A Message from Your SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair |
What does school nutrition look like in the future? This spring? Next fall? Next school year? I am sure many of you are like me—much of what we “thought” was going to happen did not. In our business the pandemic goal posts seem to keep moving. What is even more difficult is trying to explain this to those who are not as familiar with these programs like bosses, principals and superintendents.
I think we need to focus on what we do know.
- In my last article, we thought vaccines were possible, and now they are being distributed. Most states have recognized those in foodservice as essential with prioritized eligibility.
- Every state is pushing hard to get children back in school this year.
- The economy will be slow to return, and the need for these programs will be even more critical.
- Our companies survived, pivoted and keep providing goods and services to meet our customers’ needs.
- Our customers kept “leaning in”--were creative to manage staff health and get meals to their student customers and families.
- USDA continues to recognize flexibilities for these programs understanding both administrative burdens and an urgent national crisis.
- The Biden Presidential Administration is dedicated to child nutrition.
- SNA continues to lead the entirety of our industry to ensure children continue to receive nutrition. Through research, advocacy, education, communication and thought leadership the Association has not wavered and became even more indispensable.
What does the future hold? The fact that we all have performed and remained engaged through this pandemic gives me tremendous optimism for our programs. Whether it is an individually wrapped, kit or multi-day future, it is a future that needs us. It is a future that requires us to take our learnings, resilience, and adaptability to deliver our ultimate customer’s (KIDS) needs. So, when that boss, principal or superintendent asks what does the future look like? You can answer, “Well, we met the need during the most challenging time of our lifetime and it’s getting better. The future looks bright.”
Sincerely,
Sean Leer
SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair
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DID YOU KNOW
When surveyed about what types of meal assistance were provided in spring and fall 2020, the percentage of programs that provided adult meals more than quadrupled, the percentages of programs that provided USDA Foods Donations and Supper respectively doubled and the percentage of programs that provided snacks almost quadrupled. To learn more check out SNA's Impact of COVID-19 on School Nutrition: Back to School 2020 report.
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SNA CALENDAR
Virtual Events
March 8-10, 2021
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SNA's Wants YOU to Attend this Spring’s Level II Virtual Industry Boot Camp
Register now for SNA’s Virtual Level II Spring Boot Camp session, taking place April 13-15. Industry Boot Camp is an intense educational seminar designed for new and seasoned industry representatives who want a deeper dive into the complex school nutrition business. Be sure to check out the latest agenda to learn more.
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Don’t Delay—Reserve Your Spot for SNA’s 2021 Innovative Solutions Showcase! Opening February 1st
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your product, service or equipment to directors and decision-makers in the K-12 school nutrition industry at SNA’s 2021 Innovative Solutions Showcase. The Showcase will be similar to the Innovative Solution Sessions we offer at SNIC; however, these will be offered virtually via the Zoom Meetings platform.
Our first set of sessions were offered during the months of August–October 2020. A total of 29 companies presented a session—and over 1,500 operators found each presentation valuable. We have also created a dedicated webpage to include all 2020 presentations for SNA members to watch on-demand.
The cost to participate is $4,000. A discounted package will be offered to those who wish to do more than one. Contact SNA Business Development Manager, Nita Artis at nartis@schoolnutrition.org or SNA Exhibit Sales Manager, Crystal Harper-Pierre at charper@schoolnutrition.org for further information or assistance.
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Legislative Action Conference (LAC) Sponsorships
SNA’s Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is one of the most highly anticipated, worthwhile and informative conferences. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to grab the attention of every attendee with your marketing message. This opportunity is limited to six companies and slots are selling fast, so hurry and reserve your spot today. Contact Nita Artis, nartis@schoolnutrition.org, or Sherry Carrigan, scarrigan@schoolnutrition.org to learn more.
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SNA is returning with brand new webinars and content this season.
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We will kick things off on January 19 with Advocating for SNA's 2021 Position Paper.
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Breakfast week is also right around the corner, and SNA has teamed up with Kellogg's to present you with Marketing Ideas to Help You SCORE BIG for Breakfast. Join us for an exciting panel discussion with operators from across the country to discuss how they have overcome obstacles while still striving to promote school breakfast this year.
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We will conclude January with a webinar on Making the Most of USDA Foods where you will join ACDA and SNA representatives to learn how to make the most of USDA Foods as you plan for next school year.
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We are also delighted to announce our first-ever Black History Month webinar as part of SNA's new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Series made possible with sponsorship from Titan—A LINQ Solution. You will hear stories from SNA leaders who have shaped the school nutrition profession in Celebrate Black History Month with SNA.
These are only a few of the many webinars we have planned this year. You can register for all of these sessions on the Events Page of the Training Zone. Be sure to check in regularly to keep your calendar full of new professional development opportunities from SNA.
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Let’s Get Stepping in the New Year!
It’s a new year! Ready for a new you? Join the SNA Strive to Thrive First Quarter challenge starting January 15 to participate in some friendly competition with your peers and join in the fun activities available during the months to come. Take action and STEP into 2021 fresh and healthy! Visit the STEPS website to learn more.
Post your activities and progress on social media to help spread the word and use the hashtag #SNAStrive2Thrive—we may share your content!
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Develop Your Best Advertising Strategy: School Nutrition's 2021 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 2021 Media Kit.
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Annual National Conference Reminders |
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ANC 2021/Chicago Exhibit Booth Payments are Due
Booth sales for ANC 2021/Chicago are on hold until further notice. For those exhibitors that obtained Expo-space, please remember that final payment is due to SNA promptly. Contact SNA Exhibit Sales Manager Crystal Harper-Pierre at (800) 877-8822, ext. 140 or charper@schoolnutrition.org for further information or assistance.
Beware of Unauthorized Solicitation/Scams for ANC2021 Chicago!
It has been brought to SNA’s attention that unauthorized companies are soliciting our exhibitors trying to generate leads for themselves for ANC 2021 Chicago. Please do not click on any links in an email or respond to their emails or calls–these are SCAMS! Please ensure that other key staff at your company are aware of this scam. Cyber fraud is an increasing reality in today’s world. Be mindful that as we get closer to ANC 2021 this July, you and your colleagues may receive more such spam emails, as well as solicitations for housing, list rentals and A/V companies not endorsed by SNA.
The official ANC vendors authorized by SNA are:
- GES – Show Decorator & AV
- Conference Direct – Housing
- Convention Data Services – Registration/Lead Retrieval
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Barbara Boyce Media Services – Advertising for School Nutrition Magazine
- INFOCUS Marketing – List Rentals
In addition, SNA has not contracted with any outside publisher for ANC-related communications: Authorized advertising opportunities are available only through its team of advertising representatives led by Boyce Media Services and by representatives from SmartBrief.
We share your frustrations related to false communications like these. Please feel free to reach out to Crystal Harper-Pierre, Exhibit Sales Manager at charper@schoolnutrition.org or Nita Artis, Business Development Manager at nartis@schoolnutrition.org with any questions related to ANC.
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Legislative & Regulatory Update |
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Check Out LAC 2021 Resources
This week, SNA published resources for this year's Legislative Action Conference (LAC). These resources include LAC FAQs, Lobbying Tips, and the "Zoom the Hill" Guide. Keep an eye out for updates to these resources as #LAC21 gets closer.
SNA Releases 2021 Position Paper
SNA is calling on Congress to permanently offer school meals to all students at no charge through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and to take additional steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of school meal programs. Read more.
Congress Passes School Meal Program Relief Funds
On December 22, 2020, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law a stimulus package to provide relief to those affected by COVID-19. This stimulus bill distributes emergency relief funds to school meal programs based on a formula that takes into account the level of reimbursement a program received in 2019 and the reimbursement received during the pandemic. Read SNA's full press release.
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