A home-cooked meal, a caring grandparent, a godmother who worked in the school cafeteria—these are just a few core memories cited by school nutrition professionals who have “inherited” their passion for child nutrition. We asked members where they found their “why,” and they shared personal stories and inspiration that fuel the important work they do each day.
Most people have fond memories of childhood meals and family recipes that have shaped how they understand the meaning behind a meal today, and school nutrition professionals know better than most that a good meal is much more than just food. Now, three SNA members share how their own family food traditions have shaped how they approach school meals and serving students today.
Eight SNA members share how they’re bringing local, seasonal harvests to the tray and connecting students with the communities behind their food, whether it’s produce grown in their own school gardens or ingredients sourced from local farms.
SNA’s 2026-27 President Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, SNS, FAND, Child Nutrition Director at Auburn City Schools shares her leadership journey, her passion for education, learning and school nutrition, and her goals for the year ahead.
The journeys of SNA’s four 2026 national award recipients are as distinct as they are inspiring, but they still share a common thread that likely holds true for most of you, too: the belief that school nutrition is not just a job, but an opportunity to directly nourish students and prepare them for successful futures.
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SNA has always carried forward a simple but powerful belief: That children deserve to be fed, that the professionals who feed them deserve respect and that there will always be someone willing to show up. This is that story.
Get a recap of SNA’s 2026 Legislative Action Conference (LAC26), including key takeaways from keynote speaker Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News, the USDA update, an expert panel on ultra-processed foods and more.
Learn more about SNA’s 2026 Annual National Conference (ANC26), from July 12-14 in Charlotte, N.C., including keynote speakers, education session highlights details on this year’s energizing opening event and more.
As someone who works in school foodservice, you are your own best advocate. So, what are SNA’s current top legislative priorities, what resources are available to you, and how can you join us in advocating for the future of school nutrition programs?