Building Professional Capacity

Teaching best practices to EFO staff and volunteers
In order to build capacity, Hunger Task Force limits the number of programs we can support in the emergency food network.  For our network programs we teach "best practices" regarding program operation to staff and volunteers, award grant funds and distribute equipment in order to help programs meet our Standards of Excellence.  We also provide training, free of charge, to member organizations.  Here is a sampling of our 2007 training program:

• Evaluation and Interpretation: 2007 Survey Results and Local Mapping Resources (9-10:30 a.m. Monday, April 23) -- Let the data speak for you! Our Researcher will present the results of the latest network survey using data analysis software (SPSS). Also, learn how to use COMPASS to map and find out more about your neighborhood.
  

• Cultural and Dietary Concerns (2-4 p.m. Monday, April 30) -- This panel discussion will raise your cultural competence as you learn about Muslim, Russian, Jewish, Hispanic, Asian, and West African diets.
  

• Menu Planning with Commodities & Fresh Foods (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 ) -- Participate in our cooking demo and lunch with Gaylyn Reske, RD, Assistant Director of Nutritional Services at Mt. Carmel; special emphasis on creative cooking for large groups. Held at 5700 W. Layton Ave.
  

• Sensitivity Training and Crisis Intervention for Mental Health Issues (11 a.m .-noon Wednesday, June 6) -- Share and learn strategies for dealing with challenging situations. Safety in environmental design will also be discussed.
  

• Food for Special Populations (9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 17) -- Judy Mayer of Outpost Natural Foods will teach us about bag packing and meal planning, identifying concerns for seniors, diabetics, people with low-sodium diets and young children.
  

• Intake and Referral 101 (9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1) -- Learn and practice the elements of a quality intake and referral. Role-play and share best practices with fellow pantry coordinators. You will come away with an understanding of where to refer clients and what techniques can be used during the process. Specific focus on WIC and FoodShare, including using www.access.wi.gov, filing a “doc 1” and getting a waiver for the face-to-face requirement. All intake volunteers encouraged to attend!
  

• Food Handling 101 (2-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20) -- Learn the basics or refresh yourself on safe preparation and handling, especially of prepared foods. A professional exterminator will teach you to identify the signs of pests to prevent infestation.
  

• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9) -- Want to increase your volunteer workforce? Join our Community Relations Manager to hear about successful techniques for attracting and retaining quality volunteers.
  

• ADVO 101: Annual Advocacy Training (October 2007 (date to be decided) -- Learn strategies for organizing and activating your clients and volunteers. Find out about pressing issues for the federal nutrition programs.
  

• Motivational Interviewing: Promoting Behavior Change and Loving It (Availability based on interest—call (414) 777-0483.) -- Explore the benefits of this technique, observe it in process and learn to set realistic expectations for behavior change. Recognize small accomplishments and reduce frustration and burn out.