MSNA Installs Board for 2021-2022

During the 64th Annual Conference, Past MSNA President, Sherri Knutson installed the 2021-2022 Executive Board. Carrie Frank, Dover-Eyota Schools was installed as president and she served as the MSNA President-Elect from 2020-2021 and Vice President from 2019-2020. She takes the helm of the association representing about 3,000 school nutrition professionals statewide as they rise to the challenges again this school year to overcome impacts stemming from the pandemic.

Joining Carrie Frank on the board is Cheryl Pick of Foley Public Schools as President-Elect, Michele Hawkinson, Tracy Public Schools as Vice President.

Elected to serve by the members from a talented pool of candidates:

● Jennifer Walters of Winona Area Public Schools as Nutrition Chair
● Glenn Ritter of Inver Grove Heights Public Schools as Leadership Development Committee Member

Returning to the board this year are Secretary/Treasurer Vickie Speltz of Lewiston-Altura School district, Public Policy Chair Brenton Lexvold, of Red Wing School District, Member Services Chair Loriann Landowski of Foley Public Schools, Industry Chair, Steve Martel, General Mills and MN State Agency Liaison Debra Lukkonen of Minnesota Department of Education.

Appointed to serve by the executive board for a one year term:

● Kim Hinrichs of Buffalo/Montrose/Hanover ISD as Education Chair
● Kathy Faust of CrossLake Community Schools as Leadership Development Committee Member

SNA  Announces New Lockbox Mailing Change 

Mailing in a payment to SNA? The lockbox address is changing on October 12, 2021. Please take note of the information below to ensure that your payment is sent to the correct address.

For payments sent before October 12, 2021, mail to:
SNA, PO Box 759297, Baltimore, MD 21275-9297

For payments sent after October 12, 2021, mail to:
SNA Depository, PO Box 719297, Philadelphia, PA 19171-9297

SNA is working hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new lockbox address, and we encourage you to begin making the necessary updates. SNA is here to help! If your school district requires an updated W-9 or vendor forms, or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

SNA Sends Letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack to Address Supply Chain Disruption in Schools

SNA is constantly monitoring continued supply chain disruptions and their impact on school meal programs during the back to school season. We have been in close touch with USDA regarding these issues, and today, SNA sent recommendations to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on ways the Department can ease pressure on programs struggling with procurement problems.

In June, SNA wrote to Sec. Vilsack to alert the department to worsening supply chain disruptions in the school nutrition industry. USDA responded immediately, meeting with SNA’s Board, Executive Committee and industry partners. Since that time, SNA has shared numerous examples of procurement challenges from SNA members nationwide.

Today’s letter urges USDA to ease a variety of procurement, meal pattern, monitoring and reporting requirements to reduce burdens on school nutrition professionals scrambling to secure food and supplies for students, while also meeting federal regulatory mandates. The letter also calls for additional financial support for school meal programs.

SNA recognizes the enormous hurdles our members face this back to school season as you pursue the mission of nourishing students for success. We will continue to advocate on your behalf with USDA and Congress and hope you will reach out to your Members of Congress to let them know how this issue is impacting your program.

Read SNA Letter to Sec. Vilsak

School Nutrition Industry Partner (SNIP) Conference October 27-29, 2021

Registration is now open for the MSNA School Nutrition Industry Partner Conference (SNIP) being held October 27-29th at Breezy Point Resort in Brainerd, MN. Expect lots of networking and reconnecting with industry and nutrition program operators. Whether you’re new to MSNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIP), or a seasoned attendee, the 2021 conference promises to bring insight you need during these complex times.

Our speakers THINK3D will show us the perspective shifts and why it is necessary to invest in, now more than ever, our workplace culture. MSNA is following all closely all CDC and state guidelines and are looking forward to meeting safely with all. Click here to get started with your registration and to reserve your hotel room.

U.S. Department of Education Unveils Return to School Roadmap

In an effort to return our nation’s school children to safe, healthy and sustainable in-person schooling, the U.S. Department of Education has developed a Return to School Roadmap. Comprising of three landmark priorities, the Roadmap encourages schools, districts and their communities to focus on (1) prioritizing the health and safety of students, staff, and educators, (2) building school communities and supporting students’ social, emotional, and mental health, and (3) accelerating academic achievement.

One component of the Department’s broader efforts to support students and their families, schools and their staff, along with the community, this Roadmap offers a variety of resources, including a Fact Sheet, a Guide, and a Checklist.

To learn more click here.