ADE Summit 2025

This training provides school administrators, financial officers, and staff with a comprehensive understanding of legislative audits and their critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance. Participants will learn how to prepare for and navigate the legislative audit process, understand the key components auditors focus on, and explore best practices for maintaining accurate records. This session will also highlight common audit challenges, how to address them, and strategies for continuous improvement. By the end, attendees will be equipped to confidently handle legislative audits and ensure their school’s financial and operational integrity.

In this session attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of USDA Foods. USDA Food offers a wide variety of nutritious, cost-effective options, and this session will provide strategies to navigate the USDA Foods distribution system, select the right products for their program, and manage inventory efficiently. We will also explore creative menu planning ideas to incorporate USDA Foods in ways that excite students, reduce food waste, and stay within budget.

This training session explores the complex issue of sugar consumption in school meal programs, providing school nutrition staff and administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate guidelines and meet the nutritional needs of students. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to make informed decisions about meal planning, implement strategies to lower sugar levels in school meals, and foster an environment where students can thrive both academically and physically.

This session is designed to help foodservice operators navigate the transition from a Food Service Management Contract to a self-operated model. Whether you're considering ending your current FSMC contract or preparing to re-establish full control over your foodservice operations, this session will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

This panel discussion will cover practical strategies for promoting breakfast in schools, including creative approaches to overcoming barriers such as student awareness and logistical challenges. Additionally, the session discusses navigating Arkansas Act 123.

This is a must-attend session for school foodservice professionals looking to stay up-to-date with the latest child nutrition policies, regulations, and best practices. As child nutrition continues to evolve, it’s essential for foodservice teams to understand how new changes impact their operations. This session will include a look into Buy American, Direct Certification with Medicaid and more.

This session will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the child nutrition meal programs. Attendees will learn how AI can optimize meal planning, increase participation, and promote your school’s child nutrition program. We will highlight real-world applications of AI in managing programs, from creating a HACCP food safety plan, generating a newsletter, to driving participation with menu planning.

Ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost is a crucial step toward academic success and overall well-being. This session will provide an overview of key programs such as Provision 2 and the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), along with other district-funded initiatives that allow schools to offer meals at no cost to students. We will explore how federal and state funding can support school districts in implementing these programs, reducing financial burdens on families while improving student nutrition. Additionally, we will discuss the role of enhanced student achievement funding and its potential impact when electing these meal programs. Join us to gain valuable insights into the funding strategies and program options available to ensure that every student has access to healthy, no-cost meals.

This engaging training session will equip school administrators, staff, and nutrition teams with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate Health Department regulations and ensure a safe, healthy environment for students and staff. Learn the ins and outs of compliance, understand key health guidelines, and discover practical tips for promoting wellness in your school community. By the end of the session, participants will feel confident in their ability to stay compliant, enhance school safety, and foster a healthier school environment.