2026 Annual Conference Sessions

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Matt Upton

Are you looking for innovative ways to reduce sodium and added sugars with proteins? Managing school menu budgets can be overwhelming, especially with staff labor and food-trend considerations. In this interactive session, a seasoned school meal planner, Tarrah Westercamp, will discuss the best strategies to maximize your budget, create a menu that works well with students, and meet guidelines while maintaining staff morale. The session will provide a foundational look at the importance of protein in the diet, as well as national food trends that school nutrition professionals need to stay ahead of. 
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Nutrition
Speaker:

Tarrah Westercamp, Owner/CEO, Westercamp Consulting LLC

Safe food allergy management for students requires more than paperwork—it takes collaboration in all stages from planning to meal service. This session will highlight the partnership between administration and site management in creating systems that support food allergy safety, including meal modifications, SOPs, menu planning, staff readiness, cross-contact prevention, and corrective action procedures.
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Nutrition
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The cafeteria is more than just a place to eat—it’s an opportunity for student health and academic success. Join School Nutrition Directors as they share proven strategies for bridging the gap between the lunch line and the lesson plan. Discover how strong partnerships between nutrition professionals and educators can reinforce learning beyond the classroom walls. Explore creative ways to integrate nutrition education into school curricula and hear real-world examples of successful cafeteria initiatives that have increased student engagement and meal participation. Leave with ideas and inspiration to transform your cafeteria into an extension of the classroom and create a more connected, impactful learning environment for students.
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This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SBP meal pattern requirements, including required components, minimum quantities, and common areas of noncompliance identified during administrative reviews. We will also discuss recent flexibilities related to crediting vegetables at breakfast and how they can be applied in practice while maintaining compliance. Participants will walk through real-world scenarios and leave with practical strategies to support accurate menu planning, production records, and reimbursable meal service.
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Nutrition
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Gen Alpha is here, and today’s K-12 students are shaping the future of school nutrition. This lively session explores what sets them apart, how their preferences impact programs, and practical ways to connect with them. Walk away with insights, creative ideas, and strategies to engage the next generation of eaters.
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Communications & Marketing
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We will explore practical strategies to strengthen staff morale and improve retention in today’s challenging school nutrition environment. As districts across Illinois are encouraged to transition toward scratch production, many teams are facing new pressures, skill demands, and workflow changes. This presentation will highlight approaches to support staff through change, build a more positive workplace culture, and recognize the vital role school nutrition professionals play in student success. Attendees will leave with ideas to help reignite engagement, reinforce appreciation, and create conditions where staff feel valued and want to stay.
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Operations
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Learn about the latest school nutrition happenings at the state and federal level, including available resources and tools, important deadlines and reminders, and upcoming training opportunities.
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Administration
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Beth Tanner, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

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How do you turn administrators and school board members into champions for your nutrition program? This session provides actionable guidance on approaching district leadership to advocate for your team's growth. Discover practical ways to present your goals, gain financial support for professional development and memberships, and foster long-term collaboration across your district.
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Administration
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