2022 Featured Speakers

Hear from USDA as they present an overview of new and revised policy guidance for the Child and Adult Care Food Program and share a state-of-the-state update of the CACFP. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including the Child and Adult Care Food Program which is crucial to ensuring children have access to nutritious foods and where healthy eating becomes a habit.

Hear from USDA as they present an overview of new and revised policy guidance for the Summer Food Service Program and share a state-of-the-state update on SFSP program developments, policy, and guidance. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including the Summer Food Service Program which is crucial to ensuring year-round access to foods for children.

Caregivers and community health professionals are often the last to take their own advice which they share with parents and staff — to take care of themselves physically and emotionally so they are better able to help the children in their care. Hear Julie’s personal story of a wellness journey that included making peace with food and her body to better care for herself and how she has maintained that peace for decades. She’ll inspire you and share practical dietary and exercise habits that turn a blind eye to fad diets and extreme eating patterns.

Food insecurity for children in the United States is on the rise, and research has proven that hungry children cannot learn. Become part of the solution by offering an innovative summer feeding program and adding supper to your school year program. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, so these out-of-school time meal service opportunities are critical in most areas across the country. Learn how to get stakeholder buy-in, what staffing and logistics requirements look like, which menus work best, and ways to reach a rural community.

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to help all children grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder. During these times where children, families, service providers, and educators are experiencing constant uncertainty and change, there is an ongoing need to offer ways to foster well-being, in mind and body. Sesame Street in Communities at ssic.org, offers resources and professional development to support health habits, resilience, and ways to mitigate the effects of a global pandemic. Engaging children and grownups alike, our model tackles the difficult challenges while offering comfort and hope for the future. Join Dr. Betancourt, Senior Vice President for U.S. Social Impact, in discovering how familiar Sesame Street friends and free bilingual resources can be part of the every day moments between service providers, educators, and trainers meeting the needs of our youngest children and their families.

First Lady Mrs. Donna Edwards and Louisiana First Foundation Teach MAM (Music, Arts, and Movement) Ambassador Teachers, share the vital role and importance the Arts play in education. Explore how arts education can provide enrichment and positive impacts on the health and wellness of the whole child. Learn how to implement fun activities related to music, art and movement.