FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erik Peterson
703-739-3900 ext 124
epeterson@schoolnutrition.org

School Nutrition Association Recognized for Efforts
to Promote Local Wellness Policies
SNA Named to 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (November 22, 2006) -- The School Nutrition Association was chosen to receive an Award of Excellence for its Local Wellness Policy Campaign and was been named to the 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll. The Associations Advance America Awards is a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership, Washington, DC.

SNA received the recognition for its campaign to promote local wellness policies and healthy food and beverage choices in schools.  Research shows the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren and the campaign promoted healthy school meals while seeking to develop healthy school environments beyond the cafeteria. During the campaign, SNA:

• Distributed 800,000 copies of three brochures on wellness policies to students and their families through SNA’s 50,000 members.
• Authored articles and flyers for the Association’s website and magazine on various wellness policy components, such as alternatives to using food for fundraising.
• Encouraged members and other school employees to be role models for healthy lifestyles by sponsoring personal wellness contests.
• Targeted parents through the Association website, a public service announcement and media campaigns in 2005-2006 that reached over 100 million people.

SNA is continuing its local wellness efforts and they are making a difference.  The 2003 SNA Back to School Trends Survey found that only 38% of school districts offered healthy choices in snack lines.  According to the 2006 Survey, that number increased to 64% of school districts.  Additionally, the 2006 Survey also found that three out of five districts increased the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables in snack lines.

The Award of Excellence for the Local Wellness Policy Campaign is SNA’s fifth such recognition from ASAE. Now in its 17^th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward – with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service.  Although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.

SNA, the School Nutrition Association, is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country.  The Association and its members are dedicated to feeding children safe and nutritious meals. Founded in 1946, SNA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children’s health and well being through school meals and sound nutrition education.

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