LearningZoneXpress proudly presents the 2009 Extreme Cafeteria Makeover contest!

Note: The contest deadline was Dec. 1, 2008. The winner will be announced Jan. 31, 2009! Stay tuned!

One lucky school in Minnesota will receive a cafeteria makeover worth up to $40,000 in:

This contest will benefit one school greatly and expand our collective knowledge about innovative foodservice solutions for tough economic times.

Make sure you’re qualified

• The winning kitchen must be self-operated by a school district in Minnesota. Foodservice management companies are not eligible.

• The winning school district must contribute funding (from the general fund or community partners) for removal of existing equipment (if necessary), paint, electrical, and plumbing to support the makeover and code compliance (e.g., fire, health).

• The winner must be in good standing with the industry. The selection committee and sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any nominee.

• Employees of the sponsoring companies, their agencies, MSNA Executive Board members or their school districts, and foodservice management companies are not eligible to submit an application.

Apply. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3

• Complete the application form and tell us, in 750 words or less, why your school cafeteria deserves a makeover.

• Include “before” photographs of the serving line, cafeteria, and staff; three lunch menus; and a letter of support from the district superintendent, finance/business manager, or other district administration official.

• Send your application packet to LearningZoneXpress by e-mail, mail, or fax by December 1, 2008.

Applications will be reviewed by a talented group of lunch ladies: Katie Wilson, SNA President; Kathy Burrill, SNA Midwest Regional Director; and Jean Ronnei, MSNA President. The winner will be announced by January 31, 2009. At that time, vendor partners will get to work, designing and planning, for the makeover during the summer of 2009. Promotional efforts to demonstrate the transformation will begin in 2009 and continue through 2010.

Dream big by learning about the products available from our partners:

• $25,000 worth of Duke serving equipment

• $7,500 two-day consultation and report on a critical operations function, like HACCP compliance, benchmarking or training, from inTEAM Associates

• $2,500 in trays, tongs, and display products from Cambro

• $2,000 in Learning ZoneXpress products

• $500 for 12 staff uniforms consisting of a polo shirt, apron, and visor embroidered with the school logo from Brandaids

Other valuable contributions include:

• Guy Gelakoski of Commercial Kitchen Services will install the new Duke equipment