Annual professional development offered to Iowa school nutrition leaders from the Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

August 11 and August 12, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Gateway Hotel & Convention Center, 2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, Iowa
Audience: School Nutrition Directors, Managers and key school nutrition staff  

August 11: Nutrition and Operations: Set up for Success this School Year

Agenda (check back for a link to the agenda)
Guest Presenters: 

1. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
2. Chef Sharon Schaefer, SNS, Culinary Institute of America, K-12 Programming
3. Amanda Foreman, Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Cedar Rapids Community Schools and FARECheck trainer (FARE is Food Allergy Research & Education)

Preliminary Learning Objectives: 

• Review the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 and consider how guidance can be applied to school nutrition programs.
• Gain inspiration by keynote speaker, Chef Sharon Schaefer on building balanced, kid-approved trays that will market your program and influence nutrition of students for a lifetime.
• Improve understanding of food allergies. Hear a food allergy presentation and build confidence in providing accommodations.
  • Attendees will have an optional FARECheck certification opportunity following the presentation.
• Explore Team Nutrition resources developed to assist Iowa schools in meeting the dietary specifications.

August 12: School Nutrition Know Your Numbers: Administration and Finance
Agenda (check back for a link to the agenda)  
Preliminary Learning Objectives: 

• Increase knowledge of resource management requirements in school nutrition programs.
• Build an understanding of school nutrition procurement and Buy American requirements.
• Learn how to prepare for an Administrative Review.
• Receive civil rights training for school nutrition programs. 

Professional Standards: 12 hours (6 hours/day)