The Un-Eaten Meal: A Feeding Therapist's Framework for Supporting Mealtimes in CACFP Settings

Allie is an invited speaker at the 2026 NorCal Food Service & Nutrition Conference

Location: GCOE - Success Square Conference Room

Mealtimes can be stressful for children, staff, and families—especially when feeding challenges arise. In this session, feeding therapist Allie Glazer, SLP reframes "picky eating" through the lens of sensory processing, skill development, and pediatric feeding disorders. Participants will explore why meal time can be overwhelming, learn to spot red flags that go beyond typical mealtime struggles, and discover the "3 P's Framework"—Proactive Preparation, Practical Presentation, and Partnership—for creating supportive, pressure-free mealtime environments. Walk away with actionable strategies to foster postivie food experiences, empower staff, and champion children's lifelong relatioships with food.

Speakers: 

Allie Glazer, M.S. CCC-SLP/L holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland, and has been a practicing SLP since 2012. She has worked across the lifespan in school, medical, and home health settings.

Angela Hughes, M.S., CCC-SLP/L is an AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) Speech-Language Pathologist working in Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) who has passion for partnering with caregivers of children with pediatric feeding disorders and complex communication needs.