Dietetic Interns Host School Nutrition Conference

Employees of the food service department at Conway Public Schools are required to have 10 hours of continuing education training each year and their director, Mrs. Sharon Burgess, hosts an annual conference for her employees in order to meet these requirements. This year the conference was organized by the UCA Dietetic Interns and featured an exposition of new products and equipment. During the day and a half conference, the interns presented on a wide variety of topics including civil rights, food safety, farm-to-school, smart snacks, and social media. Employees were also able to practice knife cutting skills while they learned how to cut a watermelon. By managing everything from the catering to compiling a booklet with over 45 handouts, the interns developed professionally and gained valuable experience. With the guidance of Mrs. Burgess, Conway Public Schools are unveiling a number of new services this upcoming school year such as flavor stations (where children can add no salt added seasonings to their food) and the ability to order cold sandwiches online at the high school. The interns are very grateful for the opportunity to host this conference and are looking forward to the many great things Mrs. Burgess has in store.