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Tuesday, June 23
 

7:00am MDT

Registration Check-In
Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Lobby

Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Lobby

7:15am MDT

First Timers Class
Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:15am - 7:45am MDT
Gardner A
ABSOLUTE MUST FOR FIRST TIMERS! Join past MTSNA President and Professional Development Chair, Patrice O’Loughlin, for a fun, engaging overview of the MTSNA Conference. Learn about critical classes, meet new friends and HAVE FUN! Enhance your professional image and add credibility to your position and your school’s program. This class will provide a career ladder you can use to advance in the field and stay current on job-related issues. It’s not as scary as you think! WE WILL SIT WITH YOU!!!
Speakers
PO

Patrice O'Loughlin

Past President; Website Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Patrice brings over forty years of experience in the wholesale, retail and school food industry to the school nutrition table. She is semi-retired and serves as a Peer Educator for Montana Team Nutrition. During her tenure as Hardin’s School Nutrition Director she established breakfast... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:15am - 7:45am MDT
Gardner A

8:00am MDT

Welcome & Organization Updates
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

Speakers
MM
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Missouri Conference Center
  General Session

9:10am MDT

Stretch Break - Led by Mountain Land Physical Therapy
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:10am - 9:25am MDT
Missouri Conference Center

Speakers
KM

Kenna Malcolm, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Physical Therapist, Mountain Land Physical Therapy
Kenna Malcom earned her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Florida in 2021. Kenna specializes in general outpatient physical therapy. As a past and current athlete, she is passionate about injury prevention and maintaining... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:10am - 9:25am MDT
Missouri Conference Center
  Break

9:25am MDT

Food As Medicine
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:25am - 10:45am MDT
Missouri Conference Center
“Food is Medicine” has become a really common phrase, but how seriously are we supposed to take this mantra? Join Luke and Linda Black Elk for a discussion about common “Edible medicinals” - plants that heal us as they nourish us. Participants will also have the opportunity to make their own all-indigenous spice blend to take home! 
Speakers
LB

Luke Black Elk

Farm Director, Hohwoju Otunwe
Luke and Linda Black Elk are food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant knowledge, gardening, food preservation, and foraging. They spend their time collecting and preparing traditional foods and medicines for Indigenous peoples and communities in North Dakota, South... Read More →
LB

Linda Black Elk

Education Director, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems
Luke and Linda Black Elk are food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant knowledge, gardening, food preservation, and foraging. They spend their time collecting and preparing traditional foods and medicines for Indigenous peoples and communities in North Dakota, South... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:25am - 10:45am MDT
Missouri Conference Center
  General Session

10:45am MDT

Break
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
  Break

11:00am MDT

Baker Boy - Whole Grain Baking Techniques
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Bitterroot
John Morgan will present different baking techniques using whole grain doughs. John has created multiple baking guidelines which will help walk our customers through the baking process. His 1-2-3 step process will help simplify the overall baking experience.
Speakers
JM

Johnny Morgan

Technical Baking Consiglieri, Baker Boy
John Morgan started his career in one of Baker Boy's first donut shops in Helena MT. After relocating to Dickinson ND - Baker Boy's main production headquarters, John became the first full time sales representative for Baker Boy. Now, 42 years later, John is back home in Elliston... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Bitterroot
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Bridging the Hunger Gap: BackPack & School Pantry
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner B
When school is out for the week, students who depend on school meals may face gaps in access to nutritious food. That’s where Montana Food Bank Network’s Child Nutrition Programs make a meaningful difference. Join us to learn more about the BackPack Program, designed to support elementary students, and the School Pantry Program, tailored for middle and high schools. 
Speakers
SD

Samantha Dennison

MFBN
Samantha was born and raised in the interior of Alaska. After living in Bellingham, WA for 15 years, Samantha moved to Missoula to explore Big Sky country with her family. Three years with MFBN has been her first opportunity to focus on child nutrition though has seen first-hand the... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner B
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Farm to School 101
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Parlor Room
If you've never heard of Farm to School or know very little about what it is, come join us. This F2S introduction will explain the basics and give examples of what you can do in your school.
Speakers
JS

Jay Stagg

President Elect; Farm to School Chair; Vendor Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Jay has a passion for teaching students where food comes from and procuring local items for schools, leading him to serve as Montana’s Farm to School Coordinator and Co-Director of the Montana Team Nutrition Program. Jay was previously a School Food Service Director and Farm to... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Parlor Room
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Free/Reduced Application Verification Process
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Bighorn
Learn the process of conducting required annual verification of free/reduced meal applications. Verification is the process to verify household income and check for direct certification. Walk away with the knowledge and resources available to ensure your district is accurately completing the annual verification process.
Speakers
AW

Alie Wolf

Data Analyst, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Alie is a Data Analyst at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs.  She works to improve program integrity and access to school meals.  She is a key member of the team that developed and continues to enhance the Direct Certification Application (DCA... Read More →
ET

Erin Turner

State Agency Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Erin is the School Nutrition Programs Assistant Director for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She is a Registered Nutrition & Dietetic Technician and graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelors of Science in Food & Nutrition. Prior to joining the OPI team in 2018, Erin... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Bighorn
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
Interested in bringing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to your school? Join the FFVP Manager for this informative session to learn about the application process and the essential steps for running a successful program. Bring a laptop and receive assistance with your FFVP application in MAPS.
Speakers
SD

Sydney Dickinson

Registered Dietitian, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Sydney is a Registered Dietitian at OPI as a School Nutrition Program Specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Dietetics Systems Leadership from Montana State University. Sydney has previously worked for organizations like Alternative Energy Resource Organization (AERO) and Abundant... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Healthy Pro - Smarter Menu Planning Made Easy
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner A
Join Health-e Pro and School Services of Montana for a practical look at how Health-e Pro’s Menu Planning and Production modules help save time, reduce costs, and support compliance. As a proud partner of Premier and US Foods, Health-e Pro offers menu planning software at no cost to members of the School Services of Montana Food Co-op. From Buy American documentation to sodium updates, ingredient changes, and new milk regulations, Health-e Pro gives you the tools and documentation you need to keep up with changing requirements.
Speakers
NG

Nora Gibbons

Engagement & Purchasing Coordinator, School Services of Montana
Nora is the Engagement and Purchasing Coordinator for School Services of Montana, as well as the Montana Afterschool Alliance. At SSoM, she leads the Cooperative Food Purchasing Program, supporting schools, early childhood programs, and other youth-serving organizations to access... Read More →
SH

Sharla Howerton

Health-e Pro
Before joining Health-e Pro in May 2025, Sharla spent nine years with a food service management company in Arkansas, where she supported school districts with menu planning, procurement, and administrative reviews. She played a key role in maintaining the company’s Health-e Pro... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner A
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Increase Efficiency & Quality with a Combi Oven
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner C
We will educate the audience about combi oven technology and how it can save time, increase productivity, improve quality and consistency and save money. 
Speakers
CH

Carron Harris

Carron has been in the foodservice industry for 30+ years and has a diverse chef background serving restaurants to colleges.
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Gardner C
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

Safety in the Kitchen is Always on the Menu
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Stillwater
Join Brenda and Annette as they discuss the hazards reported throughout the years and walk you through ways to prevent injury and maintain safety in our kitchens. 
Speakers
AS

Annette Satterly

Risk Manager, MSGIA
Annette is a Risk Manager for the MSGIA. Annette has been with MSGIA for 29 years. She has over 30 years experience in the safety and insurance world. She holds a BS and MS in Safety Engineering and Industrial Hygiene.

BK

Brenda Koch

Risk Manager, MSGIA
Brenda is a Risk Manager for the MSGIA. Brenda has been with the organization for 3 years. Brenda holds a Master of Education Degree and has over 28 years experience as a teacher and administrator in the MT K-12 Schools.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Stillwater
  Workshop

11:00am MDT

The Montana Menu Makeover: Built by You, Backed by Research
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Boulder
Ever find yourself thinking, “There has to be an easier way?” You’re not alone. Based on YOUR survey feedback, MT-PECH partnered with 10 Montana Dietetics Internship graduate students and their expert supervisors to design a practical, creative, and 2027-regulation-ready cycle menu for Montana schools. The result? A menu built to improve kitchen efficiency, lower food costs while still using more Montana foods, meet new sugar and sodium guidelines, all while keeping student favorites and your creativity front and center. Join us for the big reveal of the Montana Cyce Menu, along with taste tests of some brand-new Montana-grown food recipes. We’ll walk you through the survey results, explain why cycle menus matter when it comes to lowering your food costs, share key considerations for choosing your cycle length, show you exactly how we got here and demonstrate how you can still use your own creativity and include your own recipes. If you’ve been waiting for a smarter, simpler approach to menu planning and lowering your food costs — this is the session you don’t want to miss.
Speakers
RM
LE
MP
LL

Lisa Lee

Professional Development Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Lisa is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH). A dedicated leader in ending childhood hunger, she previously led Montana No Kid Hungry (2012–2023), securing over $3 million to expand school breakfast and summer meals statewide... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Boulder
  Workshop

12:00pm MDT

Lunch
Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Missouri Conference Center

Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Missouri Conference Center
  Break

1:00pm MDT

Expand Your Reach with Summer Non-Congregate Meals
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner B
Hear first-hand from first year sponsors on how they met the challenge to adopt non-congregate meals to feed more kiddos in their community along with other sponsors who explored the flexibilities of bulk distribution, home delivery and multi-day weekend boxes. 
Speakers
SD

Samantha Dennison

MFBN
Samantha was born and raised in the interior of Alaska. After living in Bellingham, WA for 15 years, Samantha moved to Missoula to explore Big Sky country with her family. Three years with MFBN has been her first opportunity to focus on child nutrition though has seen first-hand the... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner B
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

HACCP & Health Inspections
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Bighorn
Co-presented by OPI School Nutrition staff and DPHHS Public Health Sanitarian, Kira Flagstead. This session will outline what sanitarians look for during school kitchen inspections and how food service teams can best prepare. Drawing on her regulatory experience, and her personal connection to school nutrition through her mother’s longtime work as a school cafeteria manager, she offers practical guidance for maintaining safe, compliant operations. 
Speakers
RB

Ryan Beaudoin

Executive Chef & Culinary Educator
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management and an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is completing his Master of Science in Dietetics at the University of Vermont, with a concentration in School Nutrition, expected May 2026. Ryan... Read More →
KF

Kira Flagstead Dierickx

Public Health Sanitarian & Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services
Kira is a public health sanitarian and Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS/RS) with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. As an FDA Commissioned Inspection Officer and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI),she provides regulatory oversight... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Bighorn
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Indigenous-Foods Cooking Demonstration
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Stillwater
Join Chef Luke Black Elk (Lakota) for a hands-on, Indigenous-foods cooking demonstration. Luke will be utilizing common Indigenous ingredients to make a delicious, nutritious meal that may be sized-up for large groups, or sized-down for smaller families. If you've wanted to gather wild foods, learn traditional food preservation techniques, or learn to cook with bison, dried corn, or dried squash, and wild berries, this workshop is for you!
Speakers
LB

Luke Black Elk

Farm Director, Hohwoju Otunwe
Luke and Linda Black Elk are food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant knowledge, gardening, food preservation, and foraging. They spend their time collecting and preparing traditional foods and medicines for Indigenous peoples and communities in North Dakota, South... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Stillwater
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Knife Skills/Small Equipment
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner C
This workshop is designed to teach safe, efficient, and professional kitchen knife skills with a focus on safety, consistency, proper techniques, organization, and cleanliness.
Speakers
DF

Dirk Frickel

Food & Beverage Director, Hilands Golf Club
Dirk Frickel started his culinary journey, as many have, as a dishwasher at his family’s restaurant The Owl Café in Laurel, MT. After high school, Dirk continued to work at The Owl as a line cook. A few years later, he decided to further his career by seeking out further training... Read More →
KH

Kate Huston

Coordinator of the Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP), Montana Team Nutrition
Kate is the coordinator of the Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP) through Montana Team Nutrition.  Through PEEP, Kate supports and trains new School Food Service Directors in menu planning, culinary training, effective use of USDA foods and DOD Fresh foods, budgeting, and much... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner C
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Menu Planning Tools & Production Records
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
Let’s work together to perfect your menu to ensure it meets all meal pattern requirements. We will discuss ideas for creating a monthly menu, ways to evaluate it to ensure it meets the daily & weekly requirements, and tips for being more efficient when filling out daily production records. Part of this class will be hands-on, trying to get you prepared for your first month back at school. If possible, please bring a computer or copies of production records you prefer to use.
Speakers
RA

Rachel Ariaz

School Nutrition Program Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Rachael is a School Nutrition Program Specialist with the Office of Public Instruction. She graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Food & Nutrition. Rachel has worked a variety of jobs related to food, education, and social work. Some of her favorite opportunities... Read More →
VE

Valerie Evans

Registered Dietitian & Public Health Professional, MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program
Valerie is a Registered Dietitian and public health professional dedicated to supporting school nutrition and statewide wellness initiatives. She brings experience from MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program, with a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to support. Valerie previously... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

PERS Ready to Retire
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Boulder
PERS Ready to Retire provides a review of members' retirement plan and an opportunity to ask questions. The presentation is intended for all--early, mid, and late-careers employees.
Speakers
JT

Joel Thompson

Education Specialist, MPERA
Joel Thompson is in his 21st year as an Education Specialist for MPERA. During that time, he has provided education and outreach to members and employers across Montana. He was born and raised in Montana and attended schools in Billings and later, Conrad. He’s a graduate of the... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Boulder
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Sysco Montana Tour - Your Partner in Feeding America's Future - Own transportation required - 1509 Monad Road, Billings
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Off-Site - 1509 Monad Rd. Billings
Sysco Montana Welcomes You: Menu ideas and live action station in our Test Kitchen with Corporate Chef, Warehouse Tours & Mini Broker Fair
Speakers
MW
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Off-Site - 1509 Monad Rd. Billings
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Understanding & Stretching Your Budget
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner A
This course is perfect for anyone who feels unsure when it comes to their food service fund budget and wants to do a deep dive on the basics. Many people forget that our food service programs are a business and this class will equip you to succeed. We will cover basic revenue and expenditure percentages and explore how to price your meals and a la carte items accordingly. If you want to enter the new school year with the tools to effectively manage your school food service fund, this is the class for you!
Speakers
JS

Jay Stagg

President Elect; Farm to School Chair; Vendor Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Jay has a passion for teaching students where food comes from and procuring local items for schools, leading him to serve as Montana’s Farm to School Coordinator and Co-Director of the Montana Team Nutrition Program. Jay was previously a School Food Service Director and Farm to... Read More →
LH

Laurie Hopper

Newsletter Editor; Awards Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Laurie has been in food service for over 40 years.  I started my food service career by working in the food service department at Billings Senior High School while I was still in school.  I have managed numerous restaurants and bakery/delis.  I have been the food service director... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gardner A
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

US Foods Tour - From Warehouse to Tray: Inside School Nutrition Operations - Own transportation required - 802 Parkway Lane, Billings
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Off-Site - 802 Parkway Ln. Billings
Go behind the scenes with an exclusive tour of the US Foods distribution center to see how products move from supplier to school kitchens. This interactive session also features a live scratch cooking demonstration with practical tips for efficiency and student appeal. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, explore real-world practices, and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen their programs from procurement through production.
Speakers
NG

Nora Gibbons

Engagement & Purchasing Coordinator, School Services of Montana
Nora is the Engagement and Purchasing Coordinator for School Services of Montana, as well as the Montana Afterschool Alliance. At SSoM, she leads the Cooperative Food Purchasing Program, supporting schools, early childhood programs, and other youth-serving organizations to access... Read More →
CE

Casey Erb

Food Fanatic Chef, US Foods
Casey has over 20 years of experience working in restaurants, hospitality, and consultation services. He joined FSA in 2018 shortly before being acquired by US Foods in 2019. He’s filled the Food Fanatic Chef roll since January of 2020.406.371.0037 / [email protected]


... Read More →
TG
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Off-Site - 802 Parkway Ln. Billings
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Cooking with Commodities Culinary Workshop - Pre-registration Required
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Off-Site
Stuck for an idea on how to use your commodities? Wondering how commodities work? Looking for easy standardized recipes that your kiddos will love? Come take this awesome class! Recipes will be provided along with meal pattern updates.
Speakers
EB

Erin Benson

Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Erin is the Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she oversees the ordering and delivery of USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh to sponsors of the National School Lunch Program.  Prior to coming to OPI, she worked in... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Off-Site
  Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Farm 2 School Tour - Repeat - Pre-registration Required
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Off-Site - Bus provided
Meet bus outside the hotel at 1:00 sharp. Travel to Drange Apiary and Oswald Farms.
Speakers
KC

Kylie Cassidy

Administrative Coordinator, Team Nutrition
Kylie Cassidy joined Team Nutrition in November 2022 as the Administrative Coordinator. Off the clock, she trades spreadsheets for soil as an organic seed farmer and loves exploring the wide‑open beauty of Montana with her husband and busy toddler.
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Off-Site - Bus provided
  Workshop

3:00pm MDT

Break
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:00pm - 3:10pm MDT

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:00pm - 3:10pm MDT
  Break

3:10pm MDT

Administrative Reviews - SNP Checklist
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) which is a preventive food safety program designed to control food safety hazards as food flows through a food service operation from receiving to serving. School districts are required to have a written School Food Safety/HACCP Plan. This session will provide a template and instruction for developing your School Food Safety Program including standard operating procedures for employees to follow and provide guidance on record documentation and monitoring.
Speakers
SD

Sydney Dickinson

Registered Dietitian, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Sydney is a Registered Dietitian at OPI as a School Nutrition Program Specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Dietetics Systems Leadership from Montana State University. Sydney has previously worked for organizations like Alternative Energy Resource Organization (AERO) and Abundant... Read More →
RB

Ryan Beaudoin

Executive Chef & Culinary Educator
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management and an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is completing his Master of Science in Dietetics at the University of Vermont, with a concentration in School Nutrition, expected May 2026. Ryan... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Yellowstone
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

Fermented Garden Fare & Other Preservation Techniques
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner A
In this workshop we'll run through the benefits of making/eating fermented/pickled veggies then go through the process of making a few items (ex: sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles) and have a taste testing/recipe share at the end. 
Speakers
DB

Dawn Bauer

Dawn currently manages the front end of the elementary school and also has created a school garden and pantry. Our garden teaches STEaM lessons, pollinating facts and allows kids who have never been exposed to growing their own foods a chance to experiment and eat what they grow... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner A
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

Harvest of the Month with MT Farmers Union
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Stillwater
Introduction to the resources available from Montana Farmers Union including the Harvest of the Month classroom materials, Community Grants, and Local Food Sources. We will work through one or more of the HOM lessons to demonstrate how they can be used.
Speakers
JK

Jodi Koterba

Education Director & Ambassador, Montana Farmers Union
Jodi is the Education Director and an Ambassador for Montana Farmers Union. She develops curriculum, workshops, articles, and the Lunch & Learn Podcast to educate the public in and about agriculture. She has retired after 29.5 years of teaching high school agriculture and advising... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Stillwater
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

How to Process Free/Reduced Meal Applications
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner B
Learn & practice how to process free/reduced applications, how to check for direct certification and ensure that students are receiving correct meal benefits. Walk away with the knowledge and resources available to help ensure that students receive free or reduced meal benefits starting with checking direct certification, processing free/reduced applications, conducting verification, and ensuring that your Point of Service is accurately updated with each student's determined meal benefit status.
Speakers
BD

Bitsey Draur

Information Technology (IT) Program Manager for the School Nutrition Programs, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Bitsey is the Information Technology (IT) Program Manager for the School Nutrition Programs for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, contracted from Peraton. Bitsey manages all things IT for the School Nutrition Programs, including the LINQ products MAPS, SFSP Meal Counter, Data Analytics... Read More →
AW

Alie Wolf

Data Analyst, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Alie is a Data Analyst at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs.  She works to improve program integrity and access to school meals.  She is a key member of the team that developed and continues to enhance the Direct Certification Application (DCA... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner B
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

Knife Skills/Small Equipment - Repeat
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner C
This workshop is designed to teach safe, efficient, and professional kitchen knife skills with a focus on safety, consistency, proper techniques, organization, and cleanliness.
Speakers
DF

Dirk Frickel

Food & Beverage Director, Hilands Golf Club
Dirk Frickel started his culinary journey, as many have, as a dishwasher at his family’s restaurant The Owl Café in Laurel, MT. After high school, Dirk continued to work at The Owl as a line cook. A few years later, he decided to further his career by seeking out further training... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Gardner C
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

Procurement with Confidence: Contracts, Costs & Smart Strategies for Cost-Effective Menus
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Boulder
Take the guesswork out of procurement. This hands-on workshop will equip you with clear, actionable strategies to strengthen your contract negotiations, confidently compare pricing, and determine the most effective procurement methods based on purchase amounts. Designed for real-world application, this session will help you protect your program’s resources while maximizing value and compliance. Walk away informed, prepared, and ready to make smarter purchasing decisions.
Speakers
KM

KayAnn Miller

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH)
KayAnn is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH). Formerly with Montana No Kid Hungry, she has advanced Indigenous food systems, Indigenizing school pantries and bringing Indigenous foods to MSU dining. With a background in... Read More →
LL

Lisa Lee

Professional Development Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Lisa is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH). A dedicated leader in ending childhood hunger, she previously led Montana No Kid Hungry (2012–2023), securing over $3 million to expand school breakfast and summer meals statewide... Read More →
EB

Erin Benson

Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Erin is the Food Distribution Manager for School Nutrition Programs at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she oversees the ordering and delivery of USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh to sponsors of the National School Lunch Program.  Prior to coming to OPI, she worked in... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Boulder
  Workshop

3:10pm MDT

Summer Food Service Program & Reviews
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Bighorn
Join us for a deep dive into the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Whether you’re new to the program, thinking about starting one, or looking to strengthen your current operations, this session will walk you through the essentials of a successful SFSP program. We will cover topics from eligibility and meal patterns to service models and documentation requirements. We’ll explore the rural non-congregate flexibilities including multi-day distribution, home delivery, and hybrid models. And because nobody likes surprises during review season, we’ll touch on how summer reviews work, what you need to be prepared, and the most common findings with strategies to avoid them!
Speakers
ET

Erin Turner

State Agency Chair, Montana School Nutrition Association
Erin is the School Nutrition Programs Assistant Director for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She is a Registered Nutrition & Dietetic Technician and graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelors of Science in Food & Nutrition. Prior to joining the OPI team in 2018, Erin... Read More →
SK

Sarah Kuhn

Registered Dietitian - Summer Food Service Program Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Sarah is a Registered Dietitian joining the OPI team as the Summer Food Service Program Specialist. She received her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Dakota and has 20  years of experience as a Dietitian in several sectors such as clinical nutrition, wellness... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:10pm - 5:00pm MDT
Bighorn
  Workshop

5:30pm MDT

Banquet - Live Entertainment, Bingo, Awards & 50/50
Tuesday June 23, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm MDT
Missouri Conference Center
Please join us for the 2026 Annual Banquet
Presenting: Helene Rose
Followed by Basket Auction/ Silent Auction Followed by BINGO Games throughout the night!!

Join us for the reveal of prizes and fun!
Wednesday June 23rd, 2026 Starting at 5:30 50/50 Game to be held.
Have some Fun and Win!
BINGO $5.00 for 1 card
OR
BINGO $20.00 for 5 cards
**
Debit / Cash only for BINGO
Games**
All Proceeds benefit the MTSNA Scholarships fund.


Speakers
HR
2026 Retro Banquet Flyer png
Holiday Extravaganza Auction Donation and Description Sheet (6) pdf
What’s Cooking Fellow Lunch Peeps (2) pdf
Tuesday June 23, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm MDT
Missouri Conference Center
  Banquet
 

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Monday, June 22
Tuesday, June 23
Wednesday, June 24
Bighorn
Bitterroot
Boulder
Gardner A
Gardner B
Gardner C
Lobby
Missouri Conference Center
Off-Site
Off-Site - 1509 Monad Rd. Billings
Off-Site - 802 Parkway Ln. Billings
Off-Site - Bus provided
Parlor Room
Stillwater
Yellowstone
  • 4 hour breakout session
  • 8 hour breakout session
  • Banquet
  • Break
  • General Session
  • Vendor Show
  • Workshop