2023 Supply Chain Summit Report

In October 2023, the School Nutrition Association (SNA), School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) and No Kid Hungry by Share Our Strength convened a Supply Chain Summit, inviting representatives from across the school nutrition distribution chain to meet and discuss ongoing challenges that present barriers to success in bringing products to school meal trays.

This culminative event was part of a partnership with SNA, SNF, and No Kid Hungry, coined the Supply Chain Innovation Project. Since 2021, and in the wake of pandemic-related supply crises that affected virtually every industry sector across the globe, it has been our mission to commune stakeholders in the K-12 school nutrition segment understand and address longstanding problems in the distribution system that were exacerbated to crisis levels during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the theme for the Summit was Resetting the narrative on K12 Supply Chain, over 120 segment leaders across the school nutrition spectrum participated for an action-oriented day of discussions that focused on identifying innovative ideas and solutions.

This report captures the key topics  discussed from our phenomenal guest speakers, panelists and audience-led discussions. The discussion of policy changes, streamlining the procurement process and the utilization of technology were major opportunities that were highlighted during the summit. Additionally, discussions surrounding incentive programs, procurement training, and the development of standardized documents were notions made by our participants.