School Nutrition Magazine January/February 2026 – Starting the New Year Strong: Facts & Fresh Ideas
We’re halfway through the school year, but the start of a new calendar year in January always brings its own…
Getting the Facts Straight About School Meals
School meals are one of the most widely discussed—and often misunderstood—parts of public education. Drawing from insights shared by school nutrition leaders across the country, through SNA’s podcast School Food for Thought, we’re exploring different perspectives to set the record straight about what school meals look like today, why they matter and how they support children well beyond the lunch line.
Beyond the Carton: The Contribution of Dairy Foods to Nutritious Diets and School Meals
Dairy milk and foods are nutritional powerhouses, fueling growth and supporting health throughout the human lifespan. As the body of science continues to show the potential role of nutrient-dense dairy foods—specifically milk, cheese and yogurt at all fat levels—in a healthy diet, what remains constant is that these nutrient-rich dairy foods deliver high-quality nutrition to Americans at each stage of life.
Clean Labels 101: A Manufacturer’s View
A look at how manufacturers interpret—and innovate around—the evolving expectations behind “clean labels,” and what those shifts mean for K–12 programs navigating ingredient transparency, wellness trends and operational challenges.
2025 National SNA Award Winners: Where Are They Now?
Last July, SNA’s 2025 national award winners took to the stage at our Annual National Conference to officially accept their recognitions from SNA’s then-President Shannon Gleave. Now, what have they all been up to in the six months since then? And now that the 2026 awards cycle is open for nominations, what is the best advice they have to encourage others to enter themselves or someone they know?
One Potato, Two Potatoes, Three Potatoes… More!
Potatoes are the perfect ingredient for operators looking to refresh menus. They can stand alone as the base or quietly reinforce a menu’s nutrition goals while carrying other vegetables, proteins and grains along with them. In short: Potatoes don’t just belong on the tray—they can even elevate it.
SNA Welcomes Release of New DGAs
ARLINGTON, VA – The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) urged Congress to ensure school meal programs are equipped to successfully…
SNA Unveils 2026 Position Paper
SNA has released its 2026 Position Paper, outlining the Association’s advocacy priorities for the new year. SNA’s Public Policy and Legislation Committee drafted the Paper based on SNA member feedback and survey responses.
2026 Position Paper: Feasible Standards
Despite the progress in increasing whole foods and reducing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in school meals, the expansion of scratch cooking and the adoption of new federal nutrition standards face significant barriers, such as inadequate funding, staffing, equipment, and time for proper implementation.