Do you ever stop and reflect on what drew you to school nutrition as a career? Or how and why you managed to thrive in this job the way you have? As we prepare to head into another busy school year, it’s worth asking ourselves these questions. After all, our past experiences, personal motivations, education opportunities and the support of both our bosses and our teams all play a role in the kind of school nutrition professional we become. You might relate to one aspect of someone’s journey but differ from them in another—you still share the same overarching mission of feeding children, because you know your success means their success. You’ll find this valuable insight in our July/August 2026 issue highlighting these topics:
Dr. Ashley Powell of Auburn City Schools has followed an unusual career path from dietetics to education and ultimately to director of child nutrition. As she steps into the role of SNA president for the 2026-2027 term, she brings with her a love of learning, a desire to help others grow, a positive can-do attitude in the face of challenges and an understanding that what unites and motivates all SNA members is the desire to feed students so they can thrive.
The path to working in school nutrition is not always straight, but it is always purposeful. Never is this clearer than in the stories of the four recipients of this year’s SNA national awards, each of whom has a unique but relatable story. Larry Wade of Chesapeake Public Schools, Barbie Doyle of Lee’s Summit R7 School District, Jennifer Holbert of Lee’s Summit R7 School District, and Jennifer Lee of Don Lee Farm share their stories about what drew them to school nutrition—and what keeps them motivated.
Many of us, especially when in a leadership role, find ourselves in situations where there’s something that needs to be said, but we hold back for any number of reasons. But it’s important to recognize that these conversations matter, and finding a way to give proper feedback is an act of kindness because it helps those around us succeed. Gain a deeper understanding on why feedback is so crucial, how you can do it successfully and common mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to send the wrong message.
Food Focus: Festive Food Favorites
Think about all the holidays that happen throughout the school year—every one of them is a reason to celebrate, and every one of them is an opportunity to make your menu a little more festive and a little more celebratory for your students. After all, when breakfast or lunch options are inspired by a special occasion, it makes it even more exciting for students to participate in your program. Get tips on how you can bring the celebration into the cafeteria, plus great ideas for holiday-themed menu options.
Click here to read the full issue.
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