Y


Here's  a webinar series you may be interested in for a minority group you may not have thought that much about . . .Registration links are included below:

You are Invited to a Four-Part Webinar Series!

Keeping the Tradition (traditional foods that is!) Alive: Community Food Systems in Native Communities
This spring, USDA’s Office of Community Food Systems<http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-school> will host a four-part webinar series focused on integrating farm to school strategies in native communities. Each webinar will feature a guest speaker who will share tips, stories, and best practices for keeping local food traditions alive in child nutrition programs that serve tribal populations.
Target Audience: State agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations, School Food Authorities, CACFP Sponsors, SFSP Sponsors

1.     What Does Farm to School Look Like in Native American Communities? April 6, 3:00 PM EDT
Description: This webinar will offer an overview of what community food systems may look like in tribal communities. Farm to school efforts help children make informed food choices and can support local agricultural producers. Mark Sorensen, co-founder of the Star School located in Arizona, will share tips, best practices, and innovative ideas for starting a farm to school program. Pam Kingfisher, National Farm to School Network Southwest Regional Lead-Tribal Cohort, will provide an overview about the work the National Farm to School Network has been doing in native communities.

To participate in the webinar April 6, 3:00 PM EDT, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=kzx5ylnczk3z

2.     Incorporating Traditional Foods in Child Nutrition Program Menus: April 20, 3:00 PM EDT



Description: Where do traditional foods fit?! In this webinar we'll discuss best practices for incorporating traditional foods into child nutrition programs. Jo Dawson with Alaska’s Department Education and Early Development will share how Alaskan communities are integrating local foods. Jenny Montague, a nutritionist with FNS, will share some real life examples of districts that are substituting local foods into CNP meals.

To participate in the webinar April 20, 3:00 PM EDT, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=urn89m7tmndb



3.     Engaging Students: May 4, 3:00 PM EDT



Description: Incorporating nutrition education related to traditional food items into cultural activities such as ceremonial songs and storytelling helps students to identify food as part of Native American heritage. This webinar will help you plan for farm to school educational efforts which engage students throughout the year. Gloria Begay, a Navajo Educator, will highlight school garden efforts and local foods activities in summer meals.



To participate in the webinar May 4, 3:00 PM EDT, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=oeyenqoio4l3



4.     Partnering for Success in Tribal Communities: May 20, 3:00 PM EDT
Description: Everything is better together, right?! In the final webinar in a series of four, we’ll hear from Jim Stone, the Executive Director of the Intertribal Buffalo Council, and Venice Mason, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will highlight successful partnerships they have cultivated in their communities. This webinar will identify strategies to engage local producers and community leaders in your farm to school efforts. This webinar will identify strategies to engage local producers and community leaders in your farm to school efforts.

To participate in the webinar May 20, 3:00 PM EDT, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=oeyenqoio4l3



---
Streaming audio will be available through your computer. If you have technical issues logging onto the webinar tool, call 1-800-843-9166 for technical assistance. You may also Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or visit the Web: Conferencing Support<http://www.readytalk.com/support>.
If you are unable to attend the live webinar, there will be a recording of the webinar available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/videos-and-webinars approximately one week after the completion of each webinar.

Stephanie
Stephanie Cooks, MA, RD
Nutritionist
USDA/FNS/FDD
Nutrition Services and Access Branch
703-305-2741