Beyond the Cafeteria | June 2026

AT THE AmTab DISTRICT NUTRITION LEADERS SYMPOSIUM Innovation & Collaboration

T hroughout the school year, students spend countless hours in their cafeterias, making these spaces far more than just places to eat meals. Today’s dining halls are evolving into hubs that foster connection, wellness, and community while also serving as an important center of a school’s nutrition program. As districts respond to challeng- es such as food insecurity, increasing demands on school meal services, and changing student expectations, nutrition leaders are continually exploring new ways to strengthen participation, improve meal accessibility, and encourage healthier eating habits among students. As the role of school nutrition programs

trition professionals from across the country to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and explore innovative ap- proaches to strengthening school nutrition departments and enhancing the impact of school dining programs. Designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, the sympo- sium creates opportunities for nutrition leaders and indus- try experts to engage in practical, solution-focused conver- sations. Interactive sessions address many of the real-world challenges schools face today, including increasing student meal participation, promoting healthier food choices, im- proving cafeteria operations, adapting dining spaces into multipurpose environ-

ments, and creating ex- periences that help stu- dents feel welcomed and connected during meal periods. In addition to the educational sessions, the symposium provides valuable networking

continues to grow, dis- trict leaders are plac- ing greater emphasis on building dining en- vironments that sup- port both operational efficiency and student wellness. Modern caf- eterias are increasing - ly designed to create positive meal experi- ences that encourage

opportunities for nutri- tion directors to connect with peers and industry professionals, exchange ideas, and build relation- ships with others navigating similar challenges in school nutrition programs. As school nutrition programs continue to evolve, collabora- tion and innovation will remain essential to their success. Through the District Nutrition Leaders Symposium, AmTab is proud to support the educators and nutrition profession- als who are helping build stronger nutrition programs, pro- mote healthier eating habits, and create more welcoming school communities for students nationwide.

students to take advantage of nutritious school meal offer- ings. From improving traffic flow and reducing wait times to creating welcoming, flexible spaces where students feel comfortable gathering, schools are recognizing that the caf- eteria environment itself can play a major role in supporting healthy eating behaviors and overall student engagement. That collaborative spirit is what drives the AmTab District Nutrition Leaders Symposium. Held at AmTab’s headquar- ters in Chicago, the symposium brings together school nu-

Theresa Paschall | AmTab Manufacturing Theresa is a devoted advocate for transforming the landscape of school nutrition through the modernization of cafeteria spaces. With a passion for enhancing the dining experience for students, she strives to create environments that not only nourish but also inspire. Through her work, Theresa is on a mission to revolutionize the way schools approach food, ensuring that every meal served is a step towards a healthier future for the next generation. AmTab.com

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