08/25/2026
It’s a busy week for the staff at Groton Public Schools as we prepare to welcome students back next week. Today was our annual Back-to-School Training for Food Services, and it was a great day of learning, teamwork, and inspiration.
We gathered at Mary Morrison to review new regulations and updates for the coming school year. We also enjoyed an inspiring presentation on happiness from a fellow Food Service Director, who reminded us of the importance of bringing positivity into our work each day.
Ledge Light provided our team with an informative food safety refresher, including a discussion about Cyclospora (cyclosporiasis), a foodborne illness that can be associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens such as lettuce. The training also covered important food safety best practices and was followed by a great question-and-answer session with our team.
After lunch, we welcomed Becky Fahey, UConn Extension’s Southeast Region Farm to School Coordinator, and Dawn Crayco, Visiting Associate Extension Educator, for a fun and inspiring Farm to School presentation. They shared creative ideas for showcasing local foods on the lunch line and encouraging students to try new foods. We tried some new combinations ourselves, including cantaloupe with thyme, which was delicious, and chimichurri tomatillos, which were a big hit with the team!
We left feeling inspired and excited to bring new, fresh ideas into our cafeterias this school year. Most of all, it was wonderful to see the whole Food Services team together. We’re looking forward to a great year!
