School Food for Thought Podcast

Introducing School Food for Thought, the School Nutrition Association's podcast and your newest source of insights and knowledge about school nutrition, K-12 foodservice and the latest industry trends.

Join us as we dive into fascinating conversations with school nutrition leaders who share their experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics, from creating delicious menus and designing inviting cafeterias to managing finances and leading teams.

Want CEUs? Each episode awards 0.25 to 0.5 CEUs after passing a short quiz, linked with each episode below.

Subscribe and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on the media player for each episode.

Season 3

Welcome to Season 3 of School Food for Thought! Get ready to be inspired, energized, and equipped with fresh ideas to transform your school nutrition programs! Season 3 of School Food for Thought is here, and this time we’re diving deeper than ever into the topics that matter most to school nutrition professionals. Whether you’re looking for innovative marketing strategies, navigating new nutrition guidelines, or finding creative ways to balance scratch cooking with processed options, this season has it all.

This season, we’re bringing you conversations with top industry leaders, rising stars, and creative thinkers who will share actionable advice, real-world success stories, and the kind of inspiration that will make you proud to be part of this field. We’re tackling the big questions and giving you the tools to thrive, all while celebrating the amazing work you do every day to nourish students and build stronger communities.

Ready to dive in? Catch episode one now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support and commitment to advancing school nutrition.

What’s in Store for Season 3?

This season, we’re bringing you conversations with top industry leaders, rising stars, and creative thinkers who are reshaping school nutrition. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:

Episode One: Beyond the Tray: Engaging Students in School Meals

Episode Two: The Future of School Nutrition: Insights from Emerging Leaders

Episode Three: How Can Schools Innovate Meal Programs to Meet New Nutrition Guidelines?

Episode Four: The Art of Balancing Fresh and Processed Foods in School Kitchens

Episode Five: The Greatest Changes in School Nutrition Standards You Need to Know!

Episode Six: Research Unboxing: Shifting Perceptions of School Breakfast Programs

Season 2

Get ready for an exciting new season of School Food for Thought! Join us as we dive into the heart of school nutrition, exploring innovative ideas, inspiring stories, and practical tips from the leaders who make it all happen. From advocacy and behind-the-scenes roles to creative culinary innovations and sustainability efforts, Season 2 is packed with engaging conversations that will empower and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this season offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives to enhance your approach to school nutrition. Tune in and discover how we're shaping the future of school meals, one episode at a time!

Episode 1

Episode One

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Powering Up School Nutrition Advocacy: Tips from Cathy Schuchart & Nichole Taylor

Release Date: July 2, 2024

In this podcast episode, Danielle Duran Baron, Cathy Schuchart, and Nicole Taylor discuss the critical role of advocacy in school nutrition programs. Cathy and Nicole share practical tips on finding one's voice and making an impact through advocacy, emphasizing that it extends beyond formal meetings to everyday interactions. They highlight the importance of SNA's support in addressing challenges and shaping legislative decisions. The conversation also covers the impact of COVID-19 on school meal programs and the potential for universal healthy school meals. The episode encourages members to utilize SNA resources and engage at all advocacy levels.

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Episode 2

Episode Two

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Behind the Scenes: Roles Beyond the Cafeteria in School Nutrition with Kristina Kraushaar and Bill Ward

Release date: July 2, 2024

In this episode of School Food for Thought, we dive into the diverse and essential roles within the school nutrition field. Kristina Kraushaar, Program Innovator at Rialto Unified School District in California, and Bill Ward, System Support Specialist at Hernando County School District in Florida, join us to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Kristina and Bill discuss how they collaborate with their teams to support students, highlighting the complexity and importance of roles that extend beyond direct food service. Their insights are both enlightening and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of school nutrition.

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Episode 3

Episode Three

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Designing Delight: Unleashing Creativity in School Nutrition with Jill Riggs & Tory Gibson

Release date: July 2, 2024

Join us for a lively discussion with Jill Riggs from Penn Harris Madison School Corporation in Indiana and Tory Gibson, a floating manager at Myrtle Beach School District in South Carolina. Jill and Tory bring a refreshing mix of innovation and enthusiasm to their roles, from introducing new menu items to creating engaging training experiences and fun cafeteria designs. This episode, recorded at ANC23, showcases their creativity and dedication, demonstrating that hard work can go hand-in-hand with having fun. Tune in to discover how Jill and Tory are making school nutrition both effective and enjoyable.

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Episode 4

Episode Four

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Cultivating Creativity: Innovations in School Nutrition with Eric Span and Amy Faricy

Release date: July 9, 2024

This episode features Amy Faricy, Manager of Menu Services at Douglas County School District in Colorado, and Eric Span, Director of Nutrition Services for Sweetwater Union High School District in California. Amy and Eric are leading the charge in transforming school nutrition through innovative approaches such as school gardens, sustainability initiatives and engaging students in their meal programs. Eric, a new SNA board member and the 2024 Director of the Year Award recipient, along with Amy, share experiences and insights, providing valuable ideas for anyone looking to make a positive impact in school nutrition.

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Episode 5

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Greener Futures: Tackling Sustainability and Food Waste in School Nutrition with Diane Grodek and Katie Cossette

Release date: July 9, 2024

This episode of School Food for Thought features Diane Grodek, Executive Chef at Austin Independent School District, and Katie Cossette, School Nutrition Director from St. Vrain Valley Schools in Colorado. Diane and Katie discuss their commitment to providing healthy, nutritious meals by thinking outside the box. From minimizing plastic packaging and reducing food waste to using local ingredients, they share practical tips and creative solutions for improving school nutrition programs. Whether you work in a rural district or a bustling city, this conversation is packed with insights that can help enhance your approach to school meals.

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Episode 6

Episode Six

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Elevating the Lunchroom Experience: Gourmet Tastes and Customer Engagement with Jeanne Reilly and Bettina Applewhite

Release date: July 9, 2024

In this episode, Jeanne Reilly, School Nutrition Director at Windham Raymond School District in Maine, and Bettina Applewhite, from Applewhite Nutrition, share their experiences in engaging students and keeping up with their evolving taste buds. Jeanne and Bettina emphasize the importance of getting to know students, listening to their needs, and introducing new menu items that incorporate global flavors. Their dedication to making school nutrition exciting and relevant is truly inspiring. Tune in for an informative and inspiring discussion on how to surprise and delight students with great food.

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Season 1

Join us for the first season of our podcast, School Food for Thought! Together, we will dive into the diverse and innovative approaches shaping the future of school nutrition. Each episode spotlights key topics, from sustainability and creative menu planning to advocacy and career opportunities in school nutrition. We explore how districts are reducing food waste, engaging students with locally sourced foods, and incorporating cutting-edge food trends into healthy meals. Guests share practical advice and inspiring stories to help listeners improve their programs and create meaningful experiences for students.

We also delve into broader themes, such as innovation in school nutrition through initiatives like school gardens and cooking competitions, and the importance of advocacy in driving positive change for schools and communities. Whether you’re looking for actionable tips, fresh perspectives, or motivation to take your program to the next level, this season offers something for everyone committed to nourishing the next generation.

Episode 1

Episode One

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What's on the Horizon for School Nutrition?

Release Date: July 9, 2023

From local foods to sustainability to recruiting the next generation of school nutrition professionals, what's coming in the future of school nutrition? SNA President Chris Derico, SNS, of Barbour County (W.Va.) Schools, and Stefanie Giannini, MA, SNS, of Marquardt School District 15 in Illinois, talk about their predictions, as well as the financial challenges of running a successful program, supply chain issues and the increasing role that technology has played in the industry.

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(must log into SNA account to access)

Episode 2

Episode Two

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Engaging the Whole World in the Cafeteria

Release date: August 9, 2023

School cafeterias are full of students from all over the world. E. Nichole Taylor of Chichester School District in in Pennsylvania, and Lindsay Aguilar, RD, SNS, of Tucson (Ariz.) Unified School District, chat about their experiences bringing the world together in their cafeterias. Topics include serving diverse communities, supporting refugee families, asking parents to share their favorite recipes and make some students feel at home while giving others a taste of the world.

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Take the CEU Quiz
(must log into SNA account to access)

Episode 3

Episode Three

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Bringing Fun Ethnic Foods into Cafeterias

Release date: September 9, 2023

SNA Secretary/Treasurer Warren DeShields of Bridgeton City (N.J.) Public Schools and Brianne Pulver of Auburn (Mass.) Public Schools discuss diversity and inclusion in school cafeterias and different ways school food directors can engage with their communities. Warren and Brianne also share their experiences navigating the school nutrition profession and how they hope to bring more diversity to the profession they love.

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Take the CEU Quiz
(must log into SNA account to access)

Episode 4

Episode Four

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Doing More Than the Impossible

Release date: October 9, 2023

Community partnerships are key for successful school nutrition programs. Chris Burkhardt, SNS, of Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools, and Naim Walcott of West Hampton (N.Y.) Unified School District, discuss the power of these partnerships and how to work with different stakeholders to advance school nutrition programs.

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Take the CEU Quiz
(must log into SNA account to access)

Episode 5

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Creating and Maintaining an Excellent Culture in School Nutrition Staff

Release date: November 9, 2023

Positive workplace culture starts at the top! Doug Massey of Klein Independent School District in Texas, and Alisa Roman of Lewiston (Maine) Public Schools, they have a lot in common, despite their geographic distance, including their leadership style, love for the profession and incredibly successful and diverse teams built on solid values and strong cultures.

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Take the CEU Quiz
(must log into SNA account to access)

Bonus Episode

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Lori's Leadership Legacy: SNA CEO Patti Montague Interviews
SNA's 2022-23 President Lori Adkins

Release date: January 1, 2024

In this bonus episode of School Food for Thought, Patti Montague, the CEO of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), engages in a captivating conversation with Lori Adkins, the SNA 2022-2023 President, during the Annual National Conference held in Denver. Lori reflects on her leadership journey, the highlights of her career, and her whirlwind year as the president of the School Nutrition Association.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the field of school nutrition. Lori’s insights into the challenges and opportunities are both informative and inspiring. Her passion for improving the lives of students through healthy and nutritious meals is evident throughout the conversation.

So, tune in to this engaging discussion between two accomplished leaders. You won’t regret it!

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(must log into SNA account to access)

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