Food Service Director

Food Service Director

The Full-Time Food Service Director is the primary lead and main contact for the St. Patrick School lunch program, responsible for the overall planning, management, and operation of the school's National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This role ensures the provision of nutritious and appealing meals to all students in strict compliance with the meal pattern, wellness, and nutrition expectations set by the Iowa Department of Education, NSLP regulations, Diocese of Des Moines policies, and all applicable health and safety standards. The Director oversees all menu communication, manages required NSLP documentation, and supervises the School Cook, ensuring an efficient, compliant, and high-quality food service operation throughout the school year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Program Leadership and Management :
• Serves as the primary contact and administrator for all aspects of the St. Patrick School lunch program.
• Develops, plans, and oversees the implementation of daily menus, ensuring compliance with NSLP meal patterns, dietary guidelines, and specific wellness and nutrition standards enforced by the Iowa Department of Education.
• Manages the NSLP application process, eligibility determination, and verification procedures for free and reduced-price meals.
• Oversees daily operations of the kitchen and cafeteria, ensuring efficient workflow and timely meal service.
• Develops and manages the food service budget, including purchasing, inventory control, and cost management.
• Compliance and Documentation :
• Ensures strict adherence and maintains certification status for all National School Lunch Program (NSLP) regulations and policies, including those specific to the Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Health Services.
• Completes and submits all menu certification worksheets and other documentation required to receive the performance-based reimbursement (e.g., $0.08 per meal).
• Maintains comprehensive and accurate records for NSLP, including meal counts, production records, inventory, financial data, and personnel records.
• Prepares and submits all required reports to the Diocese of Des Moines, the Iowa Department of Education, and the USDA in a timely manner.
• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal health and food safety regulations, including HACCP plans.
• Menu Planning and Communication :
• Responsible for all aspects of menu planning, ensuring variety, nutritional balance, and appeal for students while strictly meeting all required NSLP component and quantity standards.
• Communicates menus clearly and effectively to students, parents, and staff throughout the school year via school website, newsletters, or other appropriate channels.
• Addresses parent and student feedback regarding menus and food quality.
• Supervision and Staff Development :
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates the Part-Time School Cook, providing guidance and support to ensure high standards of food preparation and service.
• Schedules and assigns duties to food service staff.
• Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment within the food service team.
• Procurement and Inventory :
• Manages procurement of food, supplies, and equipment in accordance with NSLP procurement regulations and school policies.
• Conducts regular inventory of food and supplies, minimizing waste and