Illinois Extension is inviting all Illinois school foodservice staff to attend a free professional development Learning Institute this summer at Lawrenceville High School. The training, scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th will provide six hours of USDA Professional Standards credit at no cost to participants.
The event will feature a representative from the Illinois State Board of Education, who will share updates and host a question-and-answer session. Key topics will include food allergies and school nutrition programs, the link between nutrition and academic success, meal presentation and marketing strategies to boost participation, and food safety practices such as HACCP and food safety plans.
School foodservice staff are required to complete annual professional development to ensure they can provide meals that meet USDA nutritional standards. Since 2016, the University of Illinois Extension has partnered with the Illinois State Board of Education through the ABCs of School Nutrition program to help staff stay current on best practices.
Pre-registration for the Learning Institute is required as space is limited. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. Interested participants can register at go.illinois.edu/roe12.
For reasonable accommodation requests or additional questions, contact Michelle Fombelle at mfombell@illinois.edu.