SNA applauds the announcement at #LAC21 by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the extension of key COVID-19 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waivers through September 30, 2021. Read the press release.

As the song goes, “Let’s celebrate and have a good time!” Lunchtime is already students’ favorite part of the day, but it can be made even more so when you put together a special event, even on a budget! There’s plenty of time—and holidays—left to celebrate in March, but if you’re looking to the months ahead, take a look at what’s going on in April and May, using the Promotion Calendar from School Nutrition magazine. Learn More

Be sure to tag SNA’s Facebook , Twitter or Instagram accounts using the #NSBW21 hashtag when you post NSBW photos and activities on social media—we may share your content! Visit the Marketing & PR Resources page for a winning social media strategy, sample social media posts and inspiring quotes to use in your social posts or display in your serving areas to inspire and engage students. Learn More

There’s still time to get steppin’ in the first quarter STEPS challenge. SNA’s Strive to Thrive New Year, New You Challenge runs through March 31, 2021, so join now to participate in some friendly competition with your peers and in fun activities as we head into spring. Anyone that reaches 150,000 steps or more is eligible to win a prize! Use the February issue of School Nutrition to learn how to get extra points—you'll receive a one-time bonus of 500 steps when you scan the QR code displayed within the “What’s Cooking @ SNA” section. Learn More

Have you heard? The School Nutrition Foundation has launched a new professional development program made possible through a $2 million dollar grant from USDA’s Food & Nutrition Service, and it’s a hit with early users! “The LEAD to Succeed™ initiative will give school nutrition professionals across the country the opportunity to build their communication and leadership skills, improve their programs and strengthen their school nutrition teams,” says SNA/SNF CEO Patricia Montague, FASAE, CAE. Spread the word and register now for the first module! Learn More

Just in time for National Peanut Month, join us on St. Patrick’s Day March 17 at 3 pm EST for School Nutrition, Food Allergies & Food Insecurity in the Pandemic. Speakers will review the basics of food allergy management during the pandemic based on expert guidance; the intersection of food insecurity and food allergies; and the role of the school nutrition team. Register now.

On March 10, nearly 800 school meal program operators from across the country urged Congress to support school meals for all students at no charge and provide financial relief to offset continued school meal program losses. Read the press release.

On March 3, U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona published a letter outlining the Administration's determination to reopen schools. In the letter, he outlines the essential role schools play in students' health and welfare. Secretary Cardona also outlined his commitment to expanding access to education and afterschool programs. Read the full letter.

SNA President, Reggie Ross, SNS, invites you to join both the School Nutrition Foundation and SNA members across America for their first-ever virtual 5K! Together, we will raise more money for SNF than we ever could alone! A healthy and exciting way to kick off the spring season. Get outside and choose a route, take pictures, share your images, and ask friends to participate or donate to the cause! Watch the video.

Visit the SNA Career Center to check out job postings in school nutrition. This week’s featured jobs: Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services in Illinois, Executive Director in New York, Accounting Manager in North Carolina and Business Manager in Wyoming.

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