A Message from Your SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair
Regulations are changing again?! What does that mean? How will it impact our business?

If it seems to you the “bullseye” keeps moving with regulations, you’re not alone. The school nutrition industry has been in constant change driven by regulations and general changes of public perception of “where” food comes from and “how” it’s made. From an industry perspective this touches every segment beyond the food to how it’s prepared and what systems are used for compliance.

The recently released USDA Proposed Rule changes will impact our customers and our businesses. We can debate if it’s good or bad for the industry but there still are many questions. For you and your companies, the single best resource for information is SNA. Undoubtedly you are trying to assess these changes for your business. Through SNA you’ll get real-time public policy updates through their weekly publication, Tuesday Morning . Additionally, the Public Policy Team is fully staffed and engaged daily with all groups impacting these regulations. SNA advocates, interprets and communicates regulations impacting our businesses from what’s on the horizon to those where it might have an immediate impact.

If you are in business with school nutrition programs, want to best understand current and future regulations and how to build a strategy for your company, you need to attend SNA’s Legislative Action Conference (LAC) March 8-10, in Washington, D.C. LAC will have real time information, decision makers and customer panels to fully discuss these proposed changes. Aside from being one of the premier industry networking events, it’s the most comprehensive and efficient way to understand public policy critical to all our businesses.

See you at LAC!

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
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February 2020
2020 SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE
Check out promotion opportunities in the Sponsorship Brochure!
DID YOU KNOW

An average of 29.68 million students participated in the NSLP each day in the 2018-19 school year. Learn more in SNA’s NSLP Participation Tracker .
SNA CALENDAR

February 4-March 4, 2020

March 8-10, 2020
Washington, D.C.

May 7-8; May 12-13;
May 14-15, 2020
Alexandria, Va.

July 12-14, 2020
Nashville, Tenn.


Important Announcements
Registration Now Open for SNA’s 2020 Spring Industry Boot Camps!

Reserve your spot today as seating is limited! SNA’s Industry Boot Camp is a twice-yearly, intensive educational seminar designed for industry representatives. Whether you’re new to school nutrition or a seasoned veteran—this one-of-a-kind experience will help you better understand the ins and outs of this complex foodservice segment.

SNA will be offering Level I and Level II Boot Camps again! Level II will have two program concentrations, one with Food & Beverage and one with Equipment & Technology . Both programs will include interactive activities, an on-site school visit and an exclusive director and student panel with the opportunity to ask your own questions! 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.

Taking place in Alexandria, Va., Level I will take place May 7-8; Level II Food & Beverage will take place May 12-13 (F&B); and Level II Equipment & Technology will take place May 14-15. To learn more, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/bootcamp .

At SNA’s 4th Annual Virtual Expo , start earning your CEUs by watching the first eight “Best of #ANC19” education sessions in the Learning Center—available for you to come back as often as you would like. Eight new sessions will be released on February 18 . View full session descriptions . Plus, check out the SNA booth, a one-stop shop for some great school nutrition resources, and the School Nutrition Foundation booth for information on ANC scholarships and other programs.
Mark Your Calendars for SNA’s 2020 Patron Meeting: October 1-2

Be sure to mark your calendars for SNA’s 2020 Patron Meeting, October 1-2. This meeting is exclusive for Patron companies only and will take place at the Alexandria Hotel in Alexandrian, Va. Each company will be permitted to bring one rep. At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to network with your peers, learn more about the school nutrition trends/operations research, receive an advocacy update and observe an exclusive director panel with the chance to ask your own questions. Registration and housing will open in early June, so stay tuned for more information.

If you are interested in joining SNA’s Patron Program, contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at nartis@schoolnutrition.org or visit www.schoolnutrition.org/patron to learn more.
Legislative Action Conference (LAC) Sponsorships

The 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. To learn more and find out what we have available, please contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at nartis@schoolnutrition.org
Annual National Conference (ANC) Sponsorships

The  Annual National Conference (ANC) provides an unparalleled opportunity for industry to showcase the latest and greatest products for the school segment. To find the right occasion to showcase your company brand and take advantage of this remarkable opportunity, please contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis at  nartis@schoolnutrition.org for more information.
Reserve Your Space in School Nutrition’s May Issue

Did you know that each month, more than 55,000 school nutrition decision-makers and strong influencers turn to School Nutrition , the flagship publication of SNA, for the answers to their questions, for innovative ideas and for previews of the challenges and opportunities coming down the road? There is still time to advertise in the May issue—and be a part of the valuable solutions and strategies sought by our readers by advertising your products and services. May’s issue will delve into positioning for plant-forward efforts, spotlight condiments, include a recap of SNA’s 2020 Legislative Action Conference (LAC) and much more! Contact your School Nutrition advertising representative today for details and to reserve your space .
Annual National Conference Reminders
Submit Your Program Description for ANC

The official ANC Program Guide includes all session and event information, as well as an in-depth buyers’ guide section. It is a valuable onsite tool and future reference guide for attendees. Submit Your Company Description for the ANC Program Guide by February 29, 2020.

ANC2020 Nashville Exhibit Hall Sign-up: Less than 50 Booths Available!

You don’t want to miss the chance to network with fellow exhibitors, demo your culinary expertise, and meet influential decision-makers. ANC is the “School Nutrition Event of the Year!”

If you haven’t done so already, visit the SNA website to see what exhibit space is still available for the upcoming 74th Annual National Conference in Nashville, Tenn., at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center on July 12-14, 2020 (two-day tradeshow).

Contact SNA Exhibits Sales Manager Crystal Harper-Pierre at (800) 877-8822, ext. 140, or charper@schoolnutrition.org , to reserve your booth space. Crystal looks forward to hearing from you.
Legislative & Regulatory Update
Share Your Input: Proposed Rules on School and Summer Meal Flexibilities

On January 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced two proposed rules, " Simplifying Meal Service and Monitoring Requirements in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs " and " Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the Summer Food Service Program . " SNA has released summaries for both proposed rules and is collecting SNA member feedback as the Public Policy & Legislation Committee prepares to discuss and draft the Association’s official comments in response to the rule. SNA also released a statement addressing key issues and clarifying misconceptions about the proposed changes to school meal patterns.

SNA’s Unpaid Meals Working Group Meets in Arlington

Last month, SNA hosted a two-day Unpaid Meals Working Group session attended by stakeholders from across the country. Participants worked together to define the source of and seek solutions for the growing national issue of unpaid school meal debt. Read more .

SNA Joins US Agriculture Sec. Perdue at School Nutrition Roundtable

SNA President Gay Anderson, SNS, and CEO Patricia Montague, CAE, joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at a roundtable discussion on school nutrition issues. The event, held at Castle Hills Elementary of North East ISD, Texas, was attended by federal, state and local officials and numerous school nutrition professionals. Read more .

Help Shape Federal Policy at SNA’s 2020 LAC

SNA’s 48th annual Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is just around the corner! Starting March 8, come prepared to strengthen your advocacy skills, network with hundreds of school nutrition professionals and close out #LAC2020 by making your voice heard on Capitol Hill. There’s still time to register online or onsite at the conference!