• Food For Thought

    Jun 29, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    Last month ANFP members, exhibitors, sponsors, industry peers, and chapter leaders convened in Orlando for the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo (ACE). Like years before, this was a unique opportunity for all attendees to network with peers, enhance their professional skills and knowledge, learn about new products and services, and recognize and celebrate industry changemakers. Volunteers and chapter leaders were also able to attend exclusive events to earn CE as well as be recognized for their achievements and celebrate their hard work. Read below to learn more about what our attendees experienced at ACE 2026.

    Chapter Best Practices – Chapter leaders had an opportunity to meet face-to-face with their peers and discuss success stories and share best practices. Rosemary Aho (MI ANFP), Scott Schuld (WI ANFP), Jean Siegel, (IL ANFP), and Ariel Womack (GA ANFP), along with moderator Jeff Wuolett (MN ANFP), discussed their success stories about increasing member engagement, partnering with vendors for meetings, and what to consider during venue selection to increase attendance. Attendees also had the opportunity to dive into deeper discussions during the roundtable portion of the session and shared their own best practices with the wider audience. Some of the key takeaways that came from the session include:

    • Partnering with vendors, exhibitors, manufacturers’ groups, brokage houses, and state healthcare associations can be a mutually beneficial relationship in many ways.
    • Meeting elements such as the type of facility your attendees want (i.e. family-friendly), as well as the format of the meeting for individuals that cannot attend in person (virtual options) should be taken into consideration.
    • Chapters can educate members about product and service decision-making as well as administrators on the value of the credential and investing in their professional development.

    Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon – Volunteers and chapter leaders were treated to an exclusive luncheon and small tokens of appreciation for their hard work throughout the past year. Chapters were also presented with their annual awards for Communications, Government Affairs, Membership, and State Achievement. Additionally, our Diamond award nominees and finalists were recognized (see below). Congrats to all our award nominees, finalists, and winners, and thank you to all our volunteers for your hard work! (For a full list see our next issue of Edge.)

    Diamond Award Nominee
    Florida ANFP
    Georgia ANFP
    Idaho ANFP
    Illinois ANFP
    Iowa ANFP
    Indiana ANFP
    Kansas ANFP
    MD, DE, DC ANFP
    Minnesota ANFP
    South Dakota ANFP
    Texas ANFP
    Wisconsin ANFP
    Wyoming ANFP

    Diamond Award Finalist
    Georgia ANFP
    Idaho ANFP
    Illinois ANFP
    Iowa ANFP
    Kansas ANFP
    Wisconsin ANFP

    Honors Gala: Neon Nights – Attendees were decked out head-to-toe in their best and brightest neon attire for the annual Honors Gala. ACE award winners and the Diamond award-winning chapter (GA ANFP) were celebrated and recognized for their contributions and honored for their hard work and dedication to ANFP and the credential. Congrats to all our winners! Check out their acceptance speeches here. Learn about the accomplishments of our award winners in the next issue of Edge.

  • Chapter Champions

    Jun 29, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Celebrate Belonging, Community, & Culture

    Jun 29, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, BCC webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

    July 1-31: Disability Pride Month
    July 4: Independence Day

  • ROOTS Roundup

    Jun 29, 2026 by Sarah Dunton
    Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of ROOTS Roundup! In this newsletter you will read about what is happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from Craig Brightup; ANFP’s Washington DC representative, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders.

    Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) was selected to receive ANFP’s Public Policy Leadership Award for 2026.   For several years Rep. Kiggans has saluted National CDM, CFPP Day in the Congressional Record based on her background as a geriatric nurse practitioner in Virgina long-term care facilities.

    Prior to her tenure in Congress, Kiggans worked in the Virginia State Senate to advocate for patients, families, and caregivers in long-term care facilities, and she belongs to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Virginia Geriatrics Society, and American Nurses Association. View Kiggans’s remarks HERE.

    A major milestone is on the horizon! This November, ANFP will celebrate National CDM, CFPP Day alongside the 10th anniversary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) formally recognizing the CDM, CFPP credential through federal regulations. This landmark recognition established the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services role in long-term care settings when a full-time dietitian is not employed, underscoring the vital contributions of Certified Dietary Managers, Certified Food Protection Professionals to the foodservice management profession.

    To mark this special occasion, ANFP is planning exciting celebrations and opportunities to recognize the dedicated professionals who have helped shape the industry's success over the past decade. Stay tuned—you won't want to miss what's ahead!

    Reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) remains a priority for the Jobs and Careers Coalition (JCC), of which ANFP is a member. A bipartisan reauthorization bill came close to passage in December 2024. On October 22, 2025, ANFP Washington Representative Craig Brightup met with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who expressed interest in making WIOA more user-friendly for organizations like ANFP. Foxx shared that WIOA reauthorization efforts are currently on hold pending additional input from the White House.

    In the meantime, the current WIOA legislation remains in effect and continues to provide opportunities for individuals pursuing the CDM, CFPP credential through American Job Centers nationwide. Individuals who qualify for a WIOA voucher may select career training courses from a center’s Eligible Training Provider List.

    ANFP-PAC is the association’s federally registered political action committee (PAC) which is funded by personal donations from ANFP members in order to make contributions to candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Based on its most recent report filed with the Federal Election Commission, ANFP-PAC has $10,455.52 cash-on-hand. ANFP-PAC’s goal is to have $10,000-$15,000 cash-on-hand for the 2026 election cycle. ANFP members can donate by clicking HERE.

  • Food For Thought

    Jun 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    June marks the start of the new ANFP volunteer year. It is a busy time of year for chapter leaders with new volunteers coming onboard, rebate requirement deadlines, and likely many are in the midst of planning fall meetings. It is important to work with your fellow chapter leaders as a team during these times and share the workload, collaborate on solutions, and reach out for support. We can also use our network of chapter leaders throughout the country for support and collaboration as well.

    Each month during our Leadership Happy Hour Calls that take place on the first Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. CT, chapter leaders have the opportunity to network, ask questions, and bring their challenges, questions, concerns, and wins to this group of peers. Learn more about the benefits of attending our monthly Leadership Happy Hour calls.

    Learn from Your Peers – The Leadership Happy Hour is one of the best opportunities to learn from your peers. Chapter leaders share their successes, best practices, ask questions, as well as provide feedback, giving everyone on the call a chance to learn. During our last call, Felicia Smith of the WY ANFP chapter shared their success with hybrid and virtual meetings. She spoke about the process of learning and understanding the technology, preparing for tech issues that may arise, as well as the positive feedback they have received from members.

    Crowdsource Ideas – Oftentimes, chapter leaders bring their challenges to the group to crowdsource ideas. Learn how chapters are handling the same challenges you are facing. Many times, we share speaker recommendations, agenda topics as well as feedback with National for resources or tools that will support our chapter leaders.

    Share Your Wins – The call is also a chance for chapter leaders to share their wins and successes. We were thrilled to hear about the successful spring meetings for both the Iowa and Michigan chapters. By supporting one another, and our successes, we are building a community that better serves our members.

  • Changes & Updates

    Jun 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Come chat with your fellow chapter leaders about all your chapter challenges, solutions, and experiences on Tuesday, July 7, at 2:00 PM CT. Click here to register for the call!

    Support NFEF and ANFP Members!

    The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) is excited to host a raffle fundraiser during the Expo at ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo this summer in Orlando, Florida!

    We’re kicking off plans for this year’s main fundraising event and can’t wait to make it a huge success with your chapter’s support.  This fundraiser plays a vital role in advancing the NFEF’s mission by generating critical funding for grants, research, and educational opportunities that support current and aspiring CDM, CFPPs - and the future of our profession.

    All the details you need, including a donation form are available here. We invite your chapter to consider supporting this event and helping us make it a success. Thank you for your continued commitment to the Foundation and for helping us make a lasting impact.

  • Chapter Champions

    Jun 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Celebrate Belonging, Community, & Culture

    Jun 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, BCC webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

    June 1-30: Pride Month
    June 19: Juneteenth – New Toolkit Available here!

  • Food For Thought

    May 06, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Recruitment, retention, and engagement of members is an ongoing effort and the responsibility of chapter leaders as well as members. We are often asking ourselves, “How do we do this?” We can start by building relationships right from the beginning of a member’s journey through consistent, meaningful, and intentional outreach, and creating a sense of belonging. During our last chapter best practices session, Relationship Building for New Member Engagement, we discussed several strategies to build and strengthen relationships with our new and current members, including a few below.

    Communicate Early and Consistently – Our first communication with new members should take place within their first month of membership and should remain consistent from that point. Current members can help with this by engaging with them at meetings and on social media or other virtual events.

    Intentional Connections – Building strong and sustainable relationships means intentional and meaningful engagement and outreach. Start by asking, “How can we help?” or “What do you want to get out of your membership?’” These questions will help us understand how we can connect with our new and current members to ensure they are getting the most out of their membership experience.

    Peer-to-Peer – While being approachable, visible, and a go-to resource as a chapter leader is important, it's also important for new members to connect with their peers to build relationships. Current members can become new member advisors and help new members navigate their first year of membership, answer their questions, and introduce them to other members.

    For additional strategies to build sustainable relationships and create a welcoming environment, please view the webinar here.

  • Changes & Updates

    May 06, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    Join Us! Chapter President & President Elect Training for incoming and current presidents and presidents-elect will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at 2:00 p.m. CT. Please click here to register for this session. We will discuss the responsibilities for these roles, and the next steps to get started and need-to-knows.

    Join us! Leadership Happy Hour

    Come chat with your fellow chapter leaders about any and all your chapter challenges, solutions, and experiences on Tuesday, June 2, at 2:00 p.m. CT. Click here to register for the call!

    Support NFEF and ANFP Members!

    The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) is excited to host a raffle fundraiser during the Expo at ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo this summer in Orlando, Florida!

    We’re kicking off plans for this year’s main fundraising event and can’t wait to make it a huge success with your chapter’s support. This fundraiser plays a vital role in advancing the NFEF’s mission by generating critical funding for grants, research, and educational opportunities that support current and aspiring CDM, CFPPs, and the future of our profession.

    All the details you need, including a donation form, are available here. We invite your chapter to consider supporting this event and helping us make it a success. Thank you for your continued commitment to the Foundation and for helping us make a lasting impact.

  • Chapter Champions

    May 06, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    Michigan ANFP
    Indiana ANFP
    South Dakota ANFP
    Iowa ANFP
    Texas ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Celebrate Belonging, Community, & Culture

    May 06, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, BCC webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

    May 1- 31: Jewish American Heritage Month
    May 10: Mother's Day

  • Food For Thought

    Apr 02, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    As chapters begin to gear up for the new volunteer year, there is a lot that needs to be done before June 1. Spring meetings are in the works, the first set of rebate requirements are coming down the pipeline, and new chapter leaders will be taking office in June. Training incoming chapter leaders is one of the keys to their success in their role. It ensures they understand chapter management, policies and procedures, and equips them with the tools they need to perform the work. There are additional benefits when volunteers are trained properly, including:

    • Consistency and seamless transitions between officers as training clarifies roles and responsibilities.
    • Increased retention among volunteers as it builds confidence and prepares volunteers for mentoring.
    • Clear communication to ensure projects, tasks, and goals are achieved, and the chapter is compliant.

    To help support your incoming officers or those who need refreshers, we are pleased to once again offer chapter training webinars throughout April and May.

    The Annual Chapter Board Orientation will take place on Wednesday, April 29, at 2:00 PM CT. We will review chapter leadership roles, governing documents, rebates, and discuss next steps for new and returning chapter leaders. To register for this session, please click here. (Please forward this information to your incoming chapter leaders.)

    Chapter Treasurers Training for our incoming and current chapter treasurers, please join us on Wednesday, May 6, at 2:00 PM CT. To register for this session, please click here. We will review the responsibilities of this role, the financial report, as well as Crowded.

    Chapter President & President Elect Training for incoming and current president and presidents-elect will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at 2:00 PM CT. Please click here to register for this session. We will discuss the responsibilities for these roles, the next steps to get started, and need-to-knows.

    BONUS TRAINING: Chapter Best Practices: Relationship Building for New Member Engagement will take place on Tuesday, April 21, at 2:00 PM CT. We will discuss relationship-building strategies to engage our new members and involve our current members in our engagement and retention initiatives. Click here to register. Participants attending the live session will receive 1.0 CE GEN.

  • Changes & Updates

    Apr 02, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    Join Us! Leadership Happy Hour

    Come chat with your fellow chapter leaders about any and all of your chapter challenges, solutions, and experiences on Tuesday, April 7, at 2:00 PM CT. To register for the call, please click here.

  • Chapter Champions

    Apr 02, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    Michigan ANFP
    Indiana ANFP
    South Dakota ANFP
    Iowa ANFP
    Texas ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Apr 02, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, DEI webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

    April 1-30: Autism Awareness Month
    April 14: Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)

  • Food For Thought

    Mar 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    March, the cusp of Spring, signifies resurgence, change, newness, and moving forward. It signifies a fresh start and creates an environment hospitable for growth. ANFP chapters are also always working on creating a safe and welcoming environment that fosters growth, and more importantly, belonging. Chapter meetings and events are a place for members and attendees to gather to share their challenges, questions and successes among peers and colleagues who understand their perspective. Chapters are also often the first touchpoint for member interaction and networking, so creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, in person and throughout the year,  is key to keeping members engaged. So how can we create a welcoming environment?

    Communications – Like most chapters, you are likely sending new member (and long-time members) emails regularly, which is one of the first communications they receive. Think about the language you use to address them, images included, as well as various ways to contact/connect with you or the chapter (i.e. phone, email, social media).

    Meetings & Events – Chapter meetings are a great time to make members feel seen and heard. It’s also important to give them a sense of belonging. And we can do this by creating networking events that allow everyone an opportunity to share/speak (round tables), developing sessions that support inclusivity (diversity of speakers), and ensuring accessibility for all attendees (layout of venue or offering virtual options).

    Embracing Differences – Each of us brings something unique to our chapters, either as a member, chapter leader or peer. Be sure to allow time and opportunities for members and attendees to share that about themselves with icebreakers and team building events, either virtually or in-person, to continue to build trust and respect and embrace our differences in a safe and welcoming environment.

    For more resources to create a welcoming environment, please see the Chapters DEI Toolkit.

  • Changes & Updates

    Mar 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Come chat with your fellow chapter leaders about any and all your chapter challenges, solutions, and experiences on Tuesday, April 7 at 2:00 PM CT. To register for the call, please click here.

  • Chapter Champions

    Mar 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo
    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    Michigan ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Mar 04, 2026 by Abigail Solazzo

    ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, DEI webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

    March 1-31: Women's History Month
    March 21: World Down Syndrome Day