About Our Chapter

2022 Diamond Award Winner

This past year, Minnesota ANFP focused on assisting members and facilities with understanding and implementing the foodservice and nutrition components of the new regulations for assisted living in their state. The regulations allowed the chapter to highlight the expertise of the CDM, CFPP and all they can bring to the table. It was also the perfect opportunity to position the CDM, CFPP as subject matter experts in the assisted living environment. The chapter provided a continuous stream of education, information, and updates to their members to ensure they were informed and knowledgeable of all the changes and could be used a resource when implementing these changes. 

Congratulations, Minnesota ANFP!  

2020 Diamond Award Winner

Minnesota ANFP’s Diamond initiative was titled “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future” which was a two-pronged approach that honored past members that paved the way for the successful chapter, while also embracing the future and preparing for the constant change that has and will take place in the industry.   

Throughout their 50-year history, Minnesota has continued to stay on trend and look for ways to ensure the chapter’s success for the future. In 2018, Minnesota started using the Whova app for their chapter meetings to help attendees get more out of their meeting experience. Also, in addition to their Facebook and LinkedIn pages, MN ANFP started a chapter Instagram account in 2019 to engage with younger members and students.  

While embracing technology has been at the forefront of MNs initiatives, education is key to their chapter’s success. The chapter is currently working towards implementing an ANFP approved program for certified dietary mangers at St. Paul College to launch sometime in 2020. Additionally, many chapter members are currently serving on other college advisory boards to provide input into their culinary and dietetics programs and advocate for the CDMs in their programs. The MN ANFP chapter is also working with Minnesota high schools and introducing the CDM and those career paths to high school seniors.  

MN ANFP has also been busy in the advocacy arena. They asked members to act and to reach out to CMS to comment in support of maintaining the CDM as the minimum requirement for Food & Nutrition departments in CMS regulated facilities. They are continuing their work with other care providers throughout the state to educate them on the importance of the CDM, CFPP as well.  

As they continue to bridge the past with the future, MN ANFP kicked off their 50th anniversary fall meeting with an Honors Gala which honored those that have dedicated their time to the chapter for many years. Honorees  included many past national chairs, board and committee members, award winners, as well as Sister Julien Dirkes, a 50 year member. Attendees of the anniversary meeting benefited from 3 days of speakers, ample opportunity to earn CEU’s, networking events, and a robust expo with many local, state, and national vendors. Session covered an array of relevant topics including strategies for embracing labor shortages, professional ethics and even a “turbo chef live” demonstration, as well as 4 hours in sanitation. 

MN ANFP members have also continued their efforts to give back to others, whether local or across the globe. At the fall anniversary meeting, members collected personal hygiene products that were donated to a near-by shelter for those in need. Members also volunteered for Feed My Starving Children (a non-profit organization that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food to people in developing nations) where members packed 58 boxes (12,528 meals) that will feed 34 kids for a year. 

MN vendors also helped with community service projects. Through their generous donations, MN ANFP was able to cook and feed 150+ hungry individuals that suffer from homelessness, drug/alcohol abuse or domestic abuse in the St. Cloud area.  

Through support and initiatives like Minnesota ANFP’s, their chapter has bridged the past with the future by continue their legacy of a strong and successful chapter that it is today, that started with a few hardworking individuals 50 years ago. Congratulations again to Minnesota ANFP! 

 

2014 Diamond Award Winner

This past June, the Minnesota chapter received the “chapter of the year” award in their home state!  The Diamond Award honors one state chapter per year that exemplifies dedicated and enthusiastic leadership.  There are 49 volunteer-led affiliates around the country, and Minnesota ANFP is the first ever to win twice!  

Minnesota’s leadership and passion is incredible.  The 2014 Diamond Award winner has demonstrated its commitment to improving the chapter through volunteering and membership initiatives.  Their best practice submission this year was the development of a chapter strategic plan to better serve members.  The committee went on a retreat to evaluate the chapter’s structure and align their own goals with the national organizations.  Through the team effort, this was the streamlining process they wanted to make sure improvements were made and everyone’s voice was heard.  With this chapter’s tradition of developing leaders, they recognize that their work is never done.  Everyone brings new ideas and a vision of growth for the chapter and its members.  Regular communication keeps everyone updated through an outstanding newsletter and regular emails, calls, and meetings.  It is always impressive to see what these great minds will come up with next to benefit the members.   

Congratulations to Minnesota ANFP for demonstrating excellence at the chapter level and going ‘above and beyond’ for their members.    

2011 Diamond Award Winner

The Minnesota chapter received the Diamond Award in 2011! Congratulations to Minnesota ANFP for demonstrating excellence at the chapter level and going ‘above and beyond’ for their members.