser) ## [Happy Holidays (+ 2016 Most Popular Blog Posts)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-2016) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_Blog_Holidays.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-2016) **From all of us at Heartland School Solutions, we'd like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season!** **Take a look at how our office *stopped* and celebrated this year with our very own #MannequinChallenge:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-2016) ## [Earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in School Nutrition](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/earning-continuing-education-units-in-school-nutrition) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/CEUs_Blog.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/earning-continuing-education-units-in-school-nutrition) School nutrition program directors, managers, and staff are required to complete a minimum amount of annual training hours to meet the [USDA Professional Standards](http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/professional-standards) provision outlined in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA).  These hours of training also translate into [Continuing Education Units (CEUs)](https://schoolnutrition.org/Credentialing/EarningCEUsKeyAreaHours/), which can be used towards maintaining your Certificate in School Nutrition or SNS Credentials through SNA. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/earning-continuing-education-units-in-school-nutrition) ## [Celebrate National Farm to School Month in October](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrate-national-farm-to-school-month-in-october) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/September_2016/national-farm-to-school-month.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrate-national-farm-to-school-month-in-october) October is National Farm to School Month, which celebrates the connection schools and their communities have with fresh, healthy food grown by local producers. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrate-national-farm-to-school-month-in-october) [**< Previous**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner/page/1) [**Next >**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner/page/3) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - 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