A Message from Your SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair
The school nutrition “business” is the most unique partnership I’ve ever experienced. It’s dependent on the cooperation of customers, vendors and governmental agencies all with the goal to meet the nutritional and wellness needs of today’s school meal customers. The relationships are supportive, encouraging and directed at the common goal of program improvement. This synergy of interests, working cohesively, is not only an exception in today’s business world, but has been critical, given the many changes child nutrition programs and the food industry endure. It’s vital we keep this energy or “special sauce” going.

It’s so hard to believe that I’m starting my 25 th year in the school nutrition industry. I’m sure you agree that time seems to go by in an instant. I still feel like the 24-year-old (my mind, not my body) in awe of my first ANC, remembering the incredible impressions I had from the many school nutrition pioneers coming through the Exhibit Hall and treating this young kid with respect, patience and dignity. These stalwarts would make you feel important and recognized. Industry legends like Gene White and Dot Dusenberry were not only welcoming, but genuinely interested in who I was, ensuring I felt a part of the profession. As many of these industry leaders (such as Nancy Rice, Janey Thornton and Katie Wilson) grew in their careers to positions of greater influence and authority, they would still make special time to recognize you and make sure you genuinely felt “part of the mix.”  I know many of you are reflecting on your own such relationships and encounters right now!
DID YOU KNOW

82% of school districts plan to purchase foodservice equipment within the next year. Learn more in SNA’s 2018 Operations 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


This “spirit” extends to industry members, too. Make no mistake, business is competitive, but in the school nutrition business, that competition is one of mutual respect. Whether you are on the state show circuit, or focused on national events like ANC, SNIC or at LAC, you always look forward to seeing these folks you admire and aspire to be like. Folks like Chuck Ainsworth, Brian Hoffmeier, Jean Harris, Tony Roberts and Gary Vonck have always been quick to introduce new industry reps to a prospective customer or include us in a group dinner. These same folks always make sure you know about an opportunity to become involved in the Association or are ready to answer your questions. Each make sure you grow in the business, as well as in the Association.

Many of you who have been involved for some time recognize the feeling I’m attempting to describe. School nutrition is a business with a common purpose to serve not only an industry, but the student. For those who are new to this business, I hope you’re seeing just how special these relationships are. There is collegial respect and a shared vision for program integrity, all while meeting the critical needs of the student customer.

As we continue to face changing times, my primary goal as Industry Advisory Council Chair is to foster the unique partnership between schools, industry and government. Maintaining the characteristic collegial spirit can determine optimum outcomes. Outlining and leveraging shared values can be achieved with continued thoughtful cooperation. Finally, identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders will ensure the sustainability of this industry and, more importantly, the longevity of school nutrition programs.

The key is getting involved, putting yourself “in the mix.” SNA has some tremendous opportunities for you and your firm to become involved in the Association. In my experience, these return, many fold, what you contribute. See the list of upcoming SNA events to get started!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and thank you for all your extraordinary efforts to ensure this program endures.

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
Important Announcements
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 Displays: Sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis. There are only 15 Innovative Solution Sessions and 50 Display Tabletop 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 savings. Applications will be available online beginning on Wednesday, September 4. 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.

Calling All Interested Equipment Companies
Never in the history of SNA has the need for new or updated kitchen equipment and serving lines been greater than it is today. This was proven once again in 2019, when almost 40 directors applied for one Winston Equipment Grant—and this still represents a miniscule percentage of schools that are so desperately in need. It’s time for the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) to create opportunities so more SNA members can benefit from equipment grants.

If your company can join SNF in its pursuit of providing more equipment grants for SNA members in 2020 and to inquire about the benefits of becoming a grant partner, please email SNA Staff Vice President of Business Development & Meetings Sherry Carrigan at scarrigan@schoolnutrition.org .
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 Comments on Opportunities for Regulatory Reform
On Friday, July 12, SNA submitted comments on the Federal Register Notice, Identifying Regulatory Reform Initiatives . Throughout the process of identifying recommended regulatory reform initiatives for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNA has reached out to all 58,000 members through surveys and working groups. In addition to  previous recommendations , SNA provided additional areas it believes should be considered with this initiative, including Administrative Reviews, area eligibility using Census data, and Summer Food Service Program management. SNA also suggested that USDA look to the  Child Nutrition Reporting Burden Analysis Study  published June 2, 2019, for areas in need of program simplification. Read the  full comments .

USDA Deputy Secretary Censky Speaks at SNA’s ANC
SNA was proud to host USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky at the ANC 2019 Opening General Session on Sunday, July 14. Censky provided updates from USDA and reinforced the importance of partnership between SNA members and USDA officials to ensure that students continue to receive the nutritious and delicious meals they need to succeed in school.

USDA Releases Successful Approaches to Reduce Sodium in School Meals Study
USDA has released the findings of its  Successful Approaches to Reduce Sodium in School Meals Study . The study was designed to provide information on the availability of foods that meet the sodium standards for school meals, the strategies most often used by schools that have met sodium targets, and the technical assistance needs of schools working to develop lower-sodium menus. The study found a large variety of products that meet Target 1 sodium standards, but noted challenges for meeting future targets, including student acceptance, particularly in high schools.