ICN’s Applied Research Division (ARD) conducts research and develops resources to assist child nutrition professionals in the successful operation of their programs. In the first quarter, ARD staff provided learning sessions, webinars, and presentations for several events.

1. Dr. Keith Rushing presented a learning session: Essential Key Performance Indicators for School Nutrition Success at TASBO’s 2018 Annual Conference, Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
2. Dr. Kristi Lewis presented a webinar series in collaboration with research consultants who participated in the data collection and analysis of each project.
The webinar session titles included the following:
a. Got Milk! Students’ Perceptions and Behaviors Impact their Milk Selection in Schools. This was in collaboration with Carol Longley, PhD, RD, LD from Western Illinois University.
b. Assessing Nutrition and Wellness Components in Child Care Centers Participating in the CACFP. This was in collaboration with Carol Longley, PhD, RD, LD from Western Illinois University.
c. Innovative Marketing Strategies and Delivery Methods Used in Effective Summer Food Service Programs.
This was in collaboration with Sonya Irish Hauser, PhD and Eileen Fitzpatrick, DrPH, MPH, RD from The Sage Colleges; and Susan W. Arendt, PhD, RD, from Iowa State University.
3. Dr. Kristi Lewis presented two education sessions at the Mississippi Head Start Association, Spring 2018 conference:
Optimizing Nutrition Programs and Resources to Support Head Start Children’s Health and Wellness and Is Your Nutrition Department in Compliance?
4. Dr. Jane Peterson presented information about ongoing research activities for the Applied Research Division at the Major Cities Symposium held in Chicago, IL, March 19 – 21, 2018.

Presentations for the 2nd quarter:

1. Dr. Kristi Lewis presented two education sessions at the National CACFP Sponsors Association, National Child Nutrition Conference 2018 held in April 2018 that included the following:
a. A pre-conference workshop: CACFP Head Start: An Indicator of Quality Child Care.
b. A summer food workshop: Soaring High in Summer Food Service Programs