Nearly 700 Attend Stronger Together: SNA’s First Live Virtual Series 2020-06-12Nearly 700 Attend Stronger Together: SNA’s First Live Virtual Series SNA’s first live virtual series, designed to equip school nutrition directors for the uncertainties of planning in a pandemic, launched this week to overwhelmingly positive reviews from attendees, who praised the new format, topics covered and speakers. One attendee commented: “SNA is very in touch with the struggles we’re going through, and this webinar is very inclusive of many important topics we’re all grappling with. Excellent agenda, excellent presenters & convenient virtual format.” SNA President Gay Anderson, SNS and President Elect Reginald Ross, SNS kicked off the series, moderated by professional facilitator Lowell Aplebaum. On day one, attendees learned how to think strategically for a new COVID-19 world. Sessions focused on operators sharing how they are planning for multiple scenarios, leading teams and keeping staff motivated and safe. All attendees received a planning workbook to record their thoughts, set goals and apply the content to their scenarios. Key takeaways emphasized how success will be measured not just in reopening, but in ongoing adaptability, being ready for the unexpected and preparing for change, both for school nutrition employees and school partners such as teachers who may take on new nutrition responsibilities. Attendees were encouraged to build trust among their teams through consistency, transparency, accountability, setting an example and making employees part of the process. Communication systems will also need to be examined, as what may have taken months or years to roll out may need to roll out in weeks or days. One speaker summed it up by stating to “communicate what you know, when you know it.” School nutrition operators already have a knowledge base when it comes to clean and sanitary and are experts in food safety. This is a moment where they need to advocate for what they need and share their expertise. Said one speaker, “I am the largest restaurant in my city--school nutrition is both a public health and economic driver issue.” Attendees were also invited to take part in peer to peer discussions at the end of the day as well as be matched with a mentor. Days three and four of the series will take place on June 15 and 16. View the latest series agenda. If you weren’t able to attend the live series, you can pre-purchase it now in the SNA Training Zone where the recorded version will be available in approximately one month. Meanwhile, please visit our series sponsors for more resources!