Schools EH Services

School Food Inspection Core Program

The Partnership4Health Environmental Services Section is responsible for delegated health and safety inspections for schools within Clay and Wilkin Counties, Minnesota. In addition, we are the delegated authority for:

  • Issuing permits for regulated schools
  • Issuing licenses for schools that offer food services
  • Performing regulatory inspection services as delegated
  • Responding to complaints, nuisances and natural disasters
  • Health and safety complaints or concerns
  • Fire, Floods and Disaster response within these establishments

Inspection Requirements / Frequency:

Established and signed in 1946 by President Harry Truman, the NSLP's purpose is to provide balanced low cost or free lunches to school children, each day. Institutions participating in NSLP are required by federal law, section (9) of US Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, to have two food inspections annually. As mandated by both state (Minnesota Food Code) and federal law, the Minnesota Department of Health and its Delegated Agencies (Local Public Health Authorities) conduct food inspections annually. They report and share inspection results with the Minnesota Department of Education. The annual report (number of food safety inspections) obtained by institutions and sites participating in the NSLP is then conveyed to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Schools Licensing & Applications

School Educational Materials

Schools are a complex system of interactions between educators, students and parents or guardians. A safe and healthy school environment is critical for effective learning and social development. 

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cleaning Institute, the Healthy Schools, Healthy People web site is where you can make your own resources to supplement, support and promote your school handwashing program!

This hands-on initiative for schools is designed to help keep students in school and learning by promoting clean hands using fun and interactive tools. Handwashing is simple but serious! It's particularly important in schools, where lots of things are shared - desks, books, pencils, food and even germs. Without proper hand cleaning, a single infection can quickly spread among students, teachers, family and friends.

Schools can use the Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It's a SNAP program to:

  • Improve student handwashing
  • Reduce absenteeism
  • Help the school community stay healthy

Handwashing at school or home

For kids, washing hands can be a fun and entertaining activity. It is simple enough for even very young children to understand. Handwashing gives children and adults a chance to take an active role in their own health. Once kids learn how to properly wash their hands, they can - and often do - show their parents and siblings and encourage them to wash hands, too. It is a practice that will last a lifetime of good health.

Parents can help keep their families healthy by:

  • Teaching them good handwashing technique
  • Reminding their kids to wash their hands
  • Washing their own hands with their kids

Download Handwashing Practice for the Family - English Version

Handwashing is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthy.

El lavado de manos: Una actividad en familia

El lavado de manos es una manera fácil, barata y eficaz de prevenir la propagación de gérmenes y mantener sanas a las personas.