SNA Recognizes 2022 National Industry Member of the Year

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SNA Recognizes 2022 National Industry Member of the Year

2022-05-23

ARLINGTON, VA – The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Frank Massabni, President and CEO of Cool Tropics, as the national Industry Member of the Year. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of industry members who demonstrate exemplary support to SNA, SNA members and their professional communities nationwide.

Massabni has been an active SNA member for 17 years, volunteering in numerous roles. He currently serves on SNA’s Industry Advisory Council, providing input and recommendations on SNA initiatives, keeping leaders apprised of industry concerns and promoting membership in the Association. As Co-Advisor for SNA’s 2022 School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC), Massabni helped to plan educational programming and sponsor networking activities. In 2021, Massabni shared his expertise and industry insight as part of SNA’s Strategic Planning Task Force.

A passionate advocate for school meal programs and students, Massabni has participated in SNA’s Legislative Action Conference (LAC) annually since 2016 and has served as one of the LAC team leads for Massachusetts SNA. Cool Tropics has participated in California and Florida SNA’s LACs for the last several years and was the founding sponsor of the Lynn Burke Annual Scholarship for California SNA’s LAC.

Massabni has volunteered his time for numerous SNA state affiliates, serving as a moderator, sponsor, speaker and emcee at events from New York to New Mexico. In 2019, Massachusetts SNA awarded him the George Maloney Industry Member of the Year Award. Massabni encourages Cool Tropics’ staff to get involved as well by serving on state SNA boards and committees.

“Frank has been a steadfast supporter of School Nutrition Association members across the country, volunteering his time and sponsoring events to help school nutrition professionals improve their programs and further their careers,” said SNA President Beth Wallace, MBA, SNS. “SNA is so grateful for Frank’s advocacy, enthusiasm and dedication to serving his colleagues in the school nutrition community.”

Massabni came to the United States at the age of 16, not speaking a word of English, and founded Cool Tropics four years later in 1993. The company is headquartered in Bedford, MA, and produces 100% juice products, served in K-12 schools across 48 states. Massabni will be recognized as national Industry Member of the Year during SNA’s Annual National Conference in Orlando in July.

About 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 on school meals, visit  www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals .