A Message from Your SNA President-Elect
Having worked in the school nutrition industry for almost 14 years, I have had the opportunity to attend numerous SNA conferences. From my first Annual National Conference (ANC) in Philadelphia in 2008 to the 2019 ANC in St. Louis, I value the opportunities for education, networking, advocacy and growth that are afforded to SNA members and industry partners. Each conference is exciting and unique for those attending, and the knowledge gained at the conferences is critical to the success of our industry.

Having said that, I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to participate in SNA’s Industry Boot Camp Sessions. These sessions are critical to your personal success in this unique foodservice segment. Since its inception in 2004, more than 708 industry professionals have attended SNA’s Level I Industry Boot Camp. Many of our industry members make attending Industry Boot Camp a part of their new staff orientation programs.

I am very happy to tell you that SNA will launch new Level II Programs in November. The new Level II programs will include a program with a Food & Beverage focus and a program with an Equipment & Technology focus.

  • Level I Fall Industry Boot Camp
November 6-7, 2019
  
  • Level II Fall Industry Boot Camp (F&B)
November 11-12, 2019

  • Level II Fall Industry Boot Camp (E&T)
November 13-14, 2019

Registration is now open for all three programs. More information and the registrations forms can be found by visiting www.schoolnutrition.org/bootcamp .

I will look forward to seeing many of you at SNIC2020 in Indian Wells, Calif.

Sincerely,

Reginald Ross
SNA President-Elect
September 2019
DID YOU KNOW

91% of districts will exceed the one-half whole grain-rich mandate in the 2019-20 school year, with more than 70% of districts reporting that about three-quarters or more of the grains offered with school meals will be whole grain-rich. Learn more in SNA’s 2019 Trends Report .
SNA CALENDAR

October 1, 2019
Patron Meeting
Alexandria, VA

November 6-7, 2019
Alexandria, VA

November 11-12, 2019
Alexandria, VA

November 13-14, 2019
Alexandria, VA


Important Announcements
Reserve Your 2020 Virtual Expo Booth Now: Expo Begins on February 5

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 20 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. The Virtual Expo will be live on February 5 , 2020. For more information contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at  nartis@schoolnutrition.org .

You MUST be exhibiting at ANC20 in Nashville to exhibit in the 2020 Virtual Expo.
2020 School Nutrition Industry Conference

SNA’s upcoming School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC) will be held  January 12-14, 2020 at the beautiful Renaissance Indian Wells Hotel in Indian Wells (Palm Springs), California. Join us for a high-level meeting experience and three days of unparalleled learning for school nutrition operators and industry partners. Whether you’re new to SNIC or a seasoned attendee, this conference promises to provide you with a fresh new perspective, innovative ideas and tangible solutions to key challenges in school nutrition. SNIC 2020 has something for everyone.
Innovation Solution Sessions & Tabletop Showcase)

Sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis. There are only 15 Innovative Solution Sessions and 50 Tabletop Showcase spots! Innovative Solution Sessions costs are $3,750 and Table-top Displays are $2,400—or participate in both for only $5,800,  a $350 saving. Applications are available online now. For more information contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at  nartis@schoolnutrition.org or SNA Exhibits Sales Manager Crystal Harper-Pierre at  charper@schoolnutrition.org.
Let’s Make This About YOU!

Thank you! We know you always have a choice when it comes to investing in SNA, so when you choose for your company to support the School Nutrition Foundation, it makes a HUGE difference to our members. When your company sponsors scholarships, fun networking events or education and research, SNA members benefit—personally and professionally. But let’s make this about YOU . SNF does receive donations from a few individual industry members and we’d like to increase those numbers as we work toward our 2019 Annual Fund goal of $50,000.

And because we know how busy you are, we’ve made it super easy to donate on a recurring basis by becoming a “Monthly Maverick.” By giving up that airport coffee one day a month (or more), you could supply the textbooks (or more) for SNA members continuing education courses. Please think about joining the other Monthly Mavericks who help make SNA members’ dreams come true!

Easy as 1, 2, 3!
2.      Click on the amount you would like to donate and then click “monthly”; and
3.      Provide you payment information and click on “Donate Now.”
Tell Us Your Latest News!

Is School Nutrition (SN) magazine on your media list, so that we receive press releases about your new products and services? Check your public relations list to see that it contains the correct contact information for SN: New Products Editor, School Nutrition, 2900 S. Quincy Street, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22206; snmagazine@schoolnutrition.org. You may just see a mention in our industry-focused section “This & That.”
Annual National Conference Reminders
ANC 2020 Nashville Exhibit Hall Sign-up

“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.

To see what exhibit space is still available for the “School Nutrition Event of the Year,” be sure to click on the button below:
Location: Gaylord Opryland Convention Center
Expo Dates: July 13-14, 2020 (2-day tradeshow)
Deadline to receive the early bird booth rates: September 30, 2019

To reserve your booth space, contact SNA Exhibits Sales Manager Crystal Harper-Pierre at (800) 877-8822, ext. 140, or charper@schoolnutrition.org . Crystal will be glad to hear from you!
Legislative & Regulatory Update
SNA Publishes 2019 School Nutrition Trends Report

On August 20, SNA published its 2019 School Nutrition Trends Report, based on survey responses of school nutrition directors nationwide. The report reveals that whole grains will remain a staple on school lunch trays this fall, as 90% of school districts will exceed whole grain mandates. More than 70% reported that about three-quarters or more of grains offered will be whole grain rich. The survey also explored emerging menu trends and unpaid student meal debt. SNA’s press release summarizes key findings. SNA members can access the full report on the SNA website.
USDA Announces NSLP, SBP, CACFP and SMP Payments and Maximum Reimbursement Rates

In a Federal Register notice published on August 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced its SY2019-20 adjustments to the national average payments and reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This notice outlines the amount of money that the federal government will provide to the states for breakfasts, lunches and afterschool snacks served to those participating.
USDA Provides Specifics on Second Trade Aid Package

On July 25, USDA’s Secretary Sonny Perdue announced additional details of the $16 billion trade aid package. $1.4 billion will be used to implement the USDA’s Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP). Through the Agricultural Marketing Service, the FPDP will purchase surplus commodities such as fruits, vegetables, meats and milk for distribution to food banks, schools and other outlets serving low-income individuals. Read more in USDA’s press release.
USDA Updates Procurement Review Tool for School Food Authorities

FNS has published a policy memo regarding updates to the Local Agency Procurement Review Tool for SY2019-20. The procurement review tool is intended to provide State agencies and program operators with technical assistance to ensure that a school district’s procurement procedures comply with federal regulations.