• Food for Thought

    Jun 04, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    As we embark on a new volunteer year, we have a lot to look forward to. New volunteers are settling in and becoming acclimated with their roles, new goals have been established, and opportunities for growth, learning, and change will be presented throughout the year. Currently, we have already implemented some changes related to chapter management to better support our chapters and chapter leaders. See below for recent changes.

    Changes to 990-N Filing – New this year, chapters are no longer required to file their 990-N e-postcard. Moving forward, this will be completed by National with the assistance of chapters. Chapters will need to submit their financial reporting template (per the rebate requirement) and ensure their treasurer’s contact information is up to date in their ANFP record.

    Changes to Affiliate Agreements – A few changes have been made to the affiliate agreement per the Board of Directors. There have been minor language changes for purposes of clarification throughout the document and to mirror the language of National’s governing documents. A detailed explanation of changes is forthcoming. The new affiliate agreement is available in the chapter portal for review.

    Webinar for Last Minute Cancellation – As we know with education meetings, there are sometimes last-minute cancellations with speakers or other unforeseen circumstances that cause us to make changes to the program. Should chapters have last-minute cancellations, ANFP can provide a pre-recorded webinar (prior approved) to replace the canceled session. Should you have a cancellation, please contact Abigail Solazzo (asolazzo@ANFPonline.org) to request access to the webinar to present at your meeting.

    RSVPs to ACE Events – ACE is just a couple weeks away. You should have received two invites to our chapter leader events; Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon & Chapter Best Practices. New this year, these invites were sent out via PropFuel and came from our info@ANFPonline.org email address. If you did not receive the invite, please check your spam folder and be sure to respond by Friday, June 13.
  • Volunteer of the Month

    Jun 04, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    This month we are celebrating Ariel Womack, CDM, CFPP, of the Georgia (GA) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

    Ariel has been a member of ANFP since 2018 and began her volunteer career in 2022, starting with the role of chapter secretary where she has served for the last three years. Additionally, Ariel has taken on the role of the newsletter editor as well as the webmaster. Outside of her ANFP volunteer roles, she is also an active volunteer within her community, serving Meals on Wheels and a local community garden, Lockerly Arboretum.

    As chapter secretary, Ariel ensures the chapter business is managed properly by overseeing meeting minutes and notices, as well as the chapter’s social media accounts. Through Ariel’s hard work and support of the board, this helps the team to focus on their work and move towards achieving their goals.

    Moving forward, Ariel hopes to see continued teamwork and recognition for the dedication our members show each day. She would also like to see more members get involved through volunteering as she believes “it’s a great way to give back and strengthen our community”. She hopes members can see the value of the networking opportunities ANFP provides and hopes to continue to grow stronger by supporting one another and collaborating. Ariel also aspires to serve as President-Elect for GA ANFP and eventually hold a position on a national committee.

    Ariel, thank you for your continued work and support of the GA ANFP chapter! Your passion and dedication ensure our members have a positive experience. We appreciate all you do for ANFP and our members!

    If you would like to nominate another volunteer for Volunteer of the Month, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

  • Chapter Champion

    Jun 04, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
  • Changes & Updates

    Jun 04, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    Annual Chapter Board Orientation & Training
    Thank you to those who were able to join us for our annual chapter board orientation and training session. For those that were not able to join us, you can view the session here. Please share this link with your new chapter leaders or those who were not able to attend.

    Rebate Requirement Deadlines
    This is a reminder for upcoming rebate requirement deadlines:

    • Please complete by June 1 - Officers entered in Chapter Portal for upcoming volunteer year (June 1 - May 31) (Officers must be entered each year regardless of length/current length of term.)
    • Please complete by June 1 - Financial Code of Conduct (document available in the chapter portal)
    • On June 1 – Transfer Crowded account to the incoming president (account owner) and incoming treasurer (administrator) if roles are changing. We ask that you please do not transfer the account until June 1 (or thereafter), the official start of the new volunteer year. Transfer of the account may take 2-3 business days.
      o Find-step-by-step instructions here.
      o View the demo here. (Demo starts at 4:30)
    • Please complete by June 15 – Affiliate agreement (document available in the chapter portal)
    • Please complete by June 30 - Submit financial reporting template to ANFP Headquarters (include all revenue/expenses for the months of June 2024 - May 2025) - (document available in the chapter portal)
    • Submit by July 15 - Fall Meeting Dates
    • Submit by July 15 - Bi-Annual Chapter Rebate Achievement Report - Part 1 (document available in the chapter portal)
    • Submit by July 15 - Signed COI/NDAs – More information and links to documents for e-signatures will be sent the week of June 16.

    Leadership Happy Hour
    Join us for our Leadership Happy Hour on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM CT (some dates may vary). These monthly calls are a fantastic opportunity to network with chapter leaders from across the country, swap ideas, and support one another as CDM, CFPPs. Our next Leadership Happy Hour Call will take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT. To register for the call, please click here.

    NFEF Fundraiser
    The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) is in the beginning stages of planning the fundraising events that will take place at ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo this summer in Bloomington, Minnesota!

    This year we will host our annual silent auction as our main fundraising event that will be open to all attendees and non-attendees! We are excited to announce that we are also having a raffle! Both events will take place during the Expo on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and proceeds earned will go toward NFEF’s grant programs, research development, and more!

    Click here NFEF ACE Fundraiser for more information.

  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Jun 04, 2025 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:

    Pride Month (June 1-30) - View our Pride Month mini toolkit.
    Juneteenth (June 19)
  • Food for Thought

    Apr 29, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    ANFP is excited to kick off the new volunteer year starting June 1! Chapters typically use this month to put the finishing touch on the goals for the year ahead. Part of the preparations include training incoming officers and participating in training events like ANFP’s annual board member/chapter leader orientation session, online courses, and reviewing the large library of volunteer resources on ANFPConnect, to help each chapter leader succeed in their role. We also have some additional opportunities to ensure you and your chapter leaders are prepared for the year ahead.

    Chapter Best Practices – We’re going “back to the basics” and discussing the need-to-know information for the upcoming year during our next chapter best practices session taking place on Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 PM CT (click here to register). Participants attending the live session will receive 1.0 CE (GEN). We will go over the following best practices and updates:

    • Financial management – transferring your Crowded account to new admins/account owners and review of the financial template.
    • Communications – Sending out mass emails; roster downloads, sorting and filtering, mass email etiquette, etc.
    • Governing documents – Bylaws, affiliate agreement, and policies and procedures
    • IRS 990 Filing – We’ll be discussing the filing changes to your chapter’s 990.
    • Rebate requirements and deadlines – What is due, when it is due, and who is responsible.
    • Additional training opportunities – One-on-one training with other chapter leaders and role-specific training.

    Annual Chapter Board Orientation – Join us for our annual chapter board orientation on Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00 PM CT when we review chapter leader roles and responsibilities, rebate requirements, as well as the chapter portal and volunteer resources. To register for this session, please click here. Please encourage your incoming chapter leaders to attend.

    Role-Specific Training – As new volunteers come on board, it's important to ensure they receive the proper training for their specific role.

    • One-on-one/hands-on – We recommend each chapter hold their own orientations with one-on-one and hands-on training for each role. (This can be done virtually.)
    • Online courses – ANFP has online courses available (at no cost) in the Marketplace to incoming chapter leaders that are specific to each role. (Please reach out to staff for the discount codes).
    • Live training – New this year, we will be holding live training for specific chapter leader roles in the new volunteer year (more information coming soon).
  • Volunteer of the Month

    Apr 29, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    This month we are celebrating Rosemary Aho, CDM, CFPP, of the Michigan (MI) ANFP Chapter as our Volunteer of the Month.

    Rosemary first joined ANFP in 2018 and began volunteering with the MI ANFP chapter in 2023, initially assisting with outreach and planning efforts before stepping into her current role as the President-Elect. She will also begin serving on the ANFP Marketing & Communications Committee starting in June 2025.

    While her leadership has left a positive impression, Rosemary credits much of the impact on the chapter to the other chapter leaders who rose to the occasion to help relaunch the MI ANFP chapter. From the beginning of the rebuilding stages, it has been a team effort, and they have worked together continuously to bring about change to the chapter. They have been able to build momentum, form a strong leadership group, and start creating meaningful opportunities for engagement for chapter members starting with their fall meeting in 2024.

    As Rosemary continues in her role, she would like to see continued growth in membership and engagement at the chapter level, more mentorship opportunities for new CDM, CFPPs, and increased visibility of the important work being done across all sectors of foodservice. She’d also like to strengthen the connection between local chapters and national initiatives to support ANFP long-term.

    Thank you, Rosemary! Your dedication and perseverance have helped the MI ANFP thrive once again. We appreciate all you do for ANFP and our members!

    If you would like to nominate another volunteer for Volunteer of the Month, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

  • Chapter Champions

    Apr 29, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    South Dakota ANFP

    Kansas ANFP

    Texas ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
  • Changes & Updates

    Apr 29, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    Join the Conversation! Leadership Happy Hour
    Join us for our Leadership Happy Hour on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM CT (some dates may vary). These monthly calls are a fantastic opportunity to network with chapter leaders from across the country, swap ideas, and support one another as CDM, CFPPs. Look for the registration email in your inbox. Our next Leadership Happy Hour Call will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT.

    NFEF Fundraiser
    The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) is in the beginning stages of planning the fundraising events that will take place at ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo this summer in Bloomington, Minnesota!

    This year we will host our annual silent auction as our main fundraising event that will be open to all attendees and non-attendees! We are excited to announce that we are also having a raffle! Both events will take place during the Expo on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and proceeds earned will go toward NFEF’s grant programs, research development, and more!

    Click here NFEF ACE Fundraiser for more information.
  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Apr 29, 2025 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:

    Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1 – 31) - View our Asian Pacific American Heritage Month mini toolkit.
    Mother's Day (May 11)
  • Food For Thought

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    This week is ANFP’s annual Member Appreciation Week, and we are celebrating YOU! We are very appreciative of all our members and their hard work on the job, as well as our chapter leaders and all they do “off the clock” as well. We hope you will take advantage of all the incentives this week like free CE, discounts, giveaways and our messages of thanks to all our members. Chapters can keep the celebration going all year long with their members with these ideas of member appreciation and recognition.

    Incentives – Consider offering incentives to your members such as discounted meeting registration (limits should apply), giveaways/door prizes/welcome bags, an appreciation reception/lunch or a small token of appreciation can make members feel valued and appreciated.

    Recognition – Recognizing members can go a long way. Whether it's years of service, volunteering, years of meeting attendance, first timers/new members, other member awards, or a simple thank you card, recognition demonstrates our appreciation of their membership.

    Understanding Their Needs – One way we can show appreciation for our members is by taking the time to listen and understand their needs. This can be done through casual conversations, member satisfaction surveys, meeting evaluations, or roundtable discussions. Not only does this give them a chance to be heard, but it also helps chapter leaders understand the current and future needs of the chapter.
  • Chapter Champions

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    South Dakota ANFP

    Kansas ANFP

    Texas ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.

  • Changes & Updates

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    Join the Conversation! Leadership Happy Hour
    Join us for our Leadership Happy Hour on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 PM CT (some dates may vary). These monthly calls are a fantastic opportunity to network with chapter leaders from across the country, swap ideas, and support one another as CDM, CFPPs. Look for the registration email in your inbox.

    NFEF Fundraiser
    The Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) is in the beginning stages of planning the fundraising events that will take place at ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo this summer in Bloomington, Minnesota!

    This year we will host our annual silent auction as our main fundraising event that will be open to all attendees and non-attendees! We are excited to announce that we are also having a raffle! Both events will take place during the Expo on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and proceeds earned will go toward NFEF’s grant programs, research development, and more!

    Click here for more information.
  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Apr 07, 2025 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:

    World Health Day (April 7) - Learn about the World Health Day theme, Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.
    Celebrate Diversity Month (April 1 -30) – View our Celebrate Diversity Month mini toolkit.
  • Food For Thought

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    One of the most appealing aspects of live ANFP meetings are the networking events. Networking events and opportunities are one of the highest rated benefits of membership. Members continually seek out these events to broaden their network, deepen their understanding of the challenges we face in the industry, and learn how to work with one another to develop solutions. With upcoming spring meetings, consider adding these events/activities to your agenda with a few suggested ideas below to provide one of ANFP’s greatest benefits. 

    “Ask Me About” – When attendees register/check-in for your next chapter meeting, have them write on a name badge a topic other attendees can ‘ask them about’ (does not have to be work related – Example: “Ask Me About: my pet”). Attendees can include any topics they would like to discuss; favorite vacation destination, years in the industry, last book they read, etc. This is an icebreaker that everyone can participate in and encourages networking. 

    Lighting Round Roundtables – Like speed dating, this activity encourages members to learn about different topics through quick but impactful roundtable discussions. A speaker or chapter leader will lead the discussion on an industry hot topic, and attendees will rotate to each table every 10 – 15 minutes depending on the number of tables, (recommended 4-5) to learn about an industry hot topic. Encourage attendees to sit with those they do not know to help them expand their network. 

    Year Round Networking – You can extend your in person networking sessions into virtual events throughout the year. Using the same hot topics from the Lighting Round roundtables, host virtual sessions that allow speakers and attendees to dive deeper into the topic and discuss it at length. Additionally, members that were not able to attend the live event now have an opportunity to network.

    Opposites Attract with Guided Networking – Propose a few questions to get the conversation started among your attendees and encourage them to seek out those with opposite answers. For example, do you prefer the beach or the mountains and why? Or do you prefer comedy or drama movies and what is your favorite movie? Or salty or sweet and what is your favorite food? This is a great icebreaker to get conversations started.
  • Chapter Champions

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    Congratulations to the following Chapter Champions:

    South Dakota ANFP

    Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
  • Changes & Updates

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    Join the Conversation! Leadership Happy Hour

    Join us for our Leadership Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 1 at 2:00 PM CT. These monthly calls are a fantastic opportunity to network with chapter leaders from across the country, swap ideas, and support one another as CDM, CFPPs. Click here to register.

    Chapter Rebates

    The deadline for the second rebate installment was January 15th. The following items should be submitted as soon as possible to receive the next installment.

    • Submit financial reporting template to ANFP Headquarters
    • Bi-Annual Chapter Rebate Achievement Report - Part 2 (June - December)
    • Policies and procedures if not submitted in the Fall
    • (If you have any changes in your bylaws, please send an updated copy to chapters@ANFPonline.org. If your chapter did not have any bylaw changes, no action is required.)
    • If you have not yet closed the account, we ask that you please do so as soon as possible. If you have closed the account but have not been provided with this documentation, we ask that you please request this from your bank. The closing statement and document should include:
      • The final balance prior to transferring the funds and the zero balance
      • Confirmation the account has been closed
      • Date account was closed

    Templates are available in the chapter portal. Once completed, please upload via the chapter portal.

    Also, if you have not submitted your chapter’s policies and procedures (please see below) or the final closing bank statements from your previous accounts, please do so as soon as possible. Documents can be submitted to chapters@ANFPonline.org.

    Chapter Policies & Procedures

    The new policies and procedures should be adopted and implemented, effective immediately. All previous versions of the chapter’s policies and procedures are no longer valid.  

    Next, Chapters will need to complete the following:

    • Under Policy 1 (page 8), select slate or ballot voting process. 
    • If a chapter selects slate, they will also need to adopt the Leadership Development Committee listed in the addendum.
    • Ensure their state is listed/named/added where necessary throughout. Please enter your state’s initials where you see ‘State’ or a blank space __. For example: 
      • Any member may submit new or old business to the (State)/___ ANFP Board for consideration by the attending members at the Annual Business Meeting of Members.
    • Review the addendum starting on page 27 and decide what policies and procedures your chapter will opt into/adopt. Check all that apply. 
    • Once the above steps are completed, please submit a copy via the chapter portal by November 1. 

    If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

    Once chapters have selected the policies that are applicable to their chapter, we ask that you please submit a copy to National as soon as possible.

    PAC Donations – New Way to Donate!

    ANFP PAC is now taking donations via the new online platform. Members of ANFP will need to click on the following page and use the donate button or ANFP can provide a QR code for your chapter meetings.

    The online form will collect all the required information needed for FEC reporting as donation forms are no longer needed. This will eliminate the responsibility of chapter volunteers from collecting forms, cash and checks, and mailing them to us. 

    The updated PAC donation policy can be found here.

  • Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion

    Apr 07, 2025 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:

    Women’s History Month (March 1-31) – Learn more about this year’s theme, Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations, and action you can take.

    World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) - Learn about this year’s theme “Improve Our Systems”, which suggests ways to improve the support of those with Down Syndrome.

  • 2024-25 Chapter Champion Support

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo
    ANFP Dues season is less than three months away and with your chapter’s support, together we can help CDM, CFPPs facing financial hardships with a dues grant.  

    When your chapter supports NFEF with a donation, we can significantly increase the amount of grant funding, allowing us to expand the Member Dues and Certification Fees program and reach more people in need. This in turn, allows certified members to continue serving in the industry as the leading experts at managing foodservice operations and ensuring food safety, participate in networking activities, and receive continuing education and full membership benefits through ANFP.  

    When your chapter donates $400 or more, it will receive special “2024-25 Chapter Champion” recognition and will be featured in the Foundation’s communications, on its website, along with recognition at the Annual Conference & Expo in Bloomington, Minnesota in June 2025!   

    Applications for the dues grant will be accepted between June 1 – July 15, 2025, and I encourage your chapter to use the attached Facebook post to promote this grant opportunity! 

    When completing the donation, please type in the comment box Chapter Champion so we know how to direct your donation properly to the restricted grant program.  

    Thank you in advance for your consideration and support! 

    Click here to donate.

    Member Dues Grant
  • Food For Thought

    Apr 07, 2025 by Abigail Solazzo

    The end of winter is on the horizon, and spring will be here before we know it along with chapter meetings. There are many moving parts to planning a meeting and we want to be sure our chapter leaders have the support they need to have a successful meeting. We have several resources available in ANFPConnect as well as our fellow chapter leaders to ensure your meetings are engaging, impactful, and meet the professional development needs of your attendees.

    Crowded Resources – Our chapters have become very well acclimated with Crowded and have managed the transition well. Should you need a refresher on how to perform specific transactions or learn additional best practices, take a look at our Crowded Resources document available on ANFPConnect in Volunteer Resources under Volunteer 101. (If your chapter has any best practices they’d like to share, please send them to Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.)

    Prior Approvals Deadline – Be sure your meeting hours are prior approved by submitting your applications and supporting material at least 30 days prior to the start date of the program/event to allow time for processing, corrections, and advance publicity. Chapters that fail to submit the Prior Approval Application at least 30 days prior to the start of their program/event will be charged a $50 fee in order to expedite the approval process. Chapters that submit the Prior Approval Application at least 15 days prior to the start of their program/event will be charged a $75 fee in order to expedite the approval process.

    Leadership Happy Hour as a Resource – Our ideas often come from unlikely sources. The monthly Leadership Happy Hour (typically the first Tuesday of the month at 2:00 PM CT) is an untapped resource for chapter leaders to share ideas and resources for meetings such as speakers, unique venue/settings, special events, and agenda topics. Join us at our next meeting (Tuesday, February 4 at 2:00 PM CT) to learn from others and share your own ideas.

    1:1 Calls with the Chapter Leadership Team – Once again, we will be offering chapters the opportunity to meet with our Chapter Leadership Team (and staff) for our bi-annual one-on-one calls. This is an opportunity for chapter leaders to ask questions, provide feedback, and share their concerns with our team of national chapter leaders to help improve our chapters program. More information about these calls will be distributed to chapter leaders in February.