June 29, 2012—The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), creators of the National Milk Mustache “got milk?(R)” campaign, recently announced the winner of its 2011 Spotlight On contest. Michelle Milley, cafeteria manager, St. Jane Frances School in Pasadena, Md., worked to improve her students’ nutrition by serving only fat-free chocolate and lowfat white milk and eliminating less nutritious beverages. She used Milk Mustache celebrity posters to create a buzz, and the school saw milk consumption begin to rise. At her school of 350 students, about 250 units of milk are consumed per day.
As part of her award, Milley will be featured in a print advertising campaign. To learn more about the “got milk?” campaign and to submit an entry to be considered as a monthly winner in the school foodservice category, visit www.milkdelivers.org/schools/spotlight-on/school-foodservice.
MilkPEP Spotlight On Contest
June 28, 2012 – SNA has received the following information about the Colorado Wildfires from the Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau. They say that “the Denver Metro area is not threatened in any way and our air quality is within normal standards.”
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver and will notify you if we receive any further information about the wildfires. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the fires.
The complete memo from the Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with a second about construction at Denver International Airport is available below:
Colorado Wildfires
You might have seen media coverage that Colorado is experiencing several fires. The High Park forest fire is 55% contained and is 75 miles North of Denver. The Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs is more than 60 miles South of Denver. There is a fire Southwest of Boulder which is approximately 35 miles from Denver. We want to assure you that the Denver Metro area is not threatened in any way and our air quality is within normal standards.
We are in constant communications with our friends at the Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureaus, as they continue to update their clients and visitors on areas impacted by the fires. In each city, there are still many activities available for recreation and visitation.
Rocky Mountain National Park and the popular Indian Peaks Wilderness area, as well as, all other mountain areas of Colorado to the west along the I-70 corridor (including Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Winter Park, Aspen and Steamboat), and all points South (including Crested Butte, Telluride, Durango and Mesa Verde National Park) are more than 100 miles from the fire areas and have had no impact from the fires or smoke. These areas are very open and accessible from Denver.
More information on the fires can be found at the Colorado Division of Emergency Management website (www.coemergency.com) or on Twitter at @COEmergency. Updates on Colorado wildfires are also available at www.inciweb.org/state/6/.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have been impacted by these natural disasters. For ways to help those affected by the wildfires in Colorado, visit www.HelpColoradoNow.org.
Pardon Our Dust While We Improve Denver International Airport
Work has begun at Denver International Airport on a new 500-room Westin hotel and conference center and a new commuter rail line that will connect the airport to downtown Denver by 2016. Construction of these exciting projects will result in some temporary detours for arriving and departing passengers. Most people will notice very little difference. Please just follow the orange detour signs, or go to www.flydenver.com/construction for complete information and updates.
Denver International Airport is working closely with VISIT DENVER and our local transportation companies with commercial vehicles to ensure the impact on arriving passengers is minimal. You may also want to allow a few extra minutes to your transfer times, if applicable. If you are coordinating any customized “group” transfers please contact your VISIT DENVER service manager so we can put you in direct contact with DIA ground transportation for appropriate staging.
VISIT DENVER will continually monitor the progress of this exciting project and be sure to keep you updated.
June 25, 2012 – SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC) is just a few weeks away, and the anticipation level is at an all-time high!
There is a lot to see and do at the “School Nutrition Event of the Year.” And with more than 90 education breakout sessions, networking opportunities and the largest exhibit hall in school nutrition (featuring 840 exhibit booths packed with nutritious foods and beverages, services, equipment and technology), you’ll want to get a jump start on planning your conference itinerary.
And now you can do just that—before you even step foot in Denver—by previewing the new digital version of the official ANC Program Guide.
This handy guide includes all the general information, conference logistics, and session and event details you need to enjoy ANC to the fullest. From the latest hot topic education sessions (like the just announced, “We Can Do This: Advice and Resources for Meeting the New Meal Pattern”), to exciting special events, to checking out which exhibitors will be in the Exhibit Hall—the ANC Program Guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing!
In addition, the guide is available as a PDF. Save time by downloading it in advance, and then access it whenever you want from your laptop, cell phone or any device with a mobile web browser. Plus, users of iBooks or Kindle apps can easily store the guide in their library and take advantage of features like bookmarking and search.
Start preparing your ANC experience now and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you arrive in Denver!
P.S. If you haven’t yet registered for ANC, there is still time. SNA has extended its Regular Rate registration deadline, and will now accept registrations until June 29, 2012. But hurry—after Friday, all registrations must be submitted onsite and will be charged at the Onsite Rate.
Please note: All ANC attendees will receive a hard copy of the ANC Program Guide upon registration in Denver.
ANC 2012Register for ANC
June 25, 2012—Now that summer is here, many school nutrition programs participate in the Summer Food Service Program to assist families whose children may not otherwise receive healthy summer meals. Another such program that many school districts coordinate, often during the academic year, to assist students who would not otherwise receive meals is a backpack program.
One such district, Yankton (S.D.) School District, has an inspiring story to share about how the community teamed up to save a backpack program whose funds were in danger of being drastically reduced.
Sandi Kramer, the Yankton district’s school nutrition director, serves as a representative on the backpack program (called the Sack Pack Program) board. The volunteer board, which provides sack packs for the weekend for students in need, learned last school year that it did not have enough funds to run the Sack Pack program through the end of the school year without removing one school from the program. Ultimately, principals throughout the school district decided that the best option would be to drop one school, Stewart Elementary School, from the program.
Then, just before the 2011 holiday season, Kramer received a phone call from Mike Huether, the mayor of Sioux Falls, S.D. He had heard the news about Yankton’s Sack Pack program and asked how much money would be needed to continue to bring the program to Stewart Elementary for the rest of the school year. Huether volunteered to contribute the $7,000 needed to continue providing Sack Pack meals at Stewart and challenged the Sack Pack board to conduct a fundraiser. Huether and his wife Cindy, both Yankton natives, explained that they would match the amount raised.
Kramer and her board challenged everyone in the community to help. “We had doctors, clinics, hospital staff, manufacturers, school district staff, churches, parent teacher associations (PTAs) and student councils who contributed money,” she says, noting that in less than six weeks, the fundraiser surpassed the Sack Pack board’s goal of $25,000. With the Huethers’ matching donation, the community raised more than $55,000 to continue the Sack Pack program. In addition to serving the already participating schools, the program also will add another school in the fall.
Throughout the fundraiser, community members responded to radio challenges encouraging Yankton residents to donate. Doctors, representatives from local businesses and others went on the air to issue the challenges. Yankton herself and other Sack Pack board members also spoke over the air to explain the importance of the project and to detail the Sack Pack program. “I went on the radio and challenged all school district employees that my staff was [paying $1.00 to wear jeans and asked] what the teachers, custodians and secretaries could do to top us. I told how one PTA and student council donated money [and urged] others to match them or contribute more,” she explains. Other funds raised came from bake sales, community contests and beyond, including from a group of teachers who contributed their winnings from a district weight loss contest and another teacher who donated his winnings from a car dealership contest.
In an article in the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, Mike Huether noted, “The biggest surprise to me was, it wasn’t a lot of large-dollar donations. It was a lot of small ones. It was young people, old people, organizations and businesses rallying to raise over $25,000. It was a grassroots effort, and it was ultimately accomplished.”
ANC’s Exhibit Hall is always one of the favorite destinations for attendees. In just a few short weeks, it will be bustling with the industry’s most exciting exhibits, as well as other enticing events and features. Take a look at what you can expect in Denver.
If you haven’t yet registered for ANC, there is still time. SNA has extended its Regular Rate registration deadline, and will now accept registrations until June 29, 2012. But hurry—after June 29th, all registrations must be submitted onsite and will be charged at the Onsite Rate.
ExhibitorsVisit with over 360 exhibitors to get the latest and most cutting-edge food, beverage, service, supply and equipment offerings. The ANC Exhibit Hall gives you a unique opportunity to view, taste and touch products designed to improve the success of your school nutrition operation. Click here for an alphabetical listing of the 2012 exhibiting companies as well as an interactive map of the exhibit floor.
School Nutrition’s “Denver Dash” Scavenger HuntDon’t miss the ever-popular Annual Exhibit Hall Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by School Nutrition magazine! This is your opportunity to explore the aisles in the Exhibit Hall and win fantastic prizes from some of the most popular booths.
Directors’ All-Access PassIf you’re an SNA director-level member, you won’t want to miss the special Exhibit Hall time, Tuesday, July 17, 8:30 am–11:30 am, that has been set aside for you to walk the aisles and network with exhibitors. As you enter the Exhibit Hall, be sure to pick up your directors’-only “All-Access Pass” card. Visit at least five booths identified on the card and be entered into a drawing to win a 2013 meetings package!
Catch the MomentCome have your photo taken in a unique conference memorabilia setting at the Catch the Moment booth. Each guest will receive a personalized photograph to remind them of their exciting visit to the Mile High City. Choose from an array of backgrounds, including the cover of School Nutrition magazine. Sponsored by Hobart, Traulsen and Vulcan.
Culinary DemonstrationsDiscover new ideas and innovative ways to enhance school meals. Get ideas for new recipes and presentation skills to help increase participation. Hone your edge by learning culinary techniques and nutrition tips. Equipment provided by Hobart and Vulcan.
Cutting-Edge ComplexWhether you seek equipment solutions to help you lower energy costs or streamline production, these demonstrations will clue you in to the most innovative and efficient kitchen equipment and software technology available to the school nutrition market.
Wellness VillageRelax and recharge your mind and body at the Wellness Village! Here, you will be able to enjoy relaxation (massage) stations, have your blood pressure or back checked, and glean new health and wellness information from the following organizations: the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Red Cross, the Downtown Denver Chiropractic Centre, Forrest T. Jones and the American Association of Retired Persons. To read more about these organizations and what they will offer, click here. Brought to you by Forrest T. Jones & Company.
June 18, 2012—General Mills Foodservice and the National Dairy Council have announced a grants program designed to help school nutrition operations expand school breakfast. The grants are designed to increase student participation by serving breakfast outside the cafeteria in creative ways.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available to schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 that are starting a new breakfast program or improving an existing one. Schools and districts starting or improving upon breakfast in the classroom, grab ‘n’ go breakfast, second chance breakfast or another innovative method of serving school breakfast to more students are welcome to apply.
To apply and for more information, visit http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/Fuel-Up-Breakfast-Grants.php. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2012.
Fuel Up to Play Breakfast Grants
June 15, 2012 – SNA is taking an active role in addressing meal pattern questions and has appointed an Ad Hoc Working Group to develop a practical “How-To Guide” for SNA members. The goal of this Guide is to assist in the challenges of implementing the new meal pattern requirements for lunch scheduled to go into effect this fall. As part of the distribution efforts for this Guide, an education session will be held at SNA’s 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC) next month in Denver to discuss and share the new materials.
Entitled “We Can Do This: Advice and Resources for Meeting the New Meal Pattern,” this hot topic session will provide you with sample menus, resources and other valuable tools needed to interpret and implement the new meal pattern regulations. It will be presented by the SNA Ad Hoc Meal Pattern Working Group consisting of food service operators, state agency officials, industry and USDA representatives.
The session will be repeated throughout the conference (see dates and times below), so that everyone has an opportunity to attend.
Sunday, July 15 (12:00 pm-1:00 pm)Monday, July 16 (2:15 pm-3:15 pm)Tuesday, July 17 (10:00 am-11:00 am and 2:15 pm-3:15 pm)Wednesday, July 18 (1:30 pm-2:30 pm and 2:45 pm-3:45 pm)
We urge you to take advantage of this important educational offering and be fully prepared to meet the new meal pattern requirements, as well as ready to show off all the healthy changes in your school cafeteria.
P.S. If you haven’t yet registered for ANC, there is still time. SNA has extended its Regular Rate registration deadline, and will now accept registrations until June 29, 2012. But hurry—after June 29th, all registrations must be submitted onsite and will be charged at the Onsite Rate.
We look forward to meeting you in Denver!
ANC 2012
Register for ANC
June 13, 2012 – Demonstrations are a fun and effective way to learn a new idea, or check out a product or service. And at SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC), July 15-18, 2012, the Exhibit Hall will feature two types of demonstrations: the Culinary Demonstrations and the new Cutting-Edge Complex demonstrations! Be sure to make time for these exciting and worthwhile demonstrations, taking place throughout the conference.
Photo: EZ Event Photography
Culinary DemonstrationsThe always popular Culinary Demonstrations allows attendees the opportunity to watch chefs close-up as they share new and innovative ways to prepare and serve meals The following companies will be participating in these demonstrations:
New! Cutting-Edge Complex DemonstrationsIn these presentations, you’ll learn about some of the newest equipment and software technology options available to the school nutrition market. The following companies will be participating in these demonstrations:
Each demo will last about 45 minutes, so there’s still plenty of time to go to all the exhibits. So whether you take in one or all of these one-of-a-kind demonstrations, you’re sure to walk away with some great new ideas!
P.S. SNA recently extended its Regular Rate registration deadline for ANC, and will now accept registrations until June 29, 2012. But hurry—after June 29th, all registrations must be submitted onsite and will be charged at the Onsite Rate!
June 13, 2012—Whether your school meals program serves 400 kids or 40,000, the odds are that your plate is pretty full with the responsibilities associated with prepping and serving nutritious, appealing, federally compliant meals to school children. And yet, if you can’t find opportunities to serve up some nutrition education along with your healthy meals, the rest of your team’s efforts barely matter. The June/July issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, explores some nutrition education ideas designed to fit with your operation’s time and budget. Also included is a behind-the-scenes look at last fall’s episode of “Chopped” that featured school nutrition professionals and a preview of this summer’s Annual National Conference in Denver.
From simple routines to involved projects to complex programs, there are many ways to incorporate nutrition education into your day. In “You, Too, Can Teach,” discover a spectrum of ideas and best practices to consider.
Chefs, farmers and opera singers (?!). “Round up the Unusual Suspects” explores how these community partners—and many others—may be willing and able to help you deliver important nutrition education to your students.
By applying a little behavioral psychology, you can teach kids to make smarter, healthier food choices. Curious to learn more? “Raise Your Cafeteria’s IQ” is full of valuable research and suggestions that you can implement in your own operation.
“Head of the Class” takes you behind the scenes of “Chopped,” the buzzed-about Food Network show, to reveal how four inspiring school nutrition professionals sliced and diced some longstanding negative stereotypes, while raising the public awareness bar for healthy school meals. Bonus Web Content: Learn about life after “Chopped” and read on for some more behind-the-scenes insights.
There is no better place to discover what’s new on the horizon in school nutrition than in Denver at SNA’s Annual National Conference, July 15-18, 2012. Don’t miss the complete conference preview found in “Onward, Pioneers!”
Gray skies are going to clear up (at least metaphorically) when you serve up the sweetness of yellow and orange fruits. “Sunny Dispositions” provides a detailed look and serving suggestions in the first part of this multi-part fruit exploration. Bonus Web Content: Learn about even more yellow and orange fruits and check out an additional web-exclusive recipe.
School Nutrition–June/July 2012
June 7, 2012 – This week, SNA CEO Frank DiPasquale was featured on “Food News Today,” the weekly webcast hosted by food expert Phil Lempert that covers the latest news, trends and happenings in the food world. The segment provides an update on school meals and a preview of the healthy options students will find in schools starting this fall. The video also responds to recent legislation—including the SLICE (School Lunch Improvements in Children’s Education) Act—and other misinformation in the news about pizza being considered a vegetable in school cafeterias.
To view the video, visit www.foodnewstoday.com.
June 7, 2012—Interested in learning more about changes in school nutrition programs and the school environment as a result of following the HealthierUS School Challenge program? How about building the school nutrition brand personality within the school setting?
The Spring 2012 issue of The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management is now available online. Each issue of this online exclusive publication features several research articles on topics critical to the successful operation of school meal programs.
In addition to the topics mentioned already, articles in this latest issue also focus on the role of teachers in school health reform and the impact of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program on children’s consumption. You also will find a research update from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management is a peer-reviewed research journal published twice a year. To read the current issue, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspx?id=17258.
The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management—Spring 2012
June 7, 2012 – Something special is being planned for new school nutrition directors at SNA’s 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC), taking place next month in Denver. Directors who are new to their role (i.e. a director for three years or less) are invited to attend a special education session designed just for them called “What Have I Gotten Myself Into?” Based on survey feedback, this session will offer new directors an opportunity to learn from seasoned directors while also connecting with other new directors. There will also be a New Director’s Reception on Sunday, July 15th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. To learn more about other activities for new directors at ANC, visit the ANC New Director page.
New Directors Welcome at ANC
ANC Videos
June 6, 2012 – Great news...there is still time to register at the Regular Rate for “The School Nutrition Event of the Year”—SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC), July 15-18, 2012, in Denver, Colo. So, if you haven’t yet registered for ANC, this is your opportunity to take advantage of the extended Regular Rate registration deadline. SNA will now accept Regular Rate registrations until June 29, 2012. But hurry—after June 29th, all registrations must be submitted onsite and will be charged at the Onsite Rate!
ANC 2012 promises to be an exciting time of learning and growth, with thousands of school nutrition professionals like you joining together to share ideas to make a difference in the lives of children. Whether you’re new to school nutrition or at the height of your career, ANC offers you a diverse line-up of educational programming, inspiring general session speakers and dynamic networking opportunities.
To be part of this memorable event, register today! We look forward to seeing you in Denver!
June 6, 2012 – Signing up for Fuel Up to Play 60 is a great way to increase participation and obtain extra funding for your school nutrition program. There’s never been a better time to sign up!
From June 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, when you register for Fuel Up to Play 60 and link to a school or district, you'll automatically be entered for a chance to win a free registration to one SNA conference of your choice. SNA will randomly draw eight winners to receive their free conference registration.
Winners will be able to choose from:
Sign up today and enter to win at http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/join. To be eligible, just select ‘SNA’ from the dropdown menu when prompted to indicate where you heard about Fuel Up to Play 60.
Register soon—the sweepstakes ends December 31st!
For details and official rules, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/fueluptoplay60. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.
June 4, 2012 – As you make plans to attend this year’s Annual National Conference (ANC), remember that Denver is also a great vacation destination. This charming city, known for its breathtaking views and sunny climate, is the perfect place to relax and take in many sightseeing adventures.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because it is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level – or one mile high. You can even stand on the “mile high” step at the State Capitol Building.
Denver is a unique place -- where urban sophistication meets the great outdoors. It includes world-class museums, one of the nation’s most popular zoos, a wide-variety of outdoor adventures and a trendy downtown area with a shops and restaurants for everyone’s tastes.
Plus, there are plenty of great things to see and do just a short drive from Denver, with everything from Rocky Mountain National Park to a steam train ride or even gambling in an old west Victorian town.
You can also find all sorts of fun within walking distance of the ANC conference hotels and convention center. In fact, Denver is ranked as the fourth most walkable downtown in the nation. Or, perhaps you prefer taking in the sights by bicycle. It’s easy, using Denver’s bike sharing program (called Denver B-cycle), with over 50 bike stations around the city. And with over 850 miles of paved, off street bike trails the possibilities are endless.
Be sure to check out all that Colorado’s state capital has to offer by visiting www.denver.org/visitdenver/SNA. Wherever your travels take you in Denver, we are certain you’ll enjoy all that this exciting city has to offer.
ANC 2012 Videos
Denver’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
50 Free Summer Activities in Denver
June 4, 2012 – It’s not too late to sign your team up to perform in the School Nutrition Foundation’s (SNF) annual lip-syncing competition: Puttin’ on the Glitz. But hurry—the deadline is July 2nd, with the event set to take place Tuesday, July 17, during SNA’s 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver.
Why participate in this evening of entertainment? Because it’s a fun event filled with great music, enthusiastic participants and lots of laughs! Plus, it’s your chance to get creative and show the school nutrition community in attendance why you and your team are deserving of the “Puttin’ on the Glitz” title. If you performed last year and didn’t win, or wanted to perform but didn’t have the opportunity—now is the time to gather your group of performers, take your place on stage and get ready to wow the crowd! This event will take place at Tuesday at 7:30-9:30 pm in the Hyatt Regency (ANC’s Headquarters Hotel) and team registration is $500. To register your team or to learn more about Puttin’ on the Glitz, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/glitz.
SNF’s annual Puttin’ on the Glitz event helps support the Foundation’s valuable education programs and is truly one of the highlights of ANC. We hope you will enter a team and spend a memorable evening with us!
Puttin’ on the Glitz