A Message From Your SNA President-Elect |
October is one of my favorite months of the year! It’s a month when nature shows off her glory with brilliant fall colors and crisp morning air. October is also a month when, historically, participation begins to swell in school meals programs after the start of school in September. This fall, however, due to USDA waivers, participation has been high from day one, as many districts have served a record number of meals so far this year as compared to pre-pandemic numbers. This trend will likely continue throughout SY2021-22 despite the ever-fluctuating supply chain and as COVID-19 uncertainties continue.
I want to take a minute to remind everyone just how important school meals are right now for our kids. Just as certain as the bright, crisp October days ahead, we know that kids rely on school meals now, more than ever. School meals have always provided students with healthy, delicious nutrition to help them prepare for morning and afternoon learning. This year especially, our meals are also providing our students with daily certainty and comfort in a year that’s been filled with uncertainty and concern distinctly felt by our kids. Just knowing that breakfast lunch meals are available, every day, helps our students feel supported and cared for so they can do their job each day—to learn, grow and achieve in school and in the classroom.
Hopefully this month you’ll take a moment to enjoy the cool fresh air and to take in the dazzling colors and savory flavors of the fall season. We’ve made it over the hump of the fall start-up and the future forecast is calling for strong participation and continued enjoyment of school meals by our students. Thanks to all for the tremendous work you have done and continue to do feeding our students and making sure a nutritional safety net is there for our kids each day—because they can’t learn without it.
Sincerely,
Lori Adkins
SNA President-Elect
|
|
DID YOU KNOW
An SNA analysis of the most recently published USDA FNS data shows that there were 676,899,359 fewer total meals (breakfasts and lunches) served in SY2020-21 as compared to SY2019-20. This amounts to a 10.94% loss in meals served.
For charts, tables, and specifics by meal type and month, view the full report by clicking here.
|
SNA CALENDAR
October 25 & 26 | November 1 & 2
November 8-10, 2021
November 15-17, 2021
|
|
Don’t Miss SNA’s Fall Virtual Innovative Solutions Showcase: Limited Slots Available
As an industry representative, are you looking for ways to showcase your product, service or piece of equipment to Directors and decision-makers in the K-12 school nutrition industry? If so, don’t miss the chance to do just that with SNA’s Innovative Solutions Showcase.
Our next set of Innovative Solutions will be offered through this Showcase starting Monday, October 25 and will run for two weeks through November 2. We offered these showcases last year and over 1,500 attendees registered to attend! To view previous showcase recordings, visit SNA’s website.
|
|
Register Now for SNA's Level I & II Fall Industry Boot Camp
Take advantage of the reduced virtual pricing to get your entire team up to speed. Companies sending more than two attendees will receive a $100 savings on each additional registration.
Plus, you don’t want to miss the highlight of every Boot Camp—the Directors Panel—which includes some of the top foodservice directors in the nation (several representing districts in the top 100). View the agenda for Level I and Level II.
If you have already attended Level I, join us for Level II! Receive a $50 savings when you sign-up for both levels! Participation in Boot Camp Level I is a prerequisite for Boot Camp Level II, unless you have been in the school foodservice market for 5+ years.
Join us November 8-10 (Level I) and 15-17 (Level II).
|
|
Increase Your Company's Exposure: Join SNA's Patron Program
Are you aware of the many benefits included in the SNA Patron Program—including greater exposure and access to school foodservice professional nationwide? Take a moment to review the 2021 Patron Program benefits here, and reach out directly to Sherry Carrigan or Nita Artis if you would like more information.
|
|
SNA's School Nutrition Industry Conference
J oin us in San Antonio, Texas for SNA’s 2022 School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC). Taking place January 16-18, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk Hotel, you can expect three unforgettable days of reconnecting and recharging as we gather to lead the way for school nutrition in the new normal.
Are you an industry representative looking to gain some insight into the school market or showcase a product or service in development or recently introduced? If so, take advantage of this occasion to engage with key K-12 school foodservice decision-makers by participating in SNIC’s Innovative Solution Sessions (ISS) and the Tabletop Showcase.
Innovation Solution Session and Tabletop Display applications are now available! Sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis. There are only nine (9) Innovative Solution Sessions and fifteen (15) Tabletop Displays! Innovative Solution Sessions: $4,000; Tabletop Displays: $2,500; or Participate in both: $6,000.
Note: Companies that present an ISS in San Antonio will have an additional opportunity to connect with operators at the 2022 Virtual SNIC (Tuesday, January 25 and Wednesday, January 26).
|
|
Party of the Year: Together Again Gala
Join us for a memorable evening of drinks, dinner and dancing while we honor SNA members for their accomplishments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to party the night away with The Rollex Band (aka the most-requested dance party band on the East Coast). Check out the band in action here.
The School Nutrition Foundation is excited to host this special occasion in support of all SNA members and the challenging and inspiring work they do every single day. We expect a sell-out crowd, so purchase your tickets early today because seating is limited.
|
|
Advertise in SN Plus
Did you know that there are new advertising opportunities available from School Nutrition magazine? SN Plus articles are published periodically—as extras to School Nutrition’s print and digital editions—and offer a premium space to promote your product and/or service. For more details, contact your SN sales representative today.
|
|
#ANC22 Annual National Conference Announcements
|
|
Reserve Your Exhibit Space
Have you kick started your plans for SNA’s 2022 Annual National Conference (ANC) in Orlando, July 10-12, 2022? Be sure to reserve your exhibit space.
With the conference theme, “powered by imagination,” there is lots of room for creativity! How will you help ANC attendees reimagine their school nutrition operations and stand out in the Exhibit Hall?
|
|
Legislative & Regulatory Update |
|
USDA Announces New Funds for Schools Amid Supply Chain Disruptions
On September 29, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new funds to support school meal programs amid ongoing supply chain challenges. USDA’s press release specified the move will provide up to $1.5 billion to provide assistance to help schools respond to supply chain disruptions. Read more.
SNA Praises USDA for New Waiver Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new waiver to prevent school meal programs, struggling to procure foods and supplies, from being financially penalized if shortages prevent them from meeting certain federal regulatory requirements for school meals. Read more.
It’s Time to Share Your Story: Supply Chain Disruptions
We invite you to share your personal experience with supply chain disruptions, including any issues surrounding labor, product shortages, and item unavailability. Your story is the most impactful way to bring meaningful change and may be featured on the SNA Action Network and shared with USDA and Congress. TAKE ACTION
SNA Endorses the Build Back Better Act
On September 9, the House Education and Labor Committee met virtually to markup the Build Back Better Act as part of the FY2022 Budget Reconciliation for USDA. SNA issued a press release expressing support for the bill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
