Secretary Brooke L. Rollins recognizes the efforts of school nutrition professionals
CHARLOTTE, NC – School Nutrition Association (SNA) Annual National Conference (ANC) attendees from across the country were addressed by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins in Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday. As schools await USDA’s release of impending revisions to school meal standards to align with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Secretary Rollins acknowledged the important work of school nutrition professionals in feeding student bodies and fueling minds.
In her remarks, the Secretary introduced a voluntary state-level pledge that was later released by USDA, aimed to build upon current federal nutrition standards, which already require schools to offer fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grains and lean protein. Among pledge priorities, Secretary Rollins flagged whole food options for breakfast and updates to standards for snacks.
“We take great pride in knowing that school meal programs are already meeting many goals outlined by Secretary Rollins to fuel America’s students,” said SNA President Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, FAND, SNS. “School nutrition professionals have made tremendous strides to promote student acceptance of whole grains, expand availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and introduce more scratch menu options and freshly-prepared whole foods. SNA members are ready and willing to do what it takes to further our progress and we implore Congress and USDA to commit the necessary investments to make those goals a reality.”
Today’s school meals must also meet limits on calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. While at ANC, attendees shared ideas on increasing fresh school menu options despite challenges. SNA’s SY 2025-26 School Nutrition Trends Survey revealed widespread needs for increased funds, staffing, culinary training, equipment and infrastructure to help school meal programs expand scratch cooking and reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods.
In the 2026 Position Paper, SNA urges Congress to increase school meal funding, protect and expand access to healthy school meals for all students and ensure updates to school nutrition standards are operationally feasible for schools.
About School Nutrition Association:/i>
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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