A Message from Your SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair
Like our school district partners, SNA industry members are continuously looking for ways to succeed in this ever-changing market. By now school has started, equipment is installed, Point-of-Sales are connected and commodities are starting to draw down. You’re seeing the hard work with your school nutrition partners start to happen. To successfully meet the needs of our customers, we must clearly understand where we can help—such as explaining regulations and finding time to get to know them beyond a brochure or a 30-minute sales call. You need to be efficient with travel and ensure every interaction is creative and impactful.

The School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC) is the most strategic and important event for SNA industry members. More than the title implies, this event offers the most condensed, creative way to both understand the market needs as well as cultivate long lasting relationships. The combination of visionary General Session speakers, Pre-Conference programs, Innovative Solution Sessions and Industry Education Tracks offers an efficient and effective opportunity for the school nutrition industry professional.
Over the years, SNA has worked to leverage technology and listened to the changing needs of both operators and industry. I have seen this conference evolve from good to imperative. Given the changing dynamics in our industry and our profession, I urge you to take advantage of this incredible event.

See you in California!

Sincerely,
Sean Leer
SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at sean@goldstarfoods.com
October 2019
2020 SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE
Check out promotion opportunities in the Sponsorship Brochure!
DID YOU KNOW

About one-half (49.9%) of districts are offering new menu items that feature international flavors for school year 2019-20. An additional 21.3% are considering doing so or testing potential new items. Learn more in SNA’s 2019 Trends Report .
SNA CALENDAR

November 6-7, 2019
Alexandria, VA

November 11-12, 2019
Alexandria, VA

November 13-14, 2019
Alexandria, VA


Important Announcements
New Level II SNA Fall Industry Boot Camp Sessions—November 2019

Starting next month, SNA will be offering Level I and Level II Industry Boot Camp sessions for new and seasoned industry representatives. We have developed two versions of Level II—one with a Food & Beverage Concentration—and one with an Equipment & Technology Concentration. These sessions will also include interactive activities, on-site school visits, an exclusive director panel and student panel with the opportunity to ask your own questions!

Whether you chose Level II Food & Beverage or Level II Equipment & Technology it will be a great training opportunity for you and your colleagues. Visit the SNA website for more information on the new Level II programs and to download the registration form. Participation in Boot Camp Level I is a prerequisite for both Boot Camp Level II Programs, unless you have been in the School Foodservice Market for 5+ years.
SNIC 2020: Only Ten (10) Innovative Solutions Sessions and Twenty (20) Tabletop Showcase Displays Are Still Available But Going Fast!  

Sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only 10 Innovative Solution Sessions and 20 Display Tabletop spots! Innovative Solution Sessions costs are $3,750 and Tabletop Showcase displays are $2,400—or participate in both for only $5,800, a $350 savings. Applications are available online . For more information contact SNA Exhibits Sales Manager Crystal Harper-Pierre at  charper@schoolnutrition.org or SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at nartis@schoolnutrition.org .
Reserve Your 2020 Virtual Expo Booth Now-Expo Begins February 4

Don’t delay reserving your booth for SNA’s 2020 Virtual Expo to ensure the best placement on the Expo Floor! Sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There are only 10 exhibit booths available. The cost to sign-up is $1,800. You won’t want to miss connecting in real time with key decision makers, all at your convenience, from your own computer. Virtual Expo will be live on February 4. For more information contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at nartis@schoolnutrition.org .
MUST be exhibiting at ANC 2020 in Nashville to exhibit in the 2020 Virtual Expo.
SNA’s 2020 Patron Membership Program

Are you interested in priority booth space selection prior to non-Patron exhibitors? Then you should join SNA’s Patron Membership Program! All segments of the foodservice industry are encouraged to join. Patron membership entitles your organization to special consideration and discounts on important SNA programs and activities. The Patron program fee is $12,500 per calendar year (January-December). For more information and a list of benefits , contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at  nartis@schoolnutrition.org .
SNF Equipment Grant

A HUGE shout-out to the equipment companies that are generously contributing to the SNF Equipment Grant this year. For 2020, SNF will award three (3) mega-grants to deserving school districts. The three grants include up to 10 pieces of equipment from Winston Foodservice, 10 pieces from Vulcan/Hobart Food Equipment Group and “The Collection Grant”—equipment donated from several equipment companies combined to form one additional grant. The value of the equipment grants this year totals more than $261,000. Applications are now being accepted, so please encourage SNA members to apply today at www.schoolnutritionfoundation.org/equipment-grants .
Develop Your Best Advertising Strategy: School Nutrition's 2020 Media Kit Now Available

When you advertise in School Nutrition ( SN ) you reach readers who value the magazine above all other trade publications. In fact, year after year, SN beats its closest competitors by an 8 to 1 margin! Be part of the valuable solutions and strategies sought by these readers during today's challenging times by advertising your products and services. Develop your best advertising strategy with the SN 2020 Media Kit .
Annual National Conference Reminders
ANC 2020 Nashville Exhibit Hall Sign-up: Less than 90 Booths Available!

“See the Possibilities” at SNA’s 74th Annual National Conference (ANC) in Nashville, Tenn., where you will network with fellow exhibitors, demo your culinary expertise and meet influential decision-makers.

If you haven’t done so already, visit the SNA website to see what exhibit space is still available for the ANC 2020 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, July 13-14, 2020 (2-day tradeshow).
Legislative & Regulatory Update
Healthy Breakfasts Help Kids Learn Act of 2019

On September 10, U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced H.R. 4265 , the Healthy Breakfast Help Kids Learn Act of 2019. This bipartisan bill, supported by SNA, would strengthen and expand the School Breakfast Program (SBP) by proving additional federal support to those schools participating in the SBP. Read Rep. McGovern’s full press release , including a quote from SNA President Gay Anderson, SNS.
SNA Files Amicus Brief in Support of School Meal Flexibilities

SNA has been closely monitoring the lawsuits filed against USDA regarding the 2018 Final Rule on flexibilities for whole grains, sodium and milk. When the lawsuits were filed in April, SNA expressed our strong support for the final rule. On September 5, 2019, SNA filed an amicus brief. Visit this link for a summary and click here for the complete amicus brief . SNA will continue to monitor progress on the lawsuits and keep members updated on developments.  In the meantime, the Final Rule’s flexible sodium and whole grains guidance remains in effect.
FNS Releases Final Rule on Delayed Implementation of Grains Ounce Equivalents in the CACFP

On September 25, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule in the Federal Registe r notice , Delayed Implementation of Grains Ounce Equivalents in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) . This final rule delays the implementation of the "ounce equivalents" requirement for crediting grains served through the CACFP until October 1, 2021.
SNA Comments on Proposed Revision of Categorical Eligibility

SNA submitted comments in response to the USDA Proposed Rule: Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Included in the comment letter , are several recommendations should the Proposed Rule be finalized.