Back to the Basics:
Understanding USDA Foods
Thursday, October 17th
3:00-4:00 PM ET / 12:00-1:00 PM PT
ACDA Members: Free | Non-Members: $25
Join us for Back to Basics: Understanding USDA Foods which offers participants a foundational understanding of the USDA Foods program. The course covers acronyms, terminology, best practices and methods to maximize commodity dollars. It is designed for beginners and gradually increases knowledge to make USDA Foods a key part of a successful K-12 Food Service program.
Meet the Speaker:
Paul Rodgers, MS, SNS
Maryland State Department of Education
My career began when I was sixteen years old as a culinarian at the Bayard House Restaurant, Chesapeake City, Maryland. I later earned my Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts graduating as “Chef’s Choice, Culinary Arts Student of the Year” in 1998 from Delaware Technical & Community College located in Stanton, Delaware.
In 2005, I earned the position of Assistant Director for the Child Nutrition Department at Cecil County Public Schools. I held this position for ten years and during that time I earned both my Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University located in New Castle, Delaware.
In 2015, I earned the position of Supervisor of the Child Nutrition Department for the Caesar Rodney School District. I held that position for nine years in which I was awarded Delaware, Child Nutrition Director of the Year in 2018 and 2023. I was also awarded Administrator of the Year for the Delaware Association of Educational Office Professionals, DAEOP, in 2023.
My most recent accomplishment has been earning my position as an Operations Staff Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education, MSDE in March of 2024. I am very proud to be part of the Maryland State Department of Education extending my career in the field of child nutrition. I feel so fortunate to have found a career dedicated to and supported by child nutrition professionals.
