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Is your dining program really scratch-made?

Verify that your provider is actually making meals from scratch and how you can make the transition.

Freezer use 

How much of your freezer space is being utilized?

A full freezer can mean more pre-cooked or partially cooked meals that are then reheated.

Nearly all
About half
Minimal — mostly staples and backups
I don’t know
Back

Refrigerator Use

How much of your refrigerated space is being utilized?

Refrigerators are where raw, perishable products are stored. Look for fruits and vegetables and proteins in stages of being prepared.

Nearly all
About half
Minimal — mostly staples and backups
I don’t know
Back

Food Preparation

Are vegetables, proteins, and grains regularly washed, chopped, or seasoned on-site?

Scratch cooking means breaking down components of dishes. You should see cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, colanders, and more regularly in use.

Rarely
Sometimes
Consistently
I don’t know
Back

Visible Ingredients

When looking around the kitchen during prep, what types of foods are most often seen on prep tables and counters?

Mostly pre-packaged or pre-processed items (e.g., heat-and-serve trays, frozen entrées)
A mix of pre-processed foods and some whole ingredients
Primarily whole foods
I don’t know
Back

Sauces & Basics

Are dressings/marinades, sauces, stocks or salsas made from scratch in the kitchen?

Scratch cooking means you are often preparing recipes within recipes, including these items which contribute significantly to flavor.

Never
Occasionally
Regularly
I don’t know
Back

Cooking Practices

Is batch cooking - preparing food in smaller quantities throughout service for freshness - part of daily practice?

No
Sometimes
Regularly
I don’t know
Back

Kitchen Equipment

Which best describes your kitchen equipment use?

A lot of unused or neglected equipment usually indicates a lack of scratch cooking.

Mainly warming ovens/microwaves are used, all else idle
Some cooking equipment used, some idle
Full use of ovens, ranges, kettles, and prep tools
I don’t know
Back

Staff Training

Do staff receive training in scratch cooking techniques and standards?

A lot of unused or neglected equipment usually indicates a lack of scratch cooking.

No
Some, but not consistent
Yes, ongoing and standardized
I don’t know
Back

Do More Digging

You may not have enough information yet to understand your program’s cooking practices. Start by asking questions, observing prep, and talking with staff. The key is to get clarity on what’s really happening in the kitchen.

Reach out to Genuine Foods today to learn how a transition toward scratch cooking can improve freshness, nutrition, and engagement.

Talk with our Team

Win big at our booth raffle!

Stop by and enter for a chance to win an exclusive prize from Genuine Foods!

Enter the raffle

Real food, real impact

We partner with schools and institutions to bring scratch-cooked meals, transparent sourcing, and community-focused programs to every table.

Our mission: Make a difference every day by providing food that nourishes minds, bodies, and communities.

Schedule
& location

Location:
• Music City Center, Nashville
Where to find us

• Booth: 619
• Exhibition Hours:

Sunday, 12/7 10 AM - 5 PM

Monady 12/8 10 AM - 4 PM

Where great meals begin

Check the map to Booth #619
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Don’t miss the flavor – visit booth #619!

Enter the raffle & win big

Register now

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Contact us

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Susan Smith

Director of Business Development
susan.smith@genuinefoods.com(601) 503-3936
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