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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner

703-576-7526

media@schoolnutrition.org

SNA’s Legislative Action Conference, Mar. 6-8

2022-03-01

ARLINGTON, VA – Nearly 700 school nutrition professionals from across the country will participate in School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 50th annual Legislative Action Conference  (LAC) next week and urge Congress to extend pandemic child nutrition  waivers. Attendees will meet with their Congressional representatives to discuss  SNA’s 2022 Position Paper and the urgent need for regulatory relief as meal programs struggle with persistent  supply chain and labor challenges.  

LAC attendees will also receive an update from USDA officials and hear a panel discussion on strategies for managing supply chain disruptions on Monday, March 7, at the JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. Media wishing to attend must contact Diane Pratt-Heavner at media@schoolnutrition.org in advance to be registered. Per SNA’s COVID protocol, attendees must submit proof of vaccination or a negative test result via the CLEAR App.   

LAC will feature several key events including:  

SUNDAY, MARCH 6  

  • Education sessions to support attendees working to improve school meal programs  
  • Political analysis from Amy Walter, Editor of The Cook Political Report (1:15 pm)  

MONDAY, MARCH 7  

  • USDA update on child nutrition program regulations (8:30 am)  
  • “Strategies and Solutions for Managing Supply Chain Disruptions” panel discussion with school nutrition and State Agency directors (10:45 am)   
  • “360 Degree Solutions: Predictions for ‘22” panel discussion with school nutrition operators and industry insiders on the future of K-12 foodservice (2:30 pm)    

TUESDAY, MARCH 8  

  • Legislator visits. Note: SNA leaders and school nutrition directors will be available for interviews.  

As widespread issues with discontinued school menu items, shortages and higher prices wreak havoc on the menu planning and bid process for School Year 2022/23, the  2022 Position Paper stresses the immediate need for  waiver extensions. The Paper also calls for long-term changes to child nutrition programs, including: an increase to  reimbursements for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; permanently  offering all students healthy, free school meals to support academic achievement; ensuring  future nutrition standards are achievable and acceptable to students; and  reducing regulatory burdens.

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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