While many foodservice operators and nutritionists attend the School Nutrition Association’s annual conference to get the latest scoop on nutrition regulations, some see an opportunity to meet new operators and gain different perspectives on day-to-day challenges.
Jeanne Reilly, director of school nutrition for Regional School Unit #14 in Windham, Maine, approaches the show as a chance to connect and leverage concepts from her fellow operators. “The [nutrition] guidelines are changing so rapidly… just when you think you have something down pat, it changes again,” she says. “So it’s a great place to get a handle on those things and learn from other directors who are being successful.”
Below, she outlines some of her methods to approach peers for fresh ideas.
Hunt down fellow audience members
Prior to the conference, Reilly determines what education sessions most effectively address the issues currently affecting her district. During the sessions, she listens to other audience members’ opinions on a topic and doesn’t hesitate to approach them if she thinks they could provide some insight. This method has paid off in the past. While planning to implement a breakfast in the classroom program, a fellow operator suggested a mobile cart. She tested this option to her middle school and breakfast participation rose 200 percent. “I was able to get that from another director and flesh that out,” she says.
Step outside of your geographical comfort zone
Conferences are also an opportunity to compare notes with operators from throughout the country. Again, Reilly approaches fellow operators during sessions who seem to have similar challenges and say, “Hey, your district seems similar to mine, do you mind if we go get a coffee?”
By doing so, Reilly has met with operators from Oregon and California for impromptu brainstorming sessions on innovative ways to manage nutrition guidelines. She has stayed in touch with directors from other regions and continues to swap ideas with them. “Sometimes it’s beneficial to not just stick with your own people and really reach out to those from around the country,” she says. “You can make connections that you can fall back onto during other times of the year.”
If you have a great idea, share it
This year, Reilly will be co-presenting a session on social-media best practices, which she sees as another way to share her knowledge and interact with peers. Reilly also encourages operators who have successfully implemented ideas at their district to share them by submitting a proposal that could be included in next year’s conference. “If you have a plan and you are working it, submit it and hope that the SNA accepts it,” she says. “But once they do, there’s a lot of work to do.”