Wednesday, May 14, 2025

*Schedule is subject to change

7:00am - 8:00am            Breakfast (Lobby)
7:00am - 4:00pm            Registration Open
8:00am - 10:00am          General Session | New York State Education Department (Breakfast provided) (Geyser, Coesa, Hathorne)

Stay up to date on the latest in child nutrition with an engaging and interactive session led by the State Education Department. The session will begin with a brief presentation covering key updates, including the Buy American provision, the new USDA nutrient standards and implementation timeline, and the launch of a new Learning Management System (LMS). Then, put your knowledge to the test in a Jeopardy-style game! Covering topics like meal patterns, procurement, meal counting and claiming, Pre-K programs, child nutrition programs, and the master instructor network, this interactive session will reinforce important concepts in a fun and engaging way.

10:15am - 11:45am        Speed Networking - Round One (Orenda)
12:00pm - 1:00pm          Networking Lunch (Arches, Putnam, Garden Room)
1:15pm - 2:45pm            Speed Networking - Round Two (Orenda)
2:45pm - 3:15pm            Networking Break 
3:15pm - 4:45pm            Preparing for Universal School Meals: Key Insights & Best Practices (Geyser, Coesa, Hathorne)         

Moderator: Naim Walcott, Westhampton Beach School
Speakers:  Kayla McDaniel, MS, NDTR, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (Wayne County, MI); Caitlin Lazarski, MS, RD, SNS, Pine Bush Central Schools; Kate Dorr, RD, MBA, Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES; Patrick Kenneally, Chef Ann Foundation

As New York moves toward passing the Healthy School Meals for All legislation, this panel will offer key insights on how to prepare for the transition. Panelists from diverse districts will share best practices for managing increased meal counts, staffing needs, equipment, and storage. Learn how to overcome challenges like stigma, increase meal participation, and navigate changes to a la carte sales and meal schedules. With practical tips and lessons from districts that have implemented universal meals, this session will provide the tools needed to ensure a smooth transition to universal meals in your school.  

Dinner on Own / Explore Saratoga Springs