Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and especially due to continued concerns for the health and safety of all members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, staff and other stakeholders, SNA has announced its Annual National Conference (ANC) will be held virtually during the week of July 12, 2021. Learn More

It’s time to make your voice heard! The U.S. Senate is holding a hearing on Child Nutrition Reauthorization this Thursday, March 25, 2021. Your voice is needed now to preserve meal pattern flexibilities. Without your swift action, the whole grain, sodium and milk flexibilities, previously provided in the 2018 Final Rule, will end permanently. Take Action

The School Nutrition Association is providing a late-breaking deadline to submit poster proposals for the School Nutrition Research and Best Practices Showcase that will take place during SNA's virtual 2021 Annual National Conference (ANC). Posters are due by 11:59 p.m. March 31, 2021. Learn More

If there was ever a year to recognize the heroic efforts of school nutrition professionals, 2021 is it! School Lunch Hero Day is Friday, May 7. Need help trying to figure out how you can celebrate in the time of COVID-19? Don’t worry, SNA has tools on hand to assist you in recognizing the amazing job our #lunchheroes do every day–and even more so as they remain on the front lines to feed students nationwide whether they are at home or in school!

This is the ninth year SNA has partnered with artist Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” book series that started it all. We are excited to announce all-new artwork from Jarrett this year, featuring a new cast of school lunch hero characters that you can share on social media! Download the artwork and be sure to credit the artist and follow the guidelines for proper usage.

We are also excited to launch the all-new School Lunch Hero Day Shop, ​featuring School Lunch Hero masks! Check out our new pens, T-shirts, posters, bookmarks and more. Order your items today to ensure your heroes receive their gifts in time.

You know how much you appreciate your school nutrition employees, but do they? Plan to spread the word and get the rest of your school, district and community on board with the help of our customizable press release and proclamation. You can also find other recognition ideas on the website, including thank you cards, also available in Spanish, to show your favorite school nutrition heroes that you value them!

On March 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published new data that shows school meal programs served 30% fewer breakfasts and lunches to students and incurred significant losses in federal revenue in the first nine months of the pandemic. Read More

On March 11, Senators Robert Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced S. 732, the Make It in America Act. Read More

On March 11, Representatives Glenn Thompson (PA-15) and Antonio Delgado (NY-19) introduced the bipartisan bill H.R. 1861, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2021. Read More

On March 10, Representative Stacey Plaskett of the Virgin Islands, along with Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), introduced the bipartisan bill H.R. 1768, the Farm to School Act of 2021. Read More

Monday, March 29, and Tuesday, March 30, are the final six live presentations of the Innovative Solutions Showcase—don’t miss out, registration is free! As a bonus, each day of the Showcase will feature random drawings for a complimentary registration to the upcoming Rebuilding Together: Back to School Virtual Summit event in May and a $50 Amazon gift card! Check out the company showcase descriptions to find out more about companies presenting and register now.

Join SNA for two afternoons in May to plan and strategize for School Year 2021-2022! This unique learning opportunity will provide specific examples of implementation measures districts can take to strengthen their relationships and programs. We encourage industry, operators and state agencies to join the conversation—with speed-networking and idea-sharing built into the event. Learn more and register.

Utilizing valuable insights provided by SNA members, Burbio is offering the new Calendar Insights subscription service to provide school foodservice suppliers with critical school calendar data to optimize productivity and manage uncertainty given the pandemic’s impact on school schedules. Learn More

Didn’t catch the Celebrate Black History Month with SNA webinar? Missed the Motivating Yourself and Your Team When Change is Obvious: Tips to Inspire Success During Uncertain Times webinar? Visit the Training Zone for these and dozens more on-demand webinars.

Improve Your Leadership Skills with eSN

“Listen Better to Lead Better,” by Jennifer Lewi, SNA’s Staff Vice President of Membership & Professional Development, offers up tips and advice for tuning in and tuning up your active listening skills to effectively manage and resolve conflict. Read the March 2021 issue of eSN today!