Written by: Vanessa Cruz

In the summer of 2019, Wellness in the Schools gathered three other foundations and six school districts in NYC to build a collective of school food leaders to support each other in their scratch cooking efforts. Since then, ScratchWorks has been building a community of school food leaders from across the country who share a mission to prioritize scratch cooking in their cafeterias. 

Now, ScratchWorks is taking that mission one step further.

ScratchWorks has launched a new digital platform called ScratchWorks Connect — a vibrant online space where members can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other in real time. This isn’t just another forum. It’s a community hub designed specifically for those leading change in school food— from food service directors and chefs to policy advocates and non-profit partners. Inside, participants will find discussion boards where they can ask questions, swap ideas, and celebrate wins. There’s a growing library of resources: recipes, toolkits, implementation guides, and case studies from school districts that are making scratch cooking work. 

There’s also a member directory, helping users find peers with similar challenges or expertise. And with event listings, webinars, and community blogs, the platform offers ongoing inspiration and support— whether you’re just beginning your scratch-cooking journey or helping others get started.

As school food leaders know, this work isn’t easy. It requires navigating outdated infrastructure, procurement red tape, and labor shortages, all while feeding thousands of kids every day. But it’s also deeply rewarding. And now, thanks to this new digital space, ScratchWorks participants no longer have to go it alone. A school food service director from Arizona, Iris Tirado, said this about the platform “this is a game-changer. You can access the Directors from all over the nation from one spot. Those tough questions that you will have to research all over are now in one place. With a click, you will get tested recipes, equipment experience usage, ingredient questions, Policy questions, and anything that you need at your fingertips.” 

With the launch of this platform, ScratchWorks participants have a place to gather not just every other year at a Gathering, but every day, from wherever they are. It’s a step toward scaling change, one conversation, one resource, and one relationship at a time.

Visit the new platform at: https://wits.connectedcommunity.org/home
Learn more about ScratchWorks: https://wearescratchworks.org