2025 Call for Volunteers

Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard, make a real impact and give back. ANFP’s Call for Volunteers will close on February 1. We have a range opportunities available for all members including those that are new to volunteering as well as more seasoned volunteers. To learn about the volunteer positions available, qualifications, benefits of volunteering or to apply, please click here.

2025 NAFEM Show – Complimentary Attendance Opportunity

The NAFEM Show is taking place February 26-28, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and NAFEM has generously offered complimentary registration for ANFP operator members for this event. If you wish to attend, please use the discount code 25ANFP when registering, which will be calculated on check-out as complimentary. This is good for anyone in the ANFP operator community wishing to attend, and there’s no expiration date – it’s good through February 28, 2025. For more information or to register, click here. 

Additionally, for those who have not attended the show before, NAFEM offers a Hosted Operator Program that provides financial support to attend.
 
They generously provide:

• Travel stipend
• Four nights lodging
• Tickets to the specialty events (the Tuesday Kick-off Party and the Thursday NAFEM Party with headline entertainment)
• All-day VIP lounge with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, connectivity, quiet space, etc.

If you would like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, please click here.

Once you have completed the application, the Hosted Buyer Program Concierge will contact you to assist in making your arrangements. A limited number of opportunities are available, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are a first-time attendee. Feel free to share these opportunities with your members as well. 

The deadline for the second rebate installment is January 15^th. The following items should be submitted by this date to receive the next installment.

• Submit financial reporting template to ANFP Headquarters (June - December)
• Bi-Annual Chapter Rebate Achievement Report - Part 2

Both templates are available in the chapter portal. Once completed, please upload via the chapter portal.

Also, if you have not submitted your chapter’s policies and procedures (please see below) or the final closing bank statements from your previous accounts, please do so as soon as possible. Documents can be submitted to chapters@ANFPonline.org.

Chapter Policies & Procedures
The new policies and procedures should be adopted and implemented, effective immediately. All previous versions of the chapter’s policies and procedures are no longer valid. 

Next, Chapters will need to complete the following:

• Under Policy 1 (page 8), select slate or ballot voting process. 
• If a chapter selects slate, they will also need to adopt the Leadership Development Committee listed in the addendum.
• Ensure their state is listed/named/added where necessary throughout. Please enter your state’s initials where you see ‘State’ or a blank space __. For example: 
  • Any member may submit new or old business to the (State)/___ ANFP Board for consideration by the attending members at the Annual Business Meeting of Members.
• Review the addendum starting on page 27 and decide what policies and procedures your chapter will opt into/adopt. Check all that apply. 
• Once the above steps are completed, please submit a copy via the chapter portal by November 1. 

 If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Once chapters have selected the policies that are applicable to their chapter, we ask that you please submit a copy to National via the chapter portal by November 1.

PAC Donations – New Way to Donate!

ANFP PAC is now taking donations via the new online platform. Members of ANFP will need to click on the following page and use the donate button or ANFP can provide a QR code for your chapter meetings.

The online form will collect all the required information needed for FEC reporting as donation forms are no longer needed. This will eliminate the responsibility of chapter volunteers from collecting forms, cash and checks, and mailing them to us. 

The updated PAC donation policy can be found here.

Poverty in Awareness Month (January 1-31) – Learn more about poverty in America and ways to increase awareness in your chapter with this toolkit.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 20) - Learn more about Dr. King and ways you can honor his legacy within your chapter.

2025 NAFEM Show – Complimentary Attendance Opportunity

The NAFEM Show is taking place February 26-28, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and NAFEM has generously offered complimentary registration for ANFP operator members for this event. If you wish to attend, please use the discount code 25ANFP when registering, which will be calculated on check-out as complimentary. This is good for anyone in the ANFP operator community wishing to attend, and there’s no expiration date – it’s good through February 28, 2025. For more information or to register, click here. 

Additionally, for those who have not attended the show before, NAFEM offers a Hosted Operator Program that provides financial support to attend.
 
They generously provide:

• Travel stipend
• Four nights lodging
• Tickets to the specialty events (the Tuesday Kick-off Party and the Thursday NAFEM Party with headline entertainment)
• All-day VIP lounge with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, connectivity, quiet space, etc.

If you would like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, please click here.

Once you have completed the application, the Hosted Buyer Program Concierge will contact you to assist in making your arrangements. A limited number of opportunities are available, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are a first-time attendee. Feel free to share these opportunities with your members as well. 

Chapter Policies & Procedures

A new set of chapter policies and procedures was introduced in July 2024 following the approval of the ANFP National Board of Directors in June 2024. The new set of policies and procedures will benefit the chapter, its volunteer leaders, as well as members. 

Next Steps
The new policies and procedures should be adopted and implemented, effective immediately. All previous versions of the chapter’s policies and procedures are no longer valid. 

Next, Chapters will need to complete the following:

• Under Policy 1 (page 8), select slate or ballot voting process. 
• If a chapter selects slate, they will also need to adopt the Leadership Development Committee listed in the addendum.
• Ensure their state is listed/named/added where necessary throughout. Please enter your state’s initials where you see ‘State’ or a blank space __. For example: 
  • Any member may submit new or old business to the (State)/___ ANFP Board for consideration by the attending members at the Annual Business Meeting of Members.
• Review the addendum starting on page 27 and decide what policies and procedures your chapter will opt into/adopt. Check all that apply. 
• Once the above steps are completed, please submit a copy via the chapter portal by November 1. 

 If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Once chapters have selected the policies that are applicable to their chapter, we ask that you please submit a copy to National via the chapter portal by November 1.

PAC Donations – New Way to Donate!

ANFP PAC is now taking donations via the new online platform. Members of ANFP will need to click on the following page and use the donate button or ANFP can provide a QR code for your chapter meetings. 

The online form will collect all the required information needed for FEC reporting as donation forms are no longer needed. This will eliminate the responsibility of chapter volunteers from collecting forms, cash and checks, and mailing them to us.  

The updated PAC donation policy can be found here.

ANFP is celebrating and recognizing holidays/observances and month-long celebrations throughout the year. To learn more about these observances, please visit our Facebook page, DEI webpage, and check out eNews, which will include links to our toolkits and other resources, as well as other significant holidays. This month ANFP proudly recognizes:

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 25: Christmas
December 25: Hanukkah
December 26: Kwanzaa

ANFP Mobile App Demo

ANFP’s new mobile app was launched recently. To learn more about it and to download it, click here. We also hosted a webinar that demonstrated the functionality of the app. To view this webinar, click here. 

Reminders & Other Announcements

Celebrating National CDM, CFPP Day of the Year

National CDM, CFPP Day of the Year is held on November 28 and is a celebration of the impact that Certified Dietary Managers, Certified Food Protection Professionals have made in the foodservice management profession. ANFP began celebrating this day in 2023 as a way to recognize the date that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented regulatory language that includes the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian in long-term care settings. Learn more about this day here. 

2025 NAFEM Show – Complimentary Attendance Opportunity

The NAFEM Show is taking place February 26-28, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and NAFEM has generously offered complimentary registration for ANFP operator members for this event. If you wish to attend, please use the discount code 25ANFP when registering, which will be calculated on check-out as complimentary. This is good for anyone in the ANFP operator community wishing to attend, and there’s no expiration date – it’s good through Feb. 28, 2025. For more information or to register, click here. 

Additionally, for those who have not attended the show before, NAFEM offers a Hosted Operator Program that provides financial support to attend.
 
They generously provide:

• Travel stipend
• Four nights lodging
• Tickets to the specialty events (the Tuesday Kick-off Party and the Thursday NAFEM Party with headline entertainment)
• All-day VIP lounge with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, connectivity, quiet space, etc.

If you would like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, please click here.

Once you have completed the application, the Hosted Buyer Program Concierge will contact you to assist in making your arrangements. A limited number of opportunities are available, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are a first-time attendee. Feel free to share these opportunities with your members as well. 

Chapter Policies & Procedures

A new set of chapter policies and procedures was introduced in July 2024 following the approval of ANFP National Board of Directors in June 2024. The new set of policies and procedures will benefit the chapter, its volunteer leaders, as well as members. 

Next Steps

The new policies and procedures should be adopted and implemented, effective immediately. All previous versions of the chapter’s policies and procedures are no longer valid. 

Next, Chapters will need to complete the following:

• Under Policy 1 (page 8), select slate or ballot voting process.

• If a chapter selects slate, they will also need to adopt the Leadership Development Committee listed in the addendum.

• Ensure their state is listed/named/added where necessary throughout. Please enter your state’s initials where you see ‘State’ or a blank space __. For example: 
  • Any member may submit new or old business to the (State)/___ ANFP Board for consideration by the attending members at the Annual Business Meeting of Members.
• Review the addendum starting on page 27 and decide what policies and procedures your chapter will opt into/adopt. Check all that apply.

• Once the above steps are completed, please submit a copy via the chapter portal by November 1. 

If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

Once chapters have selected the policies that are applicable to their chapter, we ask that you please submit a copy to National via the chapter portal by November 1.

This month we are honoring Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP of the Illinois (IL) ANFP Chapter.

Preeti began her volunteer career in 2021 as the chapter treasurer for the IL ANFP Chapter and continued for the next three years in this role. She is currently serving as the chapter president-elect. Her volunteer experience also extends to serving as a Hindi Language Teacher for the Chinmaya Mission Chicago for two years.

In her role as president-elect with the chapter, Preeti has made a lasting impact on the members as well as the chapter’s finances. She has ensured financial health of the chapter by keeping detailed records of the chapter’s finances which helped maintain stability and transparency, and implemented strategies to reduce spending, enabling the chapter to fund critical initiatives and events and maximize member benefits and chapter growth.

Through her meticulous financial management and improving the health of the chapter, Preeti has built trust and accountability with the IL ANFP members. Her attention to detail and commitment to transparency have strengthened the trust among board members and the broader chapter, enhancing the chapter’s overall reputation.

She has also had the opportunity to guide the chapter’s direction, implementing new ideas and initiatives that align with the evolving needs of members. Through her volunteer experience thus far she has been able to focus on increasing membership participation, fostering a sense of community, and developing programs that enhance professional growth. In her current position, she also plans to explore innovative approaches, such as new educational programs, partnerships, and networking opportunities for the chapter.

Preeti has her sights set on expanding the chapter's membership base by attracting a more diverse range of professionals, including younger members and those from different backgrounds, which can foster new perspectives and ideas. Acting as a mentor she’ll draw on her leadership experience to cultivate future leaders and inspire fellow members within the chapter as well.

Preeti plans to leverage technology to streamline chapter operations, such as virtual events, online networking, and digital resources, which could help increase member engagement and accessibility. She would also like to see the chapter increase the number and variety of educational programs, and leadership training opportunities that would help members stay current with industry trends and advance their careers.

Preeti also plans to develop partnerships with other healthcare and foodservice organizations to promote joint initiatives and broaden the networking opportunities for members. She also intends to strengthen advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels to raise awareness about how the critical role of nutrition and foodservice professionals in healthcare could enhance the profession’s visibility.

She sees these changes as a way to ensure the chapter remains relevant, innovative, and supportive of its members' growth while contributing to the overall mission of ANFP.

Thank you, Preeti for all you do for the IL ANFP Chapter! We are grateful for your dedication, passion, and hard work. Without volunteers like you, we would not be able to enhance the member experience and achieve our goals. Thank you!

We would like to feature you as our next Volunteer of the Month. To nominate yourself (or another volunteer) please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.

ANFP Mobile App Demo

ANFP’s new mobile app was launched recently. To learn more about it and to download it, click here. We also hosted a webinar that demonstrated the functionality of the app. To view this webinar, click here. 

Celebrating National CDM, CFPP Day of the Year

National CDM, CFPP Day of the Year is held on November 28 and is a celebration of the impact that Certified Dietary Managers, Certified Food Protection Professionals have made in the foodservice management profession. ANFP began celebrating this day in 2023 as a way to recognize the date that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented regulatory language that includes the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian in long-term care settings. Learn more about this day here. 

2025 NAFEM Show – Complimentary Attendance Opportunity

The NAFEM Show is taking place February 26-28, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and NAFEM has generously offered complimentary registration for ANFP operator members for this event. If you wish to attend, please use the discount code 25ANFP when registering, which will be calculated on check-out as complimentary. This is good for anyone in the ANFP operator community wishing to attend, and there’s no expiration date – it’s good through Feb. 28, 2025. For more information or to register, click here. 

Additionally, for those who have not attended the show before, NAFEM offers a Hosted Operator Program that provides financial support to attend.
 
They generously provide:

• Travel stipend
• Four nights lodging
• Tickets to the specialty events (the Tuesday Kick-off Party and the Thursday NAFEM Party with headline entertainment)
• All-day VIP lounge with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, connectivity, quiet space, etc.

If you would like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, please click here.

Once you have completed the application, the Hosted Buyer Program Concierge will contact you to assist in making your arrangements. A limited number of opportunities are available, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are a first-time attendee. Feel free to share these opportunities with your members as well. 

Submit Chapter Account Closing Statements/Documents by September 30 - PAST DUE

All chapters have an active Crowded account at this time. If you have not done so already, you will need to transfer your previous account(s) balance to the Crowded account as soon as possible. To transfer your previous account balance into the Crowded account, please click here to follow the instructions.

Following the transfer or if you have done so already, all chapters will need to provide account closure documents. Depending on your bank, you may have been provided with a closing statement that shows the transfers of funds and the zero balance for each account. You may have also been provided with documentation stating the account(s) has been closed. If you have these documents, please send them to finance@ANFPonline.org as soon as possible.

For those chapters that have not yet closed the account or have not been provided with this documentation, we ask that you please request this from your bank. The closing statement and document should include:

• The final balance prior to transferring the funds and the zero balance
• Confirmation the account has been closed
• Date account was closed

We are on the verge of a busy fall season with many chapter meetings taking place. Chapter leaders have spent the last few months planning, prepping, and promoting their meetings. We know firsthand the time, effort, and dedication that goes into these events (and we are very appreciative!). To provide additional support for our chapter leaders, ANFP is happy to offer Marketing Services that will help ease the burden of creating marketing materials and collateral for your next chapter meeting. In addition to meeting marketing materials, there are other services available upon request.

Promotional Fliers – If you’re looking to grab the attention of prospective attendees or members at your next healthcare show or career day at the local community college, request a promotional flier from our marketing team to help get you started with a template that can be edited to fit your needs.

PowerPoint & Newsletter Templates – If you’re looking for a change in your chapter newsletter format/design, or perhaps need a PowerPoint template for your next meeting, the ANFP marketing team has created templates for both, which chapters can choose from and can edit if they so desire or use as is.

Merchandise Giveaway Request – Chapters that wish to produce merchandise as giveaways (merchandise cannot be sold per the affiliate agreement) can request assistance with the logos/images they’d like printed on the merchandise. Marketing can help with the sizing and color and ensure the branding standards are met for production.

Other Services – In addition to the above services, we can also provide assistance with surveys (membership satisfaction and volunteer recruitment) and other graphics/images for pull-up banners and social media profiles/banners.

Bonus: Chapter leaders may also wish to create their own marketing and promotional materials and can do so with the suggested tools included in Tools to Help Manage You Chapter.

(Please note, Marketing Services may deny the request dependent on the scope of the project and time required to complete the request.)

To learn more about the required information necessary to complete the request, and complete the form for a marketing service, please click here.

This month we are honoring Tammie Shroll, CDM, CFPP of the Oklahoma (OK) ANFP Chapter.

Tammie joined ANFP in 1997 and started her volunteer career in 2016 as the chapter treasurer-elect. Following her terms as treasurer-elect and treasurer, she moved into the role of president-elect, then president, where she has served for two years. She is currently serving as the immediate past president as well as a member on the Chapter Leadership Team.

In addition to her volunteer roles with OK ANFP, Tammie has also served as the volunteer food coordinator with the Oklahoma Sooners Homeless Veterans Stand Down for 18 years, and the Lawton Fort Sill Homeless Veterans Stand Down for the last nine years, where she also served on the peer review group that inspected facility kitchens. She also served as the chairperson of a nonprofit organization, “Home at Last” that repairs homes for our country’s veterans and their families.

Having held various positions with the chapter for several years, the OK ANFP members have gotten to know Tammie well, and often come to her with their questions and concerns. She is a consistent resource to the membership and is viewed as a trusted advisor to board members.

Looking ahead, Tammie would like to see more engagement from the membership and more members getting involved as volunteers to continue to grow and build a better chapter.  

Tammie, thank you for your steadfast dedication and time you have devoted to the chapter and its members! Volunteers like you are why our chapters are one of the great benefits of an ANFP membership. Thank you!

We would like to feature you as our next Volunteer of the Month. To nominate yourself (or another volunteer) please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.