As we usher in a new year and the summer season, I would like to welcome the Government Affairs newest Chair, Bionca Lindsey, CDM, CFPP! Serving alongside Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, in her new role as Ex-Officio and mentor, Bionca will now carry the torch and lead in the development of the committee’s strategic and long-term goals. On behalf of the committee, thank you, Barbara, for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment over the past eight years!
Continuing their service on the committee are Larry Jackson, CDM, CFPP; Zlatko Jancic, CDM, CFPP; Richard Lind, CDM, CFPP; Kenneth Owens, CDM, CFPP; and Sherri Williams, CDM, CFPP. Please welcome Jonathan Robertson, CDM, CFPP and Renee Spence (Board Liaison) as the newest volunteers.
Continuing to serve as the Chair on the ANFP-PAC committee is Shona McCue, CDM, CFPP. This committee is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs committee in the development and implementation of effective government affairs strategies and recommends the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC in concert with current legislative strategies.
Continuing their service are Andrew Aumann, CDM, CFPP; Denise Choleva, CDM, CFPP; and Tina Day, CDM, CFPP and Dorothy Radermacher. Please welcome Marjorie Smith, CDM, CFPP as the newest volunteer.
This year, the committees will continue to focus on increasing the number of ANFP-approved training programs and will continue to promote the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian.
ANFP belongs to the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition and it initiated meetings between ANFP and the Urban Institute, which has a $2 million annual grant from the Department of Labor (DOL) for youth apprenticeships, in order to assist ANFP through the federal application process in order to sponsor a registered apprenticeship program. ANFP is now in the pilot phase of establishing a DOL-recognized youth apprenticeship program, which will help skilled nursing facilities attract employees based on using an ANFP-approved course. The DOL will also give employers $1,000 for each apprentice (though the Urban Institute grant) to cover the cost of the course and exam registration fees.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) §483.60 Food and Nutrition Services rule, existing Food and Nutrition Services Directors hired prior to November 28, 2016, will have until November 28, 2021 to obtain the CDM, CFPP credential. As we approach this deadline, we encourage those of you who need or have someone you know who needs to complete the certification process, to reach out to ANFP for guidance. ANFP’s Professional Services team is here to help you register for the CDM Credentialing Exam. Please e-mail info@CBDMonline.org or call 800.323.1908, select option 1 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT.
The ANFP-PAC committee volunteers will be at the Expo booth in Orlando, FL during the Annual Conference & Expo and welcome members to visit and make a donation! Your support continues to increase visibility and success on Capitol Hill.
Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives, join the cause, or become a member of the network here.