Training & Support

At Fresh Picks Café, we firmly believe that a well-trained staff is at the core of a successful food service program. Our training and support program is extensive and includes:

• Manager Training
• Continuing Education
• Staff Training
• Support

All Fresh Picks Café Managers go through thorough, in-house training on all operational aspects of our program. Topics covered include complying with regulations, school food service nutritional requirements and running programs that appeal to students while supporting the school environment. All of our managers are ServSafe certified.

Fresh Picks Café Managers are required to participate in a variety of continuing education opportunities. These include regional, web- and print-based programs, as well as in-house training often conducted in collaboration with our Farm to School and Green Initiatives partners. Our managers also attend classes with the USDA and National Food Service Management Institute. Fresh Picks Café fosters additional, ongoing professional development through active participation in the School Nutrition Association, as well as local wellness and farm to school organizations.

To join our team, Fresh Picks Café staff members are required to achieve a certificate of competency in basic food sanitation, food safety and school food service best practices. Next, comes monthly safety and service standards trainings.  All hourly employees are eligible to participate in company-sponsored ServSafe training classes — part of a comprehensive program to enhance skills and increase eligibility for promotion.

Fresh Picks Café supports its food service staff with direct access to the people on the pulse of our operations — including accountants, menu developers, nutrition specialists, regulatory compliance officers, human resources, purchasing agents and senior management. Expert help with any issue is never more than a phone call away.

Support also comes from our schools — thanks to our emphasis on becoming an integral part of the communities we serve.