Yesterday, more than 200 directors and staff from many of the St. Louis Area Foodbank’s 514 partner agencies participated in our annual conference.
Most of the Foodbank’s partner agencies are operated solely by dedicated volunteers, so this annual event gives these individuals the chance to learn about new ideas and best practices for running a nonprofit feeding program.
Representatives from our partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and senior feeding programs attended educational sessions on:
- Obama Care, the Affordable Care Act – How will it affect low-income families?
- Social media – How can nonprofits make the most of social networking platforms?
- The Farm Bill – How will it affect all Americans?
- Illinois and Missouri USDA Training – Topics included USDA food distribution and discrimination policies.
- SNAP Outreach and Advocacy – Ideas on ways to maximize participation in the food stamp program.
- Retail Pickup Program – Guidelines for accepting food donated by retailers.
- Raising Food and Funds – Information on best practices in food and fundraising.
Former Missouri Senator Joan Bray addressed the group just before lunch, presenting a keynote speech on the state of government in Missouri, and anticipated changes in nonprofit laws.
Jim Braun, partner with EMD Consulting Group, gave a compelling talk about the importance of investing in succession planning to ensure that nonprofits continue to thrive even during changes in management.
Chef David Frattini, chef instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in St. Louis, performed a cooking demonstration of a meal that was both healthy and affordable. Using many foods commonly donated to the Foodbank, Frattini prepared a minestrone soup.
To learn more the sessions offered to agencies yesterday, please view the following presentations.
S.N.A.P. Outreach Illinois
S.N.A.P. Outreach Missouri
Foods and Funds
USDA Training Illinois
Farm Bill and SNAP
Succession Planning
TEFAP Civil Rights
Retail Store Donation Program
Socially Necessary
Setting Up Your Agency’s Facebook Page
Federal Health Reform 2013
