Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-School Nutrition Team is excited to announce the first wellness and farm to school summit. Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit is a two-day event that will provide innovative strategies to promote student health and knowledge of local food systems through educator engagement, policy implementation, and partnership opportunities.
August 5-6
Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells
Registration will close June 30, 2025.
Online registration is required and onsite registration is not an option.
Registration is $35 for one day or $45 for two days. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
REGISTER NOW!
Participants are able to reserve overnight accommodations at Chula Vista for Monday, August 4, 2025, and Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the state rate of $98 for single occupancy. State rates are available only until July 7, 2025. Contact Chula Vista at (866) 235-6036 and reference booking ID #K57496 DPI Farm to School.
Keynote Address Day One
Growing Change: The Bright Future of Farm to School in Wisconsin
Join us for an inspiring and energizing session with Chef Ann Cooper, founder of the Chef Ann Foundation! With over 45 years of culinary experience, including 20 years in school food programs, Chef Ann is a true advocate for improving school meals. In 2009, she established the Chef Ann Foundation, focused on ensuring every child has access to fresh, healthy food every day.
As a passionate supporter of sustainability and local farming, Chef Ann will share innovative ideas for expanding Farm to School programs, along with strategies for tackling common challenges such as funding, staffing shortages, sustainability, and securing support from administrators and the community. She will also highlight success stories from schools and states across the country, leaving you motivated and equipped to advance Farm to School initiatives in your own community.
Keynote Address Day Two
Creating a Culture of Wellness
Creating a culture of wellness in schools involves many factors, including what’s served on the lunch tray. Join Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary and Wellness Services for Minneapolis Public Schools, as he discusses the powerful connection between real food, student health, and school wellness. Bertrand will discuss benefits and strategies for preparing meals for scratch that lead to better food quality and improved nutrition. He will explore ideas to integrate local, seasonal products into the school menu helping to reconnect our youth with where their food comes from. Attendees will leave inspired with tangible strategies to improve overall school wellness and support student health through food.
Browse all of the conference offerings and check out more about the presenters, venue, and schedule on the Cultivating Connections conference website.
This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.