May 31, 2012 - SNA is taking an active role in addressing meal pattern questions and has appointed an ad hoc working group to develop a practical “How-To Guide” for SNA members. The goal of this guide is to assist in the challenges of implementing the new meal pattern requirements scheduled to go into effect this fall.
The ad hoc group is composed of representatives from USDA, state agencies, foodservice operators and industry. The working group meets regularly via a series of conference calls to develop the “New Meal Pattern Guidelines: A Companion Guide.” The Guide will address the meal pattern requirements for lunch. This training resource will be unveiled at SNA's Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver in July, as part of four “hot topic” education sessions.
SNA members are strongly encouraged to share their comments and concerns with the ad hoc group regarding the challenges they are facing in understanding and implementing the final meal pattern requirements. SNA urges you to submit your comments below this web posting and provide your input on areas of greatest concern and challenge as it relates to the final meal pattern. Further, please feel free to directly contact SNA staff liaisons on this project: Cathy Schuchart, SNA VP, Child Nutrition and Policy and Danny Seymour, SNA Dean of Education at the following email addresses: cschuchart@schoolnutrition.org and dseymour@schoolnutrition.org.
The Ad Hoc group consists of the following state agency directors: Colleen Fillmore (ID), Catherine Digilio Grimes (VA), Lynn Harvey (NC), Katie Millett (MA) and Robin Safley (FL). Individuals representing the food service operator segment include: Wanda Grant (CA), Penny McConnell (VA), Jean Ronnei (MN), and Ken Yant (GA). Pat McCoy of Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., will participate on behalf of the SNA industry segment. George Sneller, former Child Nutrition Director, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington will serve as the project consultant. A representative from USDA is also participating in project development.
May 24, 2012 – Each spring, as we approach the end of the school year, I get very excited about the upcoming Annual National Conference (ANC). In fact, I look forward to it for months beforehand, because I know it’s where I will find all the latest and greatest information geared specifically for school nutrition professionals. And with ANC right around the corner—taking place in Denver, July 15-18, 2012—my excitement level is really starting to build!
I can tell you firsthand, that SNA staff, experts and school nutrition leaders have worked diligently on a FANTASTIC program. There is something for everyone, and you will NOT want to miss one single day of the conference.
There are a multitude of excellent opportunities to further your professional development by attending thought-provoking general and education sessions. Attendees can tailor their schedule with a wide variety of educational offerings in the key areas of operations, nutrition, administration and communications and marketing. And with the new meal pattern rapidly approaching, you will not want to miss the sessions on this hot topic.
Additionally, I always look forward to perusing the Exhibit Hall to find new, innovative products and services to benefit our students and business. It really is a one-of-a-kind experience, and industry does an excellent job bringing you the very best. In fact, we could not do our jobs if it were not for this supportive group of individuals and companies who represent child nutrition 100%!
And finally, I’d like to point out that this year’s theme is “Explore New Horizons.” WOW, for these times that we are experiencing this is so true—now more than ever before!
In this brief note, I’ve touched on just some of what is happening at ANC… but there is much, much more! Now I invite you to explore everything that ANC 2012 has to offer (and make some time to check out Denver, too). I guarantee you’ll enjoy learning and sharing new ideas, getting together with old friends, making new ones and most importantly having a great time at “The School Nutrition Event of the Year.”
I look forward to seeing you ALL in Denver!
Karen GreenANC Program Chair
P.S. To be part of this awesome four-day learning and networking event, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/anc. SNA will accept Regular Rate registrations until June 1st, a savings to you of $50. But hurry—after that date, all registrations received will be charged at the Onsite Rate. SNA members also receive special savings when more than one person in the same membership category registers from their school district.
ANC 2012
Register for ANC
ANC Videos
May 22, 2012—In a recent paper published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), the Academy acknowledges that while consuming high levels of sugar can increase a person’s risk of obesity, consumers can safely enjoy the range of sweeteners, both calorie-containing and no-calorie, as part of an eating plan that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations. It identifies these recommendations as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes and also cites individual health goals and personal preference.
The paper’s authors, registered dietitians Cindy Fitch and Kathryn S. Keim, offer suggestions for healthfully consuming nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. They recommend cutting back on calorie-containing sweeteners by drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, sports or fruit drinks, decreasing consumption of foods that are high in added sugars and safely enjoying the range of calorie-containing and no-calorie sweeteners in foods and beverages as part of a healthful eating plan as outlined in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
To view the position paper, which was published in the May issue of the Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, visit www.eatright.org/positions.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
May 18, 2012 – Are you a new school nutrition director (3 years or less) attending SNA’s 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC), July 15-18, 2012, in Denver? Or do you know a new director who is planning to attend? If so, be sure to sign up to attend a special education session designed especially for you! The "What Have I Gotten Myself Into?” session, to be held Sunday, July 15, will connect you to the many resources at your disposal to help you find your footing and gain insights on using them to achieve success for your program. There are even more education sessions happening at ANC that are directly relevant to you and your needs, as well as a special New Directors’ Reception that will connect you with other new (and seasoned) directors in attendance.
Not a new director but looking to get the most out of your ANC educational experience? You’ll be please to know that there are currently more than 85 education sessions lined up for you to choose from, including several “Hot Topic” sessions designed to provide you with information on the critical issues impacting the school nutrition profession. Two of these sessions, “Earning and Keeping Your 6 Cents” and “Professional Standards for School Nutrition” are designed to help you meet the new nutrition standards this fall and other critical challenges facing the school nutrition profession in years to come.
Plus, in addition to "New Director" and "Hot Topic" sessions, there are several sessions that will provide you with plenty of best-practice solutions to keep your program—and your career—thriving for years to come. These best-practice sessions include “Great Expectations Create Great Achievements,” “Effective Marketing to the Next Generation” and “Managing the Mystery: Correcting Myths and Sharing Best Practices of Food Allergy Management.” You simply can’t go wrong choosing any of these best-practice sessions!
To be part of this four-day learning and networking event, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/anc. SNA will accept Regular Rate registrations until June 1st, a savings to you of $50. But hurry—after that date, all registrations received will be charged at the Onsite Rate. SNA members also receive special savings when more than one person in the same membership category registers from their school district.
New Directors Welcome at ANC
ANC Education Sessions
May 14, 2012 – SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver, July 15-18, 2012, is the biggest and best event in school nutrition and attending will provide you with all the information you need to benefit your career, your program and your students. Learn from leaders in the field about everything from “Menuing to Meet the New Meal Patterns” to “Professional Standards for School Nutrition.” Visit hundreds of booths, taste new food products and gather information about equipment and services. Meet thousands of colleagues who hail from across the country and pick up best-practice tips from districts large and small.
Here are just a few of the other learning opportunities you will discover at ANC 2012:
Child Nutrition Showcase: One of the most valuable experiences at ANC is checking out the Child Nutrition Showcase, featuring more than 30 posters presentations created by SNA members highlighting best practices and recent research in the field of school nutrition.
Learning Lab: The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) will be presenting a number of exciting programs through this year’s Learning Lab. This is where you can gather information about breakfast in the classroom, scholarship opportunities and upcoming Webinar Wednesdays and Peer2Peer Connect programs.
Culinary Demonstrations: Looking for new ideas for preparing and serving school meals? Make sure to check out all six of the Culinary Demonstrations in the Exhibit Hall, where professional chefs will provide you with healthy menu solutions that are sure to capture the attention of your students.
Cutting-Edge Complex: The Exhibit Hall is also where you’ll find the Cutting-Edge Complex. These presentations will clue you in to the most innovative and efficient kitchen equipment and technology that can help you create efficiencies and boost productivity.
New Product Showcase: Where can you get a first glimpse of what’s new and hot in school nutrition? The New Product Showcase, of course! Stop by this display to view the latest food, beverage, supply, equipment and service solutions introduced to the school nutrition market within the last year.
Still need a reason to make your way with your school nutrition team to Denver this summer? When you register additional staff from the same school district in the same member category, you can save $30. Saving you more, while adding big value to your district!
To register for ANC, or to learn more about the learning opportunities that make ANC the school nutrition event of the year, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/anc.
ANC Events
As part of the National School Breakfast Week 2012 “School Breakfast – Go for Gold” campaign, SNA gave students the opportunity to create their own school breakfast t-shirt design highlighting the benefits of eating a healthy school breakfast.
Congratulations go to the following winners:
These three winners were selected from a pool of more than 500 national entries and SNA would like to thank all students who participated in the contest. There were so many creative drawings submitted which highlighted the benefits if eating a healthy breakfast at school.
May 7, 2012—As school nutrition professionals prepare to implement changes relating to the new meal pattern regulations to their operations, the May issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, examines some of the key issues facing the profession. Among the content in this issue are an article offering suggestions for School Nutrition readers on how they can advocate for financial assistance from Congress for the School Breakfast Program, an exploration of the viewpoints of school nutrition operators on the subject of school salad bars and a highlights summary of SNA’s 40th Legislative Action Conference.
In “Giving Breakfast a Boost,” Frank DiPasquale, SNA’s chief executive officer, details the benefits tied to Congress’ financial support of the School Breakfast Program via providing 10 cents per breakfast in USDA Foods and presents suggestions on what readers can do to help in advocating for this support.
There’s one thing school nutrition professionals can all agree on: Children need to eat more fruits and vegetables every day, and schools are an ideal environment for making produce choices available to students. But debate arises when it comes to determining the best way to serve fruits and vegetables in the school cafeteria. For many, a salad bar is the answer, while others find the concept to be a source of angst and anxiety. “Salad Bars: Rad, Bad or Just a Fad?” takes a look at the viewpoints and experiences of operators across the country to help you make the decisions that are appropriate for your own operation. Bonus Web Content: Don’t miss additional reflections from your peers on using salad bars in schools.
SNA’s 40th Annual Legislative Action Conference, held not long after the release of the new meal pattern regulations, attracted a record-setting number of attendees. Whether you made the trip to Washington, D.C., or were unable to attend, “A Penny Here, A Penny There” presents highlights from this informative and important meeting.
Traditional foods such as burgers, casseroles and sandwiches that have been stamped as “American” fare are favorites among children and adults alike. But in our increasingly global society, growing numbers of Americans embrace ethnic cuisines, as well. “‘Hen-Picked’ Specialties” uncovers some of the ways in which operators are incorporating ethnic chicken into their menus. Bonus Web Content: As part of exclusive web-only content, read operators’ observations about the appeal of ethnic chicken among K-12 students, as well as some of the ways that food companies work to appeal to children’s desire for ethnic foods. You’ll also find an additional ethnic chicken recipe and two full modifications to one of the recipes appearing in the print edition developed by Kitchen Wisdom Panel members.
School Nutrition –May 2012
The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), in partnership with the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), will be offering a FREE Peer2Peer call on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, from 2:00-3:00 pm EST entitled: "Sharing Success with the School Meal Guidelines and Flavored Milk.”During this 60-minute Q & A discussion, SNA members and non-members can connect, ask questions and share ideas with Jon Dickl, MBA, SNS, Director of School Nutrition, Knox County (Tenn.) Schools, and Jessica Shelly, Director of Food Services, Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools. Benefit from their experiences revamping their menus based on the new USDA guidelines, and learn how to highlight menu changes that can make an impact on key stakeholders. Plus, gain insights from the results of a new consumer survey that shows moms want their children to have healthy and nutritious choices on the school menu, including fat-free flavored milk. Program Details: Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ESTTo register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/492374642
May 3, 2012 - A recent Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) release announced the results of a survey of mothers on the availability of flavored milk choices at school. Conducted by KRC Research, the survey of 1,000 moms found that 80% do not support the removal of chocolate milk from school cafeterias. Seventy-one percent of participants agreed that chocolate milk is a great way to give kids nutrients they need.
MilkPEP reports that milk processors have been working to lower the calories and sugar in flavored milk served in schools. This school year, school flavored milk has 38 percent less added sugar than just five years ago, and on average just 31 calories more than white milk, with the majority of servings containing fewer than 150 calories. This progress is expected to continue as schools comply with the new meal pattern requirement for fat free flavored milk.
Click Here to read the complete press release and visit SNA’s School Milk Resources Page (member login required) for a variety of tools.