Timikel Sharpe vividly remembers wondering, as a young child, why some children had homes and nice families while others did not. Though she grew up in a loving home with two parents, Sharpe was aware not everyone was so lucky. “I remember saying, ‘Mom, why doesn’t everyone just adopt one kid, and then there won’t…
Liz Whidden’s director Melinda Bonner describes her as a dedicated employee and a caring person who looks for any opportunity to help others. Whidden is a “servant leader” who exhibits the heart and work ethic of a hero in the school cafeteria, and in the community. Bonner says that while others wonder where Liz gets…
This weekend SNA members will gather in Washington, D.C., for the 45th Legislative Action Conference (LAC). With a new administration and a new Congress, engaging in discussions with our elected representatives about school nutrition policies is more important than ever. LAC is an opportunity for school nutrition professionals to speak up, and to help shape…
David Schwake (RD, SNS) isn’t above dressing like a carrot or an apple if it will put a smile on a student’s face, and there is nothing he likes more than being swarmed by a room full of kindergarteners who can name the benefits of Vitamin A (“Eyes!”). Now the director of Litchfield Elementary School…
It all started with a phone call from a reporter. When consultant Lori Adkins picked up the phone in the summer of 2015, a local reporter was on the other line, chasing down a story on summer meals. Adkins immediately thought of nearby Waterford School District (Mich.). She offered to call ahead and ask some…
Our annual Legislative Action Conference sweepstakes is back, and it’s time to submit your entry to win! Simply share your patriotic picture with us, and you’ll be entered to win a FREE trip to LAC 2017 in Washington, D.C.—airfare, hotel, and registration are covered for our winner and a guest! Submissions are due by Wednesday,…
Do you know a school nutrition professional who goes above and beyond their daily duties to make a positive impact in their community? Nominate them for a 2017 School Nutrition Hero Award! With just one month left to submit your nominations, we need your help to identify the school nutrition heroes among us! The nomination…
Before we send March out like a lamb, we wanted to take a moment to look back at some of our favorite moments from LAC 2016 in Washington, D.C. SNA’s 2016 Legislative Action Conference was held February 28 through March 1, and it was an exciting few days in our nation’s capital. Held this year…
“If I were to describe Jody I would use ‘the three Ds’: She is very dynamic, she’s very determined, and she’s disciplined.” – Gertrude Applebaum When Don Swain from Schwan’s Food Service submitted Jody Houston’s name for consideration for the 2016 School Nutrition Hero Award, he did so because of her outstanding professionalism and her…
“Sam is so modest. When she found out she won this award she turned it into a ‘Hero Day’ at school. All the students will dress in their favorite superhero costume and we’re going to have a school lunch superhero day. That’s Sam—she wants everyone else to have fun.” – Stephanie Dillard, SNS, Director, Geneva…
