LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Sullivan 180 concluded two events focused on strengthening school nutrition and advancing conversations about the role healthy food plays in the lives of children.

On August 19, school food service professionals from across Sullivan County gathered at SUNY Sullivan for the third annual Food Service Staff Conference, presented by the School Nutrition Action Coalition. The day was offered for education, connection and hands-on learning designed to support those who prepare and serve meals to students each day. 

The conference featured a keynote by Chef Ann Cooper, aka the Renegade Lunch Lady, as well as culinary staff from SUNY Sullivan who explored scratch cooking, herbs, sauces and salad bars. 

A representative from the New York State Department of Education spoke about the state’s Offer Versus Serve program.

The following evening, Sullivan 180 welcomed Chef Ann to the Michael Ritchie Big Barn at the Center for Discovery for the first event of the Sullivan 180 Speaker Series. Chef Ann encouraged community members, educators, parents and school leaders to rethink what is possible in school cafeterias and the role fresh, nutritious scratch-cooked food can play in supporting children’s health and success.

“These two events offered an opportunity to bring both the people working directly in our school kitchens and the broader community into the conversation about school food,” said Denise Frangipane, CEO at Sullivan 180. “We are grateful to Chef Ann and to the dedicated food service professionals who joined us. Together, we are building momentum around what is possible for our children and for the future of school meals in Sullivan County.”

Through its work within the School Nutrition Action Coalition, Sullivan 180 continues to bring together schools, food service professionals, community partners and families to remove barriers to healthy food and create more opportunities for students to enjoy fresh, nutritious meals.

Sullivan 180 is working to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy with support from Bold Gold Media Group, Manor Ink, the River Reporter, the Sullivan County Democrat and WJFF Radio Catskill. Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.