Online classes via Zoom will be available:

• Go on Computer or Cell phone download the zoom app (Its Free)

• Once downloaded all you have to do is “create a profile” (Takes less then 5mins)

• Email, Call or text set up a time with me to teach classes I can teach right off my laptop and you can see my computer screen as well as me at the same time for optimal learning

• Once its time for the training session have your email open and I will send you a link to my meeting

• Click on the link it will bring you to the zoom app

• Hit join with video

• Make sure to hit Call using internet audio

• Then were all set for me to start training you :)

Payment - I will accept payment by the Following options:

• You can mail a Check/Cash/Venmo/ Money Order to the above address

• Cash is accepted at time of training!

• I also have the Venmo app my username is @Valerie-Johns-7

Valerie Johns, Specialized trainer, ServSafe Certitifed Food Manager’s License , ServSafe Proctor Food and Alcohol, MDH Trainer and Food Handler Certified. Meets the Professional Standards.

My classes are educational and offer training resources that are designed to assist school districts FSA. These training sessions assist and give current ideas on how to meet the challenges of the day to day operations of successful school nutrition programs.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT TO :

Valerie Johns

P.O. Box 20502

Bloomington, Minnesota 55420

Cellphone: (952)913-2529 

Email Address: sosvjohns13@hotmail.com

Website: www.startingoutsmartbyvalerie.org

Wednesday, September 20th, 2025

Topic: Homemade Lemonade! Nutrition 101

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $52.00

3 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Lemons support heart health. Lemons are a good source of vitamin c. One lemon provides about 31mg of vitamin C. Lemons contain nutrients that support cardiovascular health and protects kidney stones and anemia, among other benefits. Learn to make 4 different lemonades. Example :Mango-Mint lemonade, Blackberry lemonade, Dill Pickle lemonade and Lemonade base. All supplies included in this training session.

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Topic: Home on the Ranch!

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Class Fee:$52.00

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Ranch was created by plumber, Steve Henson and his wife, Gayle. In 1954, they purchased a ranch right above Santa Barbara, California and named it Hidden Valley Ranch. They opened a steakhouse there that become popular for its salad dressing. What are some fun facts about dressings? What is ranch known for? What is a fact about salad dressing? Plus much more educational facts on salad dressing.

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Topic: Fat, Fat Everywhere!

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $52.00

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Not all fats are bad: Omega-3 fatty acids were the solution for an athlete who had inflammation in his joints and was struggling with pain. In this training session we will explore how fats are neither good nor evil, look at some essential terminology, discuss the consequences of the types of dietary fats, and discuss the basic function of fat in the diet.

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Topic: Why We Eat What We Do!

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $32.00

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Americans are interested in nutrition, eating right, and increasing physical activity. This course is designed to explain the misunderstanding regarding nutrition and replace them with science that you can understand and, most importantly, implements in your everyday life.

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

Topic: Food Safety-It’s in Your Hands!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations) (2000)

Each year in the United States, food-borne illnesses affect 76 million people. Foods become contaminated by 3 major methods… Lots of food borne illness facts and handouts included in this presentation.

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Topic: Managing Personalities and Conflict

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Class Fee: $52.00

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

Participant in this training will be able to identify many factors that influence how people interact and respond to conflict. Each student will have a “participant workbook” to use as a study guide with this session. Workbook included in this presentation.

Tuesday, November 11th, 2026

Topic: B Vitamin Basics

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $32.00

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

We will in this training learn the scientist who first discovered vitamin B soon learned that there was not just one B vitamin. Group of 8 substances . Discover and look at all the groups of Vitamin. Lots of handouts and interesting facts on this topic.

Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

Topic: Food Assistant You Are Important!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

This inter active training session cover the many topic of just how important you as staff in the food industry. Handouts and DVD plus Powerpoint presentation. Special take home gift from Valerie. DVD and Powerpoint presentation.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025

Topic: A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Nutrition) (1000)

We will explore the definition of heart-healthy lifestyle. We will look at different diets and heart disease risk. Included looking at blood cholesterol and blood level of triglycerides.

Tuesday, November 25th, 2025

Topic: Poultry and Meats

Class Fee: $32.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Meat and poultry are both excellent sources of protein and other essential nutrients. Meats, also know as red meat. Poultry refers to domesticated birds like chicken, turkey and duck. We will discuss the health benefits from chicken, turkey and duck also including beef, pork, lamb and veal.Focus on lean sources of protein and combine them with high-fiber grains and veggies in one-dish meals. Minimize your intake of red meats and avoid highly processed meats. DVD and Powerpoint presentation. Hand outs Galore! Plus take home a cookbook .

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025

Topic: Keeping Cold Foods Cold, Cool It Methods 101!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Operations) (2000)

Learn the “5” steps to cooking food quickly and safety.Improper cooling for foods can be a major cause of food borne illness. This training will give you suggestions on cooling food safely. Handouts and materials on cooling all different types of foods.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

Topic: Prebiotics and Probiotics In Your Diet!

Class Fee: $32.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

2 CEU”S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

We will explore the exciting new arena of pre-and probiotics. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria found in foods and, now, as food additives or in functional foods. Prebiotics are the fuel that feeds probiotics.

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

Topic: Dealing with Difficult People!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

Dealing with difficult employees requires a proactive and structured approach. Focus on addressing the behavior, not the person. DVD and Powerpoint presentation.

Tuesday, January 16th, 2026

Topic: Olives and Olive Oil

Class Fee: $32.00

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Olives and olive oil are heart healthy, one nutrition benefit of olives that you don’t get with olive oil is fiber. A 1/4 cup serving of some varieties delivers as much as 2 grams of fiber. And fiber can help prevent constipation as well as help keep your arteries clear.

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

Topic: Marketing Your School Lunch Program!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

To effectively market your school lunch program, focus on building a positive brand, communication effectively with students, staff, co-worker and parents, and engaging the school community. This course will in detail the breakdown of building strong lines of communications.

Wednesday, January 7th, 2026

Topic: A Look at Herbal Therapy

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Optimum nutrition, disease prevention, and wellness, sometimes called “complementary care,” are all concepts that resonate with many Americans. This training will show facts about the increase of herbal therapy. DVD and Powerpoint plus great new handouts to keep you engaged in learning!

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Topic: Healthy Weight Management

Class Fee: $32.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Along this path of optimal wellness, were have to take a look at goal setting. First, aim for a body weight that optimizes your health- that at least prevents or stops weight gain-and aim for metabolic fitness, Focus in on a lifestyle that includes healthy food, exercise, positive thinking about body image, and coping with stress. This training will offer ways to develop a lifestyle for successful weight management during early adulthood, healthy behavior patterns have a better chance of taking hold.,

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Topic: Food Safety Basics

Class Fee: $95.00

Class Time:9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations) (2000)

QUALIFIES FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE “CFPM” LICENSE WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

PARTICIPANT WORKBOOK INCLUDED. HANDOUTS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

Topic: Fish and Shellfish

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $32.00

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Fish is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids. To help reduce inflammation, aim for two serving per week. As a group we will discovery different types of fish that are associated with boosting brain health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Powerpoint and DVD presentation. Hands-on making a “Avocado-Herb Dressing”.

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Topic: Are toxic employees ruining your workplace!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

This training will address toxic employees can that make the work environment uncomfortable. Toxic employees create discord, crush morale and reduce co-workers productivity. We will go over the 5 common types of toxic employees and what to do about them.

Saturday, January 24th, 2026

Topic: Focus on the Customer

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 am.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

Take a journey with other participants to a world of focusing on the customer. Maybe a student, parent, co-worker or other staff members. DVD and Powerpoint presentation. Handouts to keep you engaged in learning.

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Topic: Fake or Real-Sugars and Fats

Class Fee:$52.00

Class Time:3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Numerous products on the market are made with artificial sweeteners, fat replacements, and other additives, which makes it difficult to determine if what we are eating is real of fake. Nonnutritive sweeteners is something that is sweet tasting and has energy. Learn the “5” nonnutritive sweetener that currently have FDA Approval. Lots of facts and fiction. DVD and Powerpoint presentation.

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

Topic: Meatless Grains

Class Fee: $32.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

A key component to increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory foods is to replace highly processed and refined grains with whole grains that are high in fiber and rich in nutrients. Handouts include “Whole Grains 101”. DVD presentation.

Saturday, February 7th, 2026

Topic: Introduction to Foodborne Microogranisms and Allergens

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time:9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations) (2000)

In this training we will be discussing and defining “Foodborne Microorganisms” and the causing illness when ingested with food. Topics of interest: Bateria, Viruses, Parasites and a variety of food borne illness. Handouts, DVD and Powerpoint presentation!

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026

Topic: Made Right on the Farm!

Class Fee: $32.00

Class Time:3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

“Farm fresh” generally means food, especially produce, that is recently harvested or produced on a farm and minimally processed. It’s a sense of freshness, wholesomeness and ofter local sourcing. Many people believe farm fresh offer better taste, higher nutritional value especially eggs and dairy. Take home a dozen “Fresh Farm Eggs”.

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Topic: Meal Plan Basics

Class Fee:$32.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

2 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition)(1000)

I will proved you with tips from organizers and foodies on how they share tips to help you ease the rush of weeknight dinners and reduce food waste at the same time.Topic include benefits of meal planning? Is it worth the effort? Tips to make grocery shopping easier? How can I make better use of leftovers? Should I label or make an inventory list? Lots of fun and beneficial tips.

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Topic: Child Nutrition Wellness

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

Topics of Interest: The Four A’s of Stress Management, The Three Tis for Positive Attitudes at Work, Understanding the Personal Beliefs and Values plus Sleep and the Importance of Mental health. Workbook included in this presentation. Handouts Galore to keep you engaged in learning!

Saturday, February 21st, 2026

Topic: Customer Focus Vs Customer Service

Class Fee:$52.00

Class Time:9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

Spend your day learning the differences between customer focus and customer service! Customer satisfaction refers to how happy a customer is with a service or product.

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

Topic: Sweet Fermentation

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Fermented foods containing probiotic bacteria and fungi can enhance the immune system, improv gastrointestinal health, and lower the risk of developing various inflammatory diseases. Taste a “Strawberry Kefir Sherbet”. Kefir is a drink made from the fermented milk of cow, goat, or sheep.Kefir is created through fermentation process, it contains around 30 unique species of “Good Bacteria” that are know to improve gut health, aid the body’s digestive processes, and help reduce inflammation.

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Topic: Food Safety Basics

Class Fee: $95.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations) (2000)

QUALIFIES FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE CERTIFIED FOOD PROTECTION MANAGER’S LICENSE WITH THE STATE. Powerpoint presentation along with DVD. Participant work book is included in the cost of this training.

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Topic: A customer service solution for keeping customers happy!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

Customer happiness refers to the overall emotional state of customer after interacting with a business, product or service, encompassing both the satisfaction of meeting expectations and the delight and emotional connection that fosters loyalty and positive recommendations. Customer happiness goes further, aiming to create a lasting positive impression and make customers feel valued. DVD Presentation along with discussion on new techniques to keep and make our customer happy.

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Topic: How Employee Passion Adds Up to a Customer Focused Culture

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time:9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Marketing/Communications) (4000)

Customer service is defined as a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction —that is the feeling that a product or service has met the customer exceptions. DVD and Power point presentation plus tips and handouts on the customer focused course

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Topic: Go Green

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Leafy salad greens consistently make the top 10 list of “Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods”.When combined with fresh fruit, nuts, and olive oil vinaigrette, they move into first place. You along with other participants will make a tasty “Fresh Vinaigrette”. Lentils are a rich source of magnesium, two nutrients that help regulate blood pressure. People who regularly eat legumes like lentils are less likely to develop heart disease risk factors.

Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Topic: SERVSAFE with EXAM

Class Fee: $246.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

One day training with food manager’s exam. Handouts will be provided at this training. Interested participants need to give me a 2 week notice before Saturday to order books and exam. Light lunch and snacks provided.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Topic: Work Hard Play Hard!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

After a long day at work and on your feet with no break takes it’s toll on your body. So instead of taking a nap why not do some stretching or light excessive program to end your day on a positive note. Please bring tennis shoes and do some light stretching in the gym at Oxboro Heights then end your workout with a healthy drink provided by Valerie.

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Topic: Customer Service with A Smile!

Class Fee:$52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

It involve listening to customer to understand their concerns or requirements and then providing prompt and effective solutions tailored to their individual needs. DVD Presentation? Tips on becoming a better communicator.

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

Topic: Healthy Meal Sides and Spices

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Fight inflammation and chronic disease with high-fiber cruciferous and root veggie sides dishes. This training will cover how to make delicious sides and incorporating spices. Powerpoint and DVD Presentation. Take home a bottle of “Sriracha Sauce”. Sriacha is a popular Thai-Style hot sauce. Its flavor comes from 5 main ingredients. You will learn the 5 spices that make this sauce.

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

Topic: Kitchen Math and Fundamentals

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations) (2000)

Kitchen math, also known as culinary math, encompasses the practical application of basic mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and ratios in cooking and food preparation. Workbook included in this training. Take home a “Measuring Cup and Gadgets”. DVD and Powerpoint presentation.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Topic: 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 to A Healthier Lifestyle

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time:3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration)(3000)

Physical lifestyle exercise encompasses integrating movement into your daily life through various activities that range from moderate to vigorous intensity, such as walking dancing, gardening, swimming, and sports. Come join this training that will be held in the gym at Oxboro Heights Apartments light stretching and walking exercises.

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Topic: Give 5-Star Customer Service

Class Fee:$52.00

Class Time:9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

Fully engage with what customers, students, staff and parents say, understanding their points, asking probing questions, and avoid interrupting. DVD and Powerpoint presentation. Some Role playing with other participants.

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Topic: Five Keys to Safer Foods!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 2 (Operations)

Keep, clean, separate raw and cooked, cook throughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.The principles of hazard analysis and critical control points, food contamination types and prevention, and food borne illness prevention for vulnerable populations. Handouts and charts on food borne illness.

Saturday, May 30th, 2026

Topic: Make it A Mocktail

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 1 (Nutrition) (1000)

Cut the alcohol but not the flavor when you fill your cocktail glass with healing ingredients like antioxidant-rich fruits, fresh herbs, and sparkling soda. Make 2 yummy drinks !!! Cherry Lime Rickey and a Blackberry Limeade.

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Topic: Resolve issues in One Reply

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time:3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 3 (Administration) (3000)

To resolve issues in “One Reply” particularly in customer service or email communication, focus on providing a comprehensive solution, acknowledging the issue, explaining actions taken, and offering further assistance if needed, all within a single, well crafted response!.

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

Topic: What is Customer Service!

Class Fee: $52.00

Class Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

4 CEU’S in Key Area 4 (Communications/Marketing) (4000)

Customer service refers to the assistance an organization offers to its customers before or after they buy or use products or services.Good customer service helps everyone have an easy and enjoyable experience in your school feeding programs.

** I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN TO MEET YOUR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS!!!!!

Optional classes available upon request.

Contact Valerie at (952) 913-2529 if you would like individualized class, group or you can request a specialized class that is not listed on this calendar of training events!