Program areas at SNA
Meetings and education: provided training, education and networking opportunities for our members throughout the year with virtual trainings and in-person conferences. Each conference was filled with educational sessions that focused on the needs of our membership base.
Government affairs: sna advocates for issues and legislation that directly affect School Nutrition programs throughout the united states. Sna remains committed to advocating for increased funding for child Nutrition programs due to the increase in food, milk and energy costs, combined with high labor and benefits costs. Sna has engaged in a dialogue with School Nutrition professionals to advocate for national School Nutrition standards for School meals and other foods and beverages available in schools. Sna positions itself as a leader in the child Nutrition reauthorization process by offering advocacy tools for our members as well as stating a strong position to congress on the importance of child Nutrition programs that will improve health outcomes for children. Sna also serves as the go to source for other mediums in providing positive and professional images of the School Nutrition profession to the public at large.
Communications: produce the award-winning School Nutrition magazine which is the official publication of the School Nutrition Association and is read by sna's 46,000 plus members-the magazine also counts among its readers some 2,000 non-members with an interest in child Nutrition. Readers turn to sna for the latest information on a host of items that affect the successful operation of a School food service program. Also, produce several enewsletters that update members on a daily or weekly basis with news stories that may affect their child Nutrition programs. The newsletters are offered through an email subscription base service.
Business development: sna's industry partners are vital to furthering the mission of the Association. The industry relations area is responsible for working and servicing industry partners with industry memberships, meeting sponsorships, partnership proposals and the patron program.
Certificate and credentialing: sna develops and encourages the highest standards in School Nutrition programs and provides educational opportunities to ensure the professional development of its members. Sna's certificate program is based on the standards of practice and indicators in the keys to excellence in School food and Nutrition programs that define nationally accepted standards for quality programs. Sna established the School Nutrition specialist (sns) credentialing program to enhance the professional image of School Nutrition professionals, elevate professional standards and enhance individual performance. The sns credential is a mark of excellence and achievement that reflects what it takes to manage School Nutrition programs in today's challenging climate. The sns credentialing exam evaluates candidates' knowledge and skills required to perform specific job activities related to managing or directing School Nutrition programs.
Membership: sna membership provides educational and professional development resources, advocacy and networking to help support the career of School Nutrition professionals and School Nutrition programs. Sna members are part of something bigger than just their School or district. They are joining the 46,000+ committed members from across the country who are feeding the future.
Marketing: sna is continuously involved in investigating the latest trends factors and issues impacting School Nutrition. Research is designed and conducted to meet needs of Association members and the general public. Sna also offers a variety of materials to assist members in promoting School Nutrition programs and healthy School meals. The resources assists members with identifying new marketing opportunities, and provide fresh ideas on ways to educate the community about School Nutrition. Sna also celebrates members who work every day to ensure wellnourished students across the country are prepared for success through the awards program. Individuals may be nominated by peers staff, colleagues, or supervisors for these awards.