Document Type

Manuscript

Publication Date

2025

Department

Nutrition and Food Systems

Abstract

Child nutrition professionals must maintain current knowledge and skills to effectively implement program regulations and nutrition standards. This study examined the training needs and preferred training delivery methods of school nutrition and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) professionals across the United States to support future professional development efforts.

Using a two-phase research design, researchers conducted a literature review, expert panel review, survey development, pilot testing, and national survey administration. The final survey was distributed through the Institute of Child Nutrition’s national contact database, resulting in 777 completed responses from school nutrition directors, managers, staff, and CACFP professionals representing multiple states and program settings.

Results indicated that training priorities varied by position and program type. School nutrition management personnel identified food production, menu planning, program management, and financial management as high-priority topics. School nutrition staff reported strong interest in food production, food safety, general nutrition, and meal pattern requirements, while CACFP professionals prioritized administration, regulatory compliance, special diets, and meal pattern requirements. Preferences for training delivery methods differed by topic, with respondents favoring in-person and live virtual formats for complex operational subjects and self-paced online formats for compliance-related topics.

Findings provide guidance for developing targeted, role-specific professional development opportunities that address workforce needs, strengthen competencies, and support the effective administration of child nutrition programs nationwide.

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