The Child Nutrition Program was a San Jose State University project funded by
the California Department of Education. I was Director of the Cal-Pro-Net
Project from 1994-1997. There were three key components:
1. Develop a state-wide Curriculum in Child Nutrition. This was
done incrementally between 1994-1997 using subject matter experts,
Department of Education personnel, and periodic meetings with Nutrition and
Education professionals.
2. Conduct Workshops to train nutrition personnel to implement this
curriculum. Workshops were conducted on campuses with leading
hospitality and nutrition programs such as California State University,
Pomona. Others were conducted in retreat settings such as Asilomar in
Monterey.
3. Expand training to the broadest base possible using Satellite Teleconferences.
A series of four statewide teleconferences were prepared to speed
dissemination of current information and the new curriculum. This proved an
effective means of reaching a large number of nutritionists and food service
personnel. By coincidence, the first teleconference on safe food handling
occurred a few days after fatal food poisoning in a fast food restaurant.
The question and answer session drew an overwhelming response.