A Message From Your SNA President-Elect
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“I will prepare and someday my chance will come.”—Abraham Lincoln
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln speaks about preparing for opportunities that come along in life—despite extraordinary challenges that we all face. President Lincoln led our nation during times of exceptional turmoil and change, and likewise for the past 18months, school food service operators and industry members alike have been leading in emergency mode towards the end goal of ensuring all kids across this nation have access to food. This fall will be like no other we’ve ever experienced before, as kids return to classrooms and “new normals” are established in school districts.
This fall presents to us all an opportunity—an opportunity to do something that we’ve been advocating for and preparing to do for years. Serve breakfast and lunch meals to all kids in school. At no cost. Every day. As USDA extended waivers this past spring for SY2021-22, school food service operators and industry members have been gifted this unique opportunity. I know we’re ready for this because we have been preparing for this moment and our chance has come!
However, the opportunity to serve breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no cost does not come without challenges, and there are many: labor shortages, food, material and supply issues as well as overall uncertainty of pandemic outcomes. One thing is for certain, students are counting on us this fall for the nutrition they need for morning and afternoon learning each school day—and we’re up for the task!
Operators in Oakland County where I work are preparing for this year by expanding new, more efficient, service models, shortening cycle menus and focusing on serving student favorites all while preparing multiple back-up plans when faced with supply chain issues (that are very certain to happen). Also, some school districts that never served breakfast before are implementing new programs, and there’s a fresh focus on new service models including meal kiosks, and innovative cafe service areas now available as pandemic restrictions are lifted and self-service returns. Operators in Oakland County are also focusing on the staff they have, and not the ones they don’t.
While there are no simple solutions for facing the challenges headed our way, let’s seize this opportunity with the same fierce determination and resiliency that has got us through these past 18 months. Bring on the new school year…we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Lori Adkins
SNA President-Elect
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DID YOU KNOW
SNA surveyed its member directors in June 2021 about their most serious concerns in back to school planning for SY2021-22 and found that 97% of responding directors are concerned about continued pandemic supply chain disruptions. To learn more and read the report click here.
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SNA CALENDAR
Virtual Events
November 8-10, 2021
November 15-17, 2021
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2021 Registration Now Open for SNA's Level I & II Virtual Fall Industry Boot Camp
Register now for SNA’s Fall Virtual Industry Boot Camp sessions (Level I: November 8-10; Level II: November 15-17)—intense educational seminars designed to help industry representatives new to school nutrition and seasoned veterans who want to brush up or better understand the ins and outs of the school nutrition segment.
Level I topics include school meal program basics, USDA regulations, menu planning, offer versus serve, reimbursement rates, trends in school feeding and more.
Level II topics include USDA Foods and commodity processing, product development and non-food procurement. 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).
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New Partnership Opportunities: SNA's Upcoming Webinars
This is a complex time for school nutrition programs and operators are looking at SNA’s upcoming webinars to help them navigate feeding students with virtual and hybrid academic schedules, social distancing requirements and meals in the classroom.
Take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to partner with SNA! All webinars are recorded and hosted on SNA’s Training Zone, which many of our directors and operator members have taken advantage of. Please contact us for more information!
Sponsor Benefits:
- Marketing reach through various newsletter and social media channels (exceeds 35K members).
- Logo included in marketing materials and featured at the beginning and end of each webinar.
- Option of introducing the speakers on each webinar.
- Include up to two questions on the post-webinar survey.
- Detailed analytics report approximately two-weeks post webinar.
If you are interested and would like more details, contact SNA Business Development Manager Nita Artis.
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SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair Added to Board of Directors
On July 9, the SNA Delegate Assembly approved a bylaw change to add the Industry Advisory Council Chair to the Board of Directors as an ex-officio, non-voting member, effective immediately. This addition will provide important input and perspective on the school nutrition industry from SNA’s industry partners. Nicole Nicoloff, National Vice President of Sales, Classic Delights, LLC, was elected as Chair of the Industry Advisory Council this year. Her term began on August 1, and she will serve on the Board for two years as the Industry Advisory Council Representative.
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SNF 2022 Equipment Grant Program
Since its inception in 1969, the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has provided scholarships to SNA members. Would your company be interested in funding and expanding this program? Check out the current scholarships and grants that your company can sponsor. Please contact SNF at info@schoolnutritonfoundation.org to inquire about “naming” a scholarship that can both highlight your company and demonstrate your support to every SNA member. This expanding grant program offers five SNA districts the opportunity to improve or expand their kitchens and serving facilities. Learn more.
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SNF’s Count Me In Campaign
Now that schools are reopening and communities are inching towards normalcy, the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) will continue to support you in any way we can by providing benefits for all SNA members. Will you help us and say, “Count Me In” by making a tax-deductible contribution?
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Together Again Gala at SNA's Legislative Action Conference 2022
Won’t it be great to be together again? The School Nutrition Foundation’s Together Again Gala (March 7, 2022), scheduled during SNA’s 2022 Legislative Action Conference, will be the first opportunity for SNA members from across the country to gather in person again and celebrate all they achieved during the pandemic. Becoming a sponsor is the best was to show your support for the Foundation while networking with SNA members and promoting your company’s brand. Click the links below for more information and to become a sponsor. Learn more.
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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.
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#ANC Annual National Conference Announcements
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ANC 2022 Orlando Exhibit Hall Sign-Up
Reserve your Exhibit Space today! Start planning now for who you want to meet in Orlando at the “School Nutrition Networking Event of the Year”—SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC),
July 10-12, 2022!
“Powered by imagination” is the #ANC22 theme, and its focus is how new ideas and creativity will best equip attendees to reimagine their school nutrition operations. Will you help them utilize the latest innovations and practical ideas to build and rebuild their school meal programs?
If you haven’t done so already, visit 2022 ANC Orlando Floorplan to see what exhibit space is still available for the conference (2-day tradeshow). The deadline to receive the early bird booth rates is September 30, 2021. Please contact Crystal Harper-Pierre, SNA Exhibits Sales Manager to reserve your booth space.
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Legislative & Regulatory Update
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Senate Appropriations Bill Includes Provision to Maintain Target 1 Sodium & Whole Grain Standards
On Wednesday, August 4, the full U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a set of spending bills, including appropriations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2022 Fiscal Year. Among other provisions, the bill states "the Secretary of Agriculture may grant exemptions to School Food Authorities (SFAs) that demonstrate financial or procurement hardship specific to whole grains." It also states, "no funds shall be made available to implement any regulation under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that requires a reduction in the quantity of sodium for meals, food, or snacks sold in schools below Target 1."
Take Action: Share SNA's Back to School Survey & Request Relief
SNA's Back to School Survey revealed the severe financial and operational challenges facing school meal programs, including concerns over program economic sustainability, meeting new sodium targets, and continued supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more important than ever to raise your voice as the USDA has scheduled an upcoming Interim Final Rule on nutrition standards, and Child Nutrition Reauthorization discussions continue in Congress. Take action now!
FNS Publishes a Guide to School Meals Service Options & Flexibilities
Federal Register: Request for Information on Buy American Provisions On April 14, the U.S. On August 4, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service published the Federal Register notice, “Request for Information: Buy American in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.” Read more.
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