School Nutrition Magazine: November/December 2026
We always talk about how something “hits the spot.” Usually we’re referring to a good meal—maybe a meal of comfort…
From Leader to Coach: Sometimes the Best Answer is a Question
Leadership coach Jen Lewi shares how quality coaching and guiding someone to find their own solution (rather than jumping to provide the answer for them) can build confidence, encourage ownership and help develop stronger leaders. Plus, learn how to assess when it’s the right moment to coach, what questions to ask and how to create a coaching culture in your workplace.
The Empty Cafeteria Effect: How Low Meal Participation Signals Broader Campus Vulnerabilities
If your cafeteria is empty, don’t just ask what is on the menu. Ask what the empty seats are telling you about your school. Be visible, listen to students, involve them in menu decisions, communicate on the platforms they already use, recruit teachers and principals as advocates and create spaces students actually want to use.
Roots of Success: How Schools, Farms and State Agencies Cultivate Farm-to-School
Learn about the many factors that go into a successful farm-to-school program—geography, growing seasons, procurement requirements, storage capacity, distribution networks, processing needs, student preferences and more—and get tips, inspiration and success stories from a dairy farmer, an Arizona school district and North Carolina’s farm-to-school program.
A Food Allergy Refresher: There’s a Plan for That
Markita Lewis, MS, RDN, marketing and communications manager at the National Peanut Board, shares practical tips for shifting to a “plan, not ban” food allergy approach, strengthening allergy management plans and adding nutritious, kid-favorite ingredients back onto your menus, all while keeping students safe.
Feel-Good Favorites
From a warm bowl of tomato soup to a bubbly pasta pizza bake, familiar favorites can bring a little extra comfort to the cafeteria. These eight recipes celebrate flavors students know and love—with a few fresh twists to keep things interesting. Find your next menu inspiration and discover a little something about the foods along the way.
SN Plus: Plant-Powered School Meals
Plant-forward meals can do more than just add variety to your school menu. They can help school nutrition programs meet…
SN Plus: Plant-Powered School Meals
Plant-forward meals can do more than just add variety to your school menu. They can help school nutrition programs meet…