State Agency Newsletter: Second Quarter April 2020 State Agency Advisory Council Applications Open SNA is currently accepting applications from State Agency Directors to represent the USDA Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West regions. Serving on the SAAC offers exciting opportunities to grow professionally, develop new skills, work on issues from a national perspective and contribute to the school nutrition profession.Through SNA, the SAAC has additional access to USDA FNS leadership to present feedback on behalf of State Agencies. SAAC members are expected to provide communications to and solicit feedback from other State Agencies within their region, attend SNA conferences, and develop strategies to engage State Agency staff. Read the SAAC Job Description. Download the application.Contact Nadia Davis, SNA’s State Agency Advisory Council’s staff liaison with any questions: ndavis@schoolnutrition.org.COVID-19 Advocacy Updates Since news of school closures began in early March, SNA has been taking quick action to advocate on behalf of members working to safely serve students during COVID-19 closures. Throughout this unprecedented crisis, SNA has been in regular contact with the USDA and Capitol Hill. In response, we have seen supportive measures such as the inclusion of much needed flexibilities and funding in recently released guidance and legislation. For a complete breakdown of the latest advocacy developments, visit SNA’s Coronavirus Members Resources Policy page.SNA COVID-19 School Meal Service Resources SNA provides resources to assist school nutrition professionals in school meal implementation during school closures related to COVID-19. COVID-19 Webinar series includes updates from USDA and is free and open to the public. SNA Magazine digital extras include employee safety and tips for getting through the crisis together. The Impact of COVID-19 On the School Nutrition Industry provides a report of SNA industry member survey results regarding impacts of school closures.SNA Advocacy Feedback Form SNA has appreciated your reaching out and sharing your challenges. We are always interested in learning what you are experiencing on the front lines. In order to ensure that we are collecting all the information relative to your states, we are providing these advocacy feedback forms. If you have any specific policy questions, SNA’s Government Affairs and Media Relations team is available to help at advocacy@schoolnutrition.org.