CREC has many years of experience in planning, coordinating, and operating efficiently run foodservice operations in many sites in the Hartford region. Our professional staff can help your district through our Regulatory Compliance Review Services, Accountability Systems Services, and Operations Consulting Services. With our broad understanding of the National School Meal Program regulatory requirements and educational environment in Connecticut, our staff can assist and guide you in areas that may not be within your district’s area of expertise or resources.

CREC's Food Service Division can help you prepare for a successful Coordinated Review Effort (CRE) Administrative Review through our Regulatory Compliance Review Services by:

• Reviewing meal application processing system and income verification procedures
• Checking production records for accuracy
• Reviewing meal counting and claiming procedures
• Ensuring on-site monitoring regulation compliance
• Performing a facility review to ensure that mandates are met
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) plan reviews
• School Wellness Policy compliance reviews
• Healthy Food Certification documentation reviews
• Required documentation audits

Our Accountability Systems Services provides your district with technology assistance by:

• Assessing current foodservice accountability systems
• Reviewing coordination of foodservice data with Student Information System (SIS)
• Developing a project plan for technology solutions for foodservice operations
• Assistance in development of requests for proposal for software solutions, and the selection of vendors

With CREC’s Operations Consultation Services, we can provide objective guidance and assistance to your foodservice department staff through:

• Financial reviews
• Labor analysis
• Production systems reviews
• USDA commodity usage and processing guidance
• Purchasing options guidance
• Preliminary foodservice facility design/renovation consultation

To discuss your foodservice operation needs or obtain more information, contact Jeff Sidewater, Food Services Program Coordinator, at (860) 509-3774 or jsidewater@crec.org