School Nutrition Association’s ANC 2012 to feature nation’s largest exhibit of healthy trends in school meals

DENVER, CO (July 13, 2012) – On Monday, July 16, school nutrition professionals from across the country will sample healthy foods and beverages and preview equipment and services to help school cafeterias meet required new federal nutrition standards for school meals this fall.

Over 6,300 school nutrition professionals are gathering at the Colorado Convention Center for School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 66th Annual National Conference (ANC), featuring the largest exhibit floor in school nutrition with more than 850 exhibit booths showcasing healthy, tasty, kid-friendly and energy-efficient products.

Six interactive Culinary Demonstrations will highlight innovative, nutritious recipes and the Cutting-Edge Complex will feature new equipment to help school cafeterias lower energy costs and prepare healthier meals. Attendees will find a number of exciting trends on display, including:

• More Fruits and Vegetables: single-serve packages of sliced fresh fruits and vegetables for students on-the-go; allergy-free trail mix made with seeds and dried fruit; unsweetened apple and pear sauce; 100% fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies; baked sweet potato “fries” and puffs; falafel and hummus
• Whole Grain Rich Foods: whole grain pretzels, crackers, bagels and bread, whole wheat pancakes and waffles, brown rice, barley, and even wheat berries
• Lower-Sodium Foods: reduced sodium sauces for Asian stir fry and wraps; reduced sodium salsa and pasta sauce; low sodium, low fat meatballs; reduced sodium turkey sausage for breakfast
• Kid Favorites Made Healthy: pizzas made with whole grain crust, low fat cheese and reduced sodium sauce; macaroni and cheese prepared with whole grain pasta and reduced fat and sodium cheese; reduced fat and lower sodium turkey burgers; low sodium, low fat ham for deli sandwiches
• Healthy On the Go Breakfast and Snacks: fat-free yogurt parfaits and Greek yogurt cups; oatmeal bowls; whole grain, organic granola bars
• Equipment, products and services that increase efficiency, sustainability and food safety: energy-efficient ovens and steamers; breakfast carts, milk coolers, salad bars and sneeze guards; biodegradable lunch trays; online meal payment systems; nutrition education resources and more.

Attendees will peruse the popular Produce Row, Dairy Way, USDA Lane and the eco-friendly Green Aisle. In the Wellness Village, attendees will gather health tips and undergo screenings from the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and other organizations.

About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students.