The School Nutrition Association of Arizona is an organization of professionals committed to providing the support and resources necessary to improve the health, wellness and safety of all students through school nutrition programs to ensure academic excellence.
CACTUS TRAILS - MAY 2017
 In Memory of Many, In Honor of All, Thank You
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
  Hello SNAAZ Friends! We hope you all had a fabulous school year and that it s one you will remember fondly!  Sending out a big high five to you all for a successful summer, whether it be running an outstanding SFSP program, gearing up for the new year or recharging with family and friends.  Give yourself a huge pat on the back for a job well done and for all you do, each and every day!

Delegate Assembly was recently held on March 23, 2017 at the Professional Growth Conference in the beautiful whispering pines of Prescott, AZ.  There were many important bylaw changes to come before the Delegate assembly, but wanted to share 2 votes that were particularly exciting:

The Delegate Assembly voted unanimously to approve to change the SNAAZ fiscal year from that of August 1 July 31st to the new dates of January 1st December 31st.    The rationale for the change was to more closely align the fiscal year with the organization s natural business year, more closely matching expenses and revenues in the fiscal year they actually occur.  In addition, this change will alleviate the pressure of closing the year end during the highest period of financial activity and when a new treasurer has often just assumed their role.   

The Delegate Assembly also voted to approve to change the terms of the State elected officers (Pres, Pres-Elect, VP, Sec and Treas) to align with the new fiscal year.   Terms will now begin on January 1st and run through December 31st.   Your current State elected officers will remain in their current offices through December 31, 2017, rather than the previous change of officers that would have occurred on August 1, 2017.   The new succession of officers will take place on January 1, 2018, with Crystal Gray assuming the Presidency at that time.

The most exciting outcome of these changes is that the State Conference will be held in the final months of a Presidents term and drum roll please elections of officers will now take place at State Conference!   How awesome is it that the elections will now be done where over half our membership is in attendance.  We truly feel this honors your voice as members and allows YOU to cast your vote for the future of SNAAZ! 

As President, I happily look forward to a few additional months serving you and working together to make our organization stronger, better and one you all can be proud of.  It is each of you that makes the SNAAZ star shine so bright! 

My hats off to you as you enjoy the summer months, strolling on the beach, dipping your toes in the pool,  laughing with those you love or simply sleeping in on occasion.  You ve all earned it!

Happy Summer, Patti Bilbrey, SNAAZ President  
Its Not TOO LATE School Nutrition Industry Conference June 5-6, 2017
School is almost out but the learning doesn’t stop.  The 22nd Annual School Nutrition Industry Conference is in a couple of weeks in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.  It’s not too late to register by following this link to the SNAAZ web site: http://www.snaaz.org/snic.php Your SNIC committee has put together an excellent conference that will benefit you as a child nutrition professional.  The title of the conference is “Learning + Imagination + Growth = Customer Satisfaction,” our keynote speaker is Dr. Jim Painter – the food psychology professor who has dedicated his life to the profession of nutrition.  His fact-filled and humorous presentation style will shed light on some of today’s most important health and nutrition issues as they relate to both your personal and professional life in the business of child nutrition.  In addition we will also be having a panel discussion of the legacy of child nutrition in Arizona – where will the next generation of leaders come from.  And we will end the day with our vendor show where you can spend time speaking with industry leaders about next year’s items for your program. Hope to see you there!

Craig Weidel, SNS                                                                                       Karen Moore, SNS
SNIC Chair                                                                                                    SNIC Co-Chair

A Message from Rick Hall, our SNA Foundation Representative.....  

Yes, it’s that time of year… donations are needed Every year, each state’s School Nutrition Association raises funds for the School Nutrition Foundation. Your monetary gifts help in a number of ways including: educational and professional development, research, and scholarships. This year at our State Conference in September, I am going to ask EVERYONE to donate. And if you know me, which most of you do…I’ll try to make giving fun. Our goal is set at $3,500, but I think we can do better. So start saving now. If you put aside 1 dollar a week, you can easily save $10 for a donation. Ten dollars is the minimum for your name to be listed as a donor on the National and State listings, BUT we’ll take more if you have it to give. I will have tablets and computers at the membership booth for our “foodies” to give. You don’t have to wait until then. You can make a donation at any time by going to https://snfannual2015.networkforgood.com/projects/14513-sna-of-arizona-s-fundraiser Here’s where the fun begins…For those donating before our State Conference…Rick has a surprise for you at the Membership booth.
  • If $1,000 is donated online before the conference
    • Rick comes in his full Irish dress…yes, he has a kilt
  • If $1,500 is donated online before the conference
    • Rick brings back “Bo Peep”
  • If $2,000 is donated online before the conference:
    You get Bo Peep with a clean shaven face to apply make-up as you see fit. Then you can take a polaroid to keep as a thank you…From me to you
There will be a lot going on in the Membership booth this year, so I will need some help talking to prospective new members and collecting donations. If you can help for a while, I would appreciate it.   Looking forward to our event, Rick Hall
School Nutrition Association’s 45th
Legislative Action Conference 
Carol Weekly, RDN, SNS SNAAZ
Public Policy & Legislative Chair
David Schwake, Director, Litchfield Elementary School District, receiving his SNA Celebration of School Heroes Award. Proud to know you Dave!
From Left to Right- Erin Bronner, RD, SNS & SNAAZ Treasurer, Patti Bilbrey, SNAAZ President, Andy Biggs, AZ Representative from District #5, Carol Weekly, RD, SNS & SNAAZ PP&L Chair & Cindy DeLuca, Buena Vista Foods 
Our Annual Paula Barletta Scholarship Award & Industry Member of the Year Award Applications will be available on the SNAAZ website on 6.1.17 Nomination applications for both awards due by 8.15.17
MAY BIRTHDAYS
Lourdes Marquez 5/10
Dustin Walker 5/15
Shirley Sokol 5/15
Janay Watts 5/24
Ron Beck 5/24
Michelle Kane 5/24
  THANK YOU PROFESSIONAL GROWTH SPONSORS!
Southwest Training Systems
Integrated Food Service
AdvancePierre
AccuTemp
Dairy Council of Arizona
Shamrock Foods
Shamrock Farms
General Mills
Behning Food Sales
Yang's 5th Taste
Key Impact Sales    
JTM   
  New Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook rolls out for 2018 , Pat Johnson, Dairy Council of Arizona

As the 2017 school year winds down, many are planning ahead for an exciting new school year in the fall.  The Dairy Council of Arizona is here to help schools meet their health and wellness goals through the free Fuel Up to Play 60 program. We are currently in over 1,400 Arizona schools and offer many resources and materials to help schools bring their wellness policy to life.  It’s not too late to apply for up to $4000 in funding to implement nutrition and physical activity plays through Fuel Up to Play 60. Deadline is June 14th, so mark your calendar.  We’ve added some new opportunities for schools in both areas and look forward to helping you make your school and students the healthiest ever in 2018.  The healthy eating plays include: Breakfast for everyone : Bringing together multiple breakfast options, BIC, Grab and Go and breakfast after 1st bell. Snack Smarter Schoolwide : students investigate nutrition snacks and “a la carte” foods to consider adding to school offerings. It’s all about your choices : Get students excited about school meals and snacks! Your cafeteria may very well be the biggest, busiest “restaurant” in the area! Nourish your community : Nutrient rich foods are vital to students, and your community. Food bands and summer meals are some ways to help. Try one of these service learning activities to help nourish your community. Farm to School: Help your students understand where their food comes from through local food sources and farm work. Learn more about how food gets from the farm to your school and how many people are involved in the process. Food waste: Learn how to waste less and what can be done with wasted food to help your community. There are also fun physical activity plays including NFL Flag football, in class activity breaks and more!  Go to www.FuelUpToPlay60.com to review all the plays and funding applications.