Thank You for Focusing on the Future at #LAC2020! 2020-03-11SNA was pleased to welcome 850 school nutrition professionals to the 48th Legislative Action Conference (#LAC2020) in Washington, D.C. The conference jumpstarted with the highly attended pre-conference session on Disaster Preparedness & Response featuring USDA experts, state agency staff and experienced school nutrition operators. This groundbreaking session also highlighted waiver options for meal service as schools prepare for possible school closures related to coronavirus (COVID-19). On Sunday, March 8, you could feel the energy as hundreds of attendees, including LAC first timers participated in numerous breakout sessions, receiving updates on hot topics such as unpaid meal debt policies, HR hurdles and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). School menu inspiration was front and center during fun sessions such as “Culinary Creations: Kid-Tested, Kid Approved.” Attendees also enjoyed hearing Prince George’s County (Md.) students discussed their school meal favorites which included healthy menu items such as grilled chicken and sautéed spinach and internationally inspired favorites like tacos and beef teriyaki. Other highlights included USDA’s announcement that upcoming equipment grants will no longer be tied to F/R eligibility requirements. The USDA also urged LAC attendees to comment on the proposed rule to simplify school meal regulations (deadline March 23!). Throughout the conference, several standing ovations were in order for outstanding speakers such as Larry Sabato, who gave a sneak peek into his “Crystal Ball” electoral analysis following an exciting Super Tuesday; Senator Pat Roberts who was honored for his long time commitment to school nutrition programs; and last but certainly not least, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who participated in a highly anticipated fireside chat with SNA President, Gay Anderson, SNS, and SNA CEO Patti Montague, CAE. Perdue discussed the coronavirus and its effect on school meal programs and as well as the positive changes USDA has made to provide greater flexibility for school meal programs working to make food choices healthy and appealing to students. Said Perdue, “I haven’t met a school lunch professional anywhere that didn’t want to see a kid consume a healthy meal.” From School Nutrition Foundation’s (SNF) Party with a Purpose, to 850 attendee #TrayBlazers charging Capitol Hill to visit with their representatives on SNA’s own “Super Tuesday,” #LAC2020 had a fantastic turnout despite COVID-19 fears. We can’t wait to see you again next year! Thank you to everyone who helped make #LAC2020 a rousing success and mark your calendars for March 7-9 next year for #LAC2021!