Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner, media@schoolnutrition.org
ARLINGTON, VA – The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Tom Ferris, Senior Vice President of Sales for E S Foods, as the national Industry Member of the Year. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of industry members who demonstrate exemplary support to SNA, its members and their professional communities nationwide.
During his 25 years as an SNA member, Ferris has become a leader in the school nutrition field and a critical partner to SNA, its state affiliates and the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF). In his current position at E S Foods and in prior roles with Advance Pierre Foods and Schwan’s Food Service, Ferris has always led by example. He is known for going above and beyond for his customers, coaching colleagues on how to better serve the K-12 segment and advocating for professional development and engagement in SNA and SNF to advance school meal programs nationwide.
Ferris served for three years on SNA’s Industry Advisory Council, where he provided critical input and recommendations on initiatives, kept leaders apprised of industry concerns and promoted membership in the Association. A fixture at SNA national and state affiliate events, Ferris has contributed to SNA’s four annual conferences and Patron meetings for many years and encourages his team to take leadership roles in state affiliate events.
As a planning committee co-chair for the School Nutrition Industry Conference, Ferris helped to ensure the meeting’s educational programing and networking activities exceeded participants’ expectations and needs. During his tenure at Schwan’s Food Service, he hosted annual events to benefit SNF, raising funds to support the Foundation’s grant and scholarship programs, which serve school nutrition professionals nationwide. Additionally, Ferris has played an active role in the American Commodity Distribution Association, serving on the membership committee and supporting colleagues working to maximize the use of U.S.-grown foods in school meal programs.
“Tom Ferris has been a passionate advocate for the school nutrition profession, SNA members and the students we serve,” said SNA President Chris Derico, SNS. “We are grateful for his ongoing leadership and dedication to sharing best practices and supporting his K-12 colleagues as we work together to improve school meal programs.”
Ferris acknowledges the tremendous support of his wife, Anne, and five sons, Jayce (15), Nico (13), Enzo (7), and twins Micah and Jovanni (5). He will be recognized as national Industry Member of the Year during SNA’s Annual National Conference in Boston 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.
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