SNA Recognizes 2020 National Industry Member of the Year

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Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner

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SNA Recognizes 2020 National Industry Member of the Year

2020-05-11

ARLINGTON, VA – The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Jose Quinones of J.T.M. Food Group as the national Industry Member of the Year.

Since 2012, Quinones, of Coral Gables, FL, has served as National School Business Development Manager for Cincinnati based J.T.M. Food Group, which provides menu solutions to K-12 and other foodservice segments. Quinones oversees sales to the top 300 school districts across the country, helping school nutrition professionals create menus that meet federal nutrition standards while appealing to students’ tastes. He was a key member of J.T.M.’s strategic team assigned to develop recipes with regional flavors and played a critical role in the company’s Reduced Sodium initiative.

Quinones currently serves as Industry Board Member for the School Nutrition Foundation, a three-year term he started in 2018, and he previously served on SNA’s Industry Advisory Council. An active member of the American Commodity Distribution Association (ACDA), Quinones has co-chaired ACDA’s Membership Committee and serves on the Education Committee. He recently completed a term as Industry Board member for the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN).

Among SNA members, Quinones is best known for his passion and enthusiasm for the Association and the fun and excitement he brings to J.T.M.’s booths at SNA national and state conferences. At J.T.M. education and training sessions, Quinones has made it a priority to promote SNA involvement. He has been actively involved in state conference planning, presided over education sessions and has served as a consistent voice encouraging fellow industry members to support SNA’s mission and members.

Quinones is also an advocate for diversity and inclusiveness and known for his efforts to promote a wider understanding of Hispanic heritage. “School Nutrition is very close to my heart,” says Quinones. “Hunger doesn’t discriminate, and I have pride to promote and embrace diversity, respect and inclusiveness with my customers and their community. We need to embrace the diverse cultures in our schools and make sure that we all become true partners of the School Foodservice Directors with their team and the community they serve.”

“I am honored to recognize Jose for his passion and dedication to SNA, our members and the students we serve,” said SNA President Gay Anderson, SNS. “Jose’s infectious enthusiasm brings joy to SNA events and has inspired countless members to become more involved in the Association. His unwavering support for SNA has helped our members improve their programs.”

Quinones has nearly 40 years of experience in food science and food service, and previously served as President of Sales for Culinary Standards and National Sales Director for CFP Group/Quality Foods.

About School Nutrition Association:

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 55,000 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 on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.