This past October Student Nutrition Ontario held the 2024 Vision Conference: Past, Present and Future. This annual conference allows staff, stakeholders, and partners from across the province to come together to discuss best practices, network, share resources and receive valuable training. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone in the field of student nutrition, not only for the new learnings but to inspire and reenergize all who attend.
Ziyaad Vhed, Director, Child Development and Specialized Services Branch kicked off the conference, followed by first day keynote speaker Fahad Alhattab who led everyone through an inspirational speech and mindful workshop showing what we truly have influence over. The afternoon of the first day Erin Moraghan led a panel of industry professionals sharing their insights into student nutrition programs. The day ended with a speed networking activity allowing everyone to meet and mingle with others from across the province.
The second day of the conference opened with a moving speech from Scott Helps, Chair of Egg Farmers of Ontario, who graciously sponsored breakfast that day. The morning keynote was Shiyen Shu’s presentation on leading through change and building relationships that matter. For late morning and afternoon, conference participants chose to attend two of four workshops on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainable food systems, procurement information panel, and food and weight neutral language and practices delivered in French. The conference ended on a high note with a video message from MP Iqra Khalid.
Co-Chairs and Manager of SNO with our Colleagues at MCCSS.
A big thank you to our sponsors who provided meals throughout the conference. MealSOURCE of Mohawk Medbuy provided breakfast on the first day, while lunch was provided by Avron. The second day opened with breakfast provided by Egg Farmers of Ontario. Thanks to all their generous support this allowed agencies to potentially send more employees as they knew meal costs were covered