SNA Conference to Deliver School Meal Solutions

6,500 school nutrition professionals to attend ANC Denver, July 9-11

Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner, 703-576-7526, media@schoolnutrition.org

ARLINGTON, Va.—The School Nutrition Association (SNA) will host its Annual National Conference (ANC) from July 9-11 in Denver, Colo., bringing together more than 6,500 professionals responsible for providing healthy school meals to students nationwide. ANC offers strategies for attendees to address labor, supply chain and financial challenges in school meal programs and to plan menus, including options to help schools meet strict new sodium limits effective School Year 2023-24.

ANC features the nation’s largest exhibit hall in school nutrition, where attendees can sample foods and beverages, preview equipment, supplies and resources, and talk with vendors about pricing and product availability. More than 100 ANC education sessions and culinary skills sessions will share best practices on managing challenges and improving menus and student services.

Media wishing to attend ANC must contact Diane Pratt-Heavner at media@schoolnutrition.org to register for the conference. Eligible media guests must follow the Press Registration Policies.

ANC highlights include:

• Exhibits from more than 320 companies, partner organizations and U.S. Department of Agriculture divisions. Exhibitors will sample low-sodium entrees, plant-based and lean protein options, whole-grain foods and recipes to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as demo equipment to improve labor efficiency and software to help families view nutrition facts and apply for free and reduced-price meals.
• Education sessions offering strategies for staff recruitment, retention and training; diversifying menus to include culturally relevant dishes and accommodate special diets; increasing scratch cooking and sourcing more local foods; and improving everything from food safety and financial management to procurement practices.
• Culinary Demonstrations featuring innovative school recipes such as Spicy Teriyaki Mandarin Vegetable Dumplings, Cheesy Egg Bites and Vegetarian Loaded Mac & Cheese Bowls.
• General Session Speakers including Sonia Manzano, author and actress “Maria” from “Sesame Street,” and Heather R. Younger, founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm.

SNA’s 2023 School Nutrition Trends Survey revealed more than 90% of school nutrition directors are challenged by labor shortages and supply chain disruptions and virtually all are concerned about covering costs once additional funds provided by the Keep Kids Fed Act expire on June 30. In addition to providing ANC attendees with resources to manage these challenges, SNA is urging Congress to permanently increase federal reimbursements for school meals, provide free meals for all students and maintain current nutrition standards.

About the School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information about ANC, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/ANC.