ADE Summit 2026

School and district leaders balance competing priorities every day—often relying on child nutrition teams to keep students fed, focused, and ready to learn without adding to operational strain. This session highlights how strategic support for child nutrition programs can strengthen both student outcomes and district success.

Participants will learn how UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation (ICHI) has partnered with schools to enhance nutrition services through staff training, healthier food purchasing, student engagement, and operational guidance. We will also explore emerging opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation Grant, including expanded, no-cost support designed to build staff confidence, improve program sustainability, and navigate evolving requirements.

Attendees will gain insight into common challenges facing child nutrition programs, lessons learned from successful implementations, and practical resources—such as the UAMS CHEFS Toolkit—that can be used immediately in their districts. District leaders will also have the opportunity to consider future partnerships that support the whole child—academically, physically, and emotionally.