CKC Good Food is your collaborative food service partner, pairing delicious meals w/proven processes. Let’s work together!
Your collaborative food service partner
CKC Good Food pairs our wide variety of delicious meals with unparalleled operational and customer support to ensure the success and compliance of your food service program. This combination has helped CKC Good Food grow to become one of the largest, woman-owned food service partners in Minnesota. Each day, we prepare more than 30,000 meals that are served a
t client sites -- public charter and private schools, daycares and out-of-school enrichment programs. All our clients operating under the National School Lunch Program consistently keep their participation levels and revenues high, maximize reimbursements, make full use of commodities and surpass the expectations of auditors when they undergo their USDA Administrative Reviews. Nourishing bodies, minds and cultures
Our founder, Nancy Close, is from the restaurant family behind St. Paul’s former Caravan Serai, the first Afghan restaurant in the United States. Nancy grew up in, and eventually bought, that business, which birthed Caravan Kids Catering. Since catering our first daycare center from the Caravan Serai kitchen in the early 90s, CKC Good Food has focused on finding new ways to tempt the taste buds of people across many different cultures, while incorporating fresh, high quality ingredients. Even under today’s strict nutritional guidelines of the National School Lunch Program and other federal nutrition programs, we have upheld our commitment to providing delicious, healthful, restaurant-quality meals that inspire happy eaters. Learn more about how to get great food and the operational support you need! 651.453.1136
There are only a few more days to vote for CKC Good Food in the Eagan Sun Thisweek Readers' Choice Awards. Please vote for us for Best Caterer - today and every day through 9/15!
https://apgecm.secondstreetapp.com/EAGAN-2025-RCA/gallery/?group=492587
CKC Good Food is proud to be a Trust Sponsor of the BBB of MN & ND Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Windows at Marquette. Each year, the organization gathers with local business leaders to honor the region's distinguished Accredited Business members – from emerging leaders to long-standing partners. It's sure to be inspiring!
Info and tickets are available at: https://www.bbb.org/local/0704/annual-meeting
The production numbers from CKC Good Food's central commissary are a pretty good indication of school start dates. The earliest start date among our client partners was Monday, Aug. 19, when the commissary provided nearly 2,700 meals. In comparison, more than 26,600 meals prepped in the commissary were served yesterday.
Summer might be in the rear-view mirror now, but we're still basking in this summertime glow: "CKC has been really good to us this summer. The kids loved the food, and it was great that we were able to provide healthy options for the kids this summer. And the driver who brought the meals every day was amazing. CKC has made a huge impact on our program and I thank your whole team for that."
Thank you, DeAndre, for the feedback!
Felicitationes, Issac! Nuestro MVP de Julio!
Congratulations to driver Issac Vazquez Gonzalez, our July MVP! He was nominated by four different people for his willingness to help, reliability, going above and beyond, and for simply being a "great human being."
Tina at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School - Twin Cities, said of Issac, "He is such a gentle giant! He's always on time, so respectful and always so happy to help me out. From my early morning calls because I need to add something to the salad bar order to me forgetting to order trays, he has always had my back. We here at Cristo Rey don't just look at him as just our driver, he is part of our Cristo Rey Nutrition family. There are so many great things I could say about him. Please don't ever change our driver!"
Issac was presented the award today by driver supervisors Dave Constantine (left) and Dave Dower (right).
We have a few remaining openings for this school year! Learn more about CKC Good Food's work culture and benefits on our website and then apply through Indeed. Our positions are great for people who want a work schedule to coincide with their kids' school breaks! Summers off. Two weeks off during the holidays. It's a dream schedule for many!
https://www.ckcgoodfood.com/careers
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! So many schools are kicking off the year today. We love seeing our social feed filled with all the smiling faces! Let's make it a great year!
It’s a creative buffet of food at the Harriet Island pavilion this afternoon. Watermelon mint and feta salad, baba ghanoush, cinnamon rice, smoked brisket, and smoked chicken thighs. For dessert, Basbousa, a nutty, moist corn bread with hints of rose, lemon, butter and honey.
Breakfast sandwiches! A quick, easy and delicious breakfast option that isn’t bagels or muffins! Try them out for your next breakfast meeting. Submit an event catering inquiry at: ckccatering.com.
During the school year, 28.5 million children rely on a school-provided lunch each day. But where do kids get meals before they are old enough to attend school, and where do school-age children get meals when the school day is over or when school is cancelled. That's where the comes in! Check the link in the comments to read more.
CACFP providers: Now is the time to submit your renewal applications for Program Year 2025 to MDE. Completed applications must be submitted on or before Sept. 6 in CLiCS.
Go here for more details:
https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/FNS/prog/CACFPCen/App/048044
CKC Good Food está contratando miembros para el equipo de servicio de alimentos para una variedad de ubicaciones en Twin Cities. No hay problema si el inglés no es su idioma principal. Obtenga más información en https://ckcgoodfood.com/careers.
CKC Good Food Event Catering is busy with lots of back-to-school and corporate events the next few weeks. Chef Naj fed about 1,000 people on Monday and Tuesday alone!
If you're planning an event in September to bring your people back together, contact us for your catering needs. We've got you covered, whether a traditional continental breakfast or fun food to contribute to a festive event!
Today's edition of Testimonial Tuesday is brought to you by Lyssa, a charter school client, who said:
"CKC Good Food is an exemplary company. From the first time I contacted them, I realized they were much more than a food service company. They walked me through the whole procurement process, joined up to serve my school mid-year, walked me through the ordering process and delivered great menus and food. They conduct themselves with pride in their work."
Thank you, Lyssa! We love serving your school!
Our back-to-school fun looks a little different than the students and teachers. Excitement for the new school year is growing among our team, thanks to our recent all-team training and party.
If you know of someone who would make a great addition to our team this school year, please refer them to our careers page: https://www.ckcgoodfood.com/careers
Our team had a great time at our all-team casino party on Friday. They gambled with "funny money," played bingo and won a slew of fabulous prizes, like designer purses, a big-screen TV, a tablet computer, a home theater system and noise-canceling headphones. The grand prize was $500 in gift cards to both Delta airlines and Airbnb! There were three food trucks providing dinner and dessert, and a photo station too! It was a festive way to kick off the upcoming school year.
We've always been a woman-owned business...now we're officially a Certified Women's Business Enterprise! The certification opens doors to contracts with government agencies and corporations that have minority and women-owned procurement stipulations as well as networking and other benefits. Woo hoo!
If you're planning a fall event, perhaps a back-to-school night, or even a holiday party, look to CKC Good Food event catering for reliable service and tasty eats! From finger foods or a casual buffet to a formal plated meal, we have you covered. We're now booking events for September and beyond. Place an inquiry or view our menus at https://ckccatering.com.
CKC Good Food provides food to impress any crowd, from formal galas to box-lunch meetings, casual graduation parties and corporate picnics.
In our latest team spotlight, we introduce you to Joel Wight, Kitchen Manager at our central commissary. Joel oversees the production of nearly 30,000 meals a day during the school year! He started with CKC Good Food as a driver nine years ago, working his way up to his current role. Before CKC Good Food, he worked in a variety of food service roles, including senior dining and private chefing!
Voting is now open for the 2025 Sun Thisweek Readers' Choice Awards! Please do us a favor and vote for CKC Good Food as Eagan's Best Caterer. You can vote once per day through September 15.
https://tinyurl.com/RCA2025
We're hiring! Learn more about CKC Good Food's work culture and benefits on our website and then apply through Indeed. Our positions are great for people who want a work schedule to coincide with their kids' school breaks! Summers off. Two weeks off during the holidays. It's a dream schedule for many!
https://www.ckcgoodfood.com/careers
Congratulations to Karla Martinez for being chosen our MVP for June! Karla was nominated four times for being a hard worker, always doing what is asked of her and more, and for helping her co-workers whenever it's needed.
¡Felicitaciones a Karla Martínez por ser elegida nuestra MVP de junio! Karla fue nominada cuatro veces por ser muy trabajadora, siempre hacer lo que se le pide y más, y por ayudar a sus compañeros de trabajo cuando es necesario.
We're pleased to launch our new dessert menu for events! Chef Naj has added rustic fruit pies to the mix as well as four unique and delicious Middle East/North African inspired sweets. Choose one or two of the four or a combination of all four with sheer chai tea, a milk-based cardamom black tea that pairs with these sweets perfectly. Skip the cookies and offer something unexpected at your next event instead!
Inquire: https://ckccatering.com
A new study by the USDA’s Economic Research Service showed lower rates of food insufficiency among children in states with universal free school meal programs compared to those in states without such a program in place. The study looked at data from the 2022-23 school year, a year prior to Minnesota enacting Free School Meals.
This article also cites results from a School Nutrition Association survey that indicated universal meals also supports a more positive social-emotional environment in cafeterias.
A new study by the USDA’s Economic Research Service showed lower rates of food insufficiency among children located in states with
The Minnesota Department of Education has published the 2024–25 Application for Educational Benefits to its website. Even though Minnesota provides free school meals to all students attending schools participating in federal meal programs, the application needs to be distributed to families for schools to gain access to other benefits, including grant funding, and certain state and federal programs. Families may also be eligible for reduced fees for athletics and internet.
Access the Application here: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/FNS/SNP/proc/App/
CKC Good Food also has an issue of Cafeteria Connection schools can send to parents to explain the importance of the application. Download it from our client website today.
Do you experience decision fatigue, especially when planning an event? Chef Naj is great at recommending menu items perfect for your occasion - whether a corporate luncheon, fundraising gala or even a wedding! Thank you for the testimonial, Katy!
https://ckccatering.com
2919 West Service Road
Eagan, MN
55121
| Monday | 7:30am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am - 5pm |
| Friday | 7:30am - 5pm |
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Felicitationes, Issac! Nuestro MVP de Julio!
CKC Good Food está contratando miembros para el equipo de servicio de alimentos para una variedad de ubicaciones en Twin Cities. No hay problema si el inglés no es su idioma principal. Obtenga más información en https://ckcgoodfood.com/careers. #hiring #multilingual #foodservice
In our latest team spotlight, we introduce you to Joel Wight, Kitchen Manager at our central commissary. Joel oversees the production of nearly 30,000 meals a day during the school year! He started with CKC Good Food as a driver nine years ago, working his way up to his current role. Before CKC Good Food, he worked in a variety of food service roles, including senior dining and private chefing! #ourteamrocks #foodservice #hiring #foodservicemanagement
Meet Chris Olson, our Driver/Cold Prep Manager. He loves working at CKC Good Food because he does meaningful work with great people, no longer has to work nights and weekends, and has a consistent schedule and income. Come work for us! https://www.ckcgoodfood.com/about-us/careers #ourteamrocks #FoodService #schoolmeals
Whether you're off until August or continuing to work, there is a lot to look forward to this summer. We asked some of our team members around the commissary about their summer plans, just prior to many of them heading out for a few months. Time with family and friends and traveling were popular responses!
Yesterday was school lunch hero day, a day to celebrate our entire team – all 200 of them - for nourishing the kids in our schools. Thank you for all you do! #slhd #schoollunchheroday
Thank you, BBB of MN & ND, for recognizing CKC Good Food with a Torch Award for Ethics today! As our CEO and Founder Nancy Kayoum stated in her remarks, "What could be better than being honored for ethics and integrity? It's the best day." This award means so much because it recognizes how team members at every level of our company dedicate themselves daily to doing what's right for our client partners as we nourish bodies, minds, spirits and cultures. This award honors the example set by our leadership team as well as the actions of our kitchen managers, prep teams, servers, delivery drivers, warehouse team, dishwashers, corporate staff - everyone at CKC Good Food. We are proud to be among the distinguished companies to have won this award. Thank you, again. #BBBTorchAwards #ethics #integrity #foodservicemanagement #foodservice
Our AMAZING chefs inspire joyful eaters by incorporating diverse ethnic entrees into our menus. #foodservice #foodies #schoolnutrition #foodservicemanagement #schoollunch
Client partners, are you closing tomorrow (and Tuesday)? Please remember text and email Matt Anderson, Joel Wight and our lead morning cook by 3 AM Monday! Contact information is in our inclement weather policy on our client website under "Resources." Please do not call our main number or your Client Services Manager to notify us.
CKC Good Food nourishes bodies, minds, spirits and cultures. This is our purpose and the heart of our company. We love to cook. We love to serve. Let's work together to elevate your organization's food service program. #foodservicemanagement #schoollunch #schoolnutrition #NSLP #CACFP #childcare #adultcare #youthenrichment
Event catering chef Naj introduces his new MENA-influenced desserts in honor of #ramadan. #eventcatering #corporatecatering https://www.ckccatering.com/event-catering-tips-news/expanding-our-dessert-options
Congratulations to Client Services Manager Oscar Yangari for being chosen CKC Good Food's MVP for January! Thank you, Oscar, for all you do! Our new MVP program invites our team members to nominate their peers for demonstrating the company's core values. We will choose one team member each month.
Thank you to our team members and all those who have served our country to protect our freedom!
For The Minnesota Chapter of NAWBO Hall of Fame gala, Dragonfly Visions masterfully captured the history and growth of CKC Good Food and the personality and heart of our CEO Nancy Close. For more than 30 years, Nancy has led CKC Good Food to nourish bodies, minds and cultures through delicious food, fostering happy eaters. See the full video in our post. #womenleaders #foodservice #womanownedbusiness #eaganmn
For The Minnesota Chapter of NAWBO Hall of Fame gala, Dragonfly Visions masterfully captured the history and growth of CKC Good Food and the personality and heart of our CEO Nancy Close. For more than 30 years, Nancy has led CKC Good Food to nourish bodies, minds and cultures through delicious food, fostering happy eaters. #womenleaders #foodservice #womanownedbusiness #eaganmn
It takes finely tuned processes to deliver nearly 30,000 meals and snacks from our central commissary. The morning prep team has their systems down pat.
Dia de los Muertos is a special family tradition for Jesse, who works on our warehouse team. #HispanicHeritageMonth #FoodService
In honor of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we asked a few of our Latinx team members about their favorite family traditions. Georgina, who works in our main commissary, is proud of her Mexican heritage and loves spending time with family in her free time and at holidays including Christmas and Mother's day. CKC Good Food is so blessed to have Georgina and many Hispanic team members who help provide daily meal service to thousands. When you walk through our central commissary, the Hispanic music and the conversations in Spanish are as much a part of the everyday din as the movement of trays, pans and carts.
