“Showing up.” It’s an expression that suggests much more than being present. When you show up for someone—such as your young customers, aka the students—you’re bringing your best self and giving everything you have. Showing up is about making the effort when it matters, rising to challenges and never giving up. This takes many forms, whether it’s advocating in front of legislators and policymakers or getting innovative and collaborating with your peers when there’s a problem to solve. Showing up is what school nutrition professionals have been doing for 80 years, ever since the establishment of the National School Lunch Program on June 4, 1946, and that’s what our May/June issue is celebrating. Read the articles highlighted below, explore the full issue and stay tuned for more 80th anniversary content from SNA to commemorate this important milestone in June and through this year’s Annual National Conference in July.
SNA works hard year in and year out—but what you might not realize is that SNA has been doing this work for many years. More years than most of us have been alive, in fact! SNA has an 80-year history going back to 1946, when Congress passed the National School Lunch Act and two professional organizations merged to form the School Food Service Association (SFSA), what would eventually come to be known as (you guessed it) the School Nutrition Association. This trip through history explores all the ways school lunch programs developed in the decades that followed, and all the challenges and successes along the way, including funding cuts, changes to nutrition standards and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big Ideas, Big Feelings, Big Changes: Advocacy in Action at LAC26
Take a look back at the Legislative Action Conference, where 800 SNA members showed up in Washington, D.C., in March for five general sessions over the course of three days. During the conference, attendees got all the info, ideas and inspiration they need to be more effective in their messaging to Congress—which is especially important when you consider members of Congress might not even be aware of the issues affecting school nutrition! Sessions covered important calls to action, advocacy priorities and how to make the most out of future visits to the nation’s capital.
LAC isn’t the only big conference for SNA members—there’s also the Annual National Conference (ANC) coming up July 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the theme “The Power of School Meals.” Find out what’s in store for you and other school nutrition professionals who’ll show up for three days of workshops, keynote speeches, exhibits and networking. This preview covers some of the education highlights, whether you’re planning to soak up a 90-minute session, take advantage of a 30-minute learning burst or enjoy one of the culinary demos. Plus, you can get tips on what to see during your trip to Charlotte!
Explore New Products and Solutions in the Exhibit Hall
One of the big highlights of ANC is always the Exhibit Hall. It’s a hub where you can discover forward-thinking products, try out smart technology and form valuable partnerships. Browse booth after booth to see the latest in food and beverages, a la carte options, kitchen equipment, supplies and uniforms. This guide to the Exhibit Hall includes helpful tips on etiquette as well as an extensive list of all the exhibitors who are signed up as of April 21.
Food Focus: The Art of the Salad
When you think of a salad, you might picture the standard garden variety (no pun intended), but salads aren’t defined by a single ingredient or technique. Flexibility is their feature, and you can make them from any combination of flavors or textures. They don’t have to start with a bed of lettuce, and they’re certainly not limited to vegetables. Salads can be made from what’s available and what’s in season, incorporating grains, proteins, nuts, fruits or anything else, so they reflect all cuisines and can meet all nutritional needs. Get inspiration and guidance on how to build, layer and portion the perfect salad for your next menu.
Click here to read the full issue.
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