This article lists the tasks a district director typically completes in the first weeks of using Gaia. Each section points to the area of the app where the work is done.

Review the district item list in the Pantry and add or edit items as needed. Build the recipes that schools will use, including standard recipes, assorted recipes, and sub-recipes.

Create the menu plans for each grade group and meal program. Publish the plans so school menus and production records are generated. Set up the public menu families will see.

Add the district's vendors, configure delivery windows, and build the order guides each school can shop from.

Run the Weekly Weighted Nutrient Analysis, Daily Weighted, Standard Weekly Nutrition, and Recipe Analysis reports to confirm menus meet USDA requirements before publishing.

Review production records, orders, and POS sessions across schools. Use reports to monitor forecast accuracy, food cost, and meal counts.