THE POLICY EDITION
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, nonprofit professional organization representing nearly 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. The Wisconsin Chapter of SNA (SNA-WI) has nearly 1,000 members, over half of which are certified, and another 30 have achieved their SNS Credential (School Nutrition Specialist).
SNA-WI MISSION
Use our collaborative voice to advocate for quality nutrition for all children.
SNA-WI VISION
Serve as leadership and innovative resource for school nutrition.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS
CAITLIN HARRISON
MAGGIE SANNA
NICOLE LENZNER
BECKY TERRY
STACY NELSON
KAITLIN TAURIAINEN
NATHAN BUTZLAFF
JAMIE WILSON
BECKY TERRY
SNA-WI STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Eric Ostermann
EVENTS AND MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Taryn Maclnnis
OFFICE MANAGER Sandy Shimon
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Skyler Wolff
SNA-WI OFFICE
563 Carter Court, Suite B, Kimberly, WI 54136 920-560-5630 | snaw-wi@badgerbay.co
INDUSTRY INFO
Gold or Silver Industry members of the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin (SNA-WI) receive a complimentary ad in each of the three issues of School Tray Today. These issues go out in Fall, Winter, and Spring. You can find current due dates for ads, ad sizes, acceptable file types, and where to send your ad on this on www.sna-wi.org/page/SchoolTrayTodayIndustry!
Board of Directors PRESIDENT
Kaitlin Tauriainen, Ashwaubenon School District Ashwaubenon, WI ktauriainen@ashwaubenonk12.org
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Stacy Nelson, Menomonie Area School District Menomonie, WI stacy_nelson@msd.k12.wi.us
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Bobbie Guyette, New Richmond School District New Richmond, WI bguyette@newrichmond.k12.wi.us
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Jamie Wilson, Superior School District Superior, WI jamie.wilson@superior.k12.wi.us
CHAPTER PRESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Amy Fisher, Spring Valley School District Spring Valley, WI fishera@springvalley.k12.wi.us
EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Maggie Sanna, Monona Grove School District Monona Grove, WI margaret.sanna@mgschools.net
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Caitlin Harrison, Elmbrook School District Brookfield, WI harrisoc@elmbrookschools.org
MARKETING AND MEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIR
Nicole Lenzner, Prescott School District Prescott, WI lenznern@prescott.k12.wi.us
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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Becky Terry, DeForest School District DeForest, WI bterry@deforestschools.org
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Jenny Thorkildson, Donovan Food Brokerage Windsor, WI jenny@donovanfoodbrokerage.com
DPI STATE DIRECTOR
Jessica Sharkus, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Madison, WI jessica.sharkus@dpi.wi.gov
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WELCOME, NEW SNA-WI MEMBERS!
New Members as of 1/1/2025
Natalee Brzack Appleton SD
Jill Cascarano Appleton SD
Jennifer Czerwinski Appleton SD
Angela Ellis
Mel Munson LaCrosse SD
Laura Simon La Crosse SD
Michelle Smith La Crosse SD
Victoria Marco La Crosse SD
Jennifer Goelzer
Jennifer Mayer West De Pere SD
Anne McVey West De Pere SD
Emiley Rucinski Wisconsin Rapids PS
Tara Steinhorst West De Pere HS
Gail Stupka West De Pere MS
Ellen Teske West De Pere SD
Beth Alt Janesville SD
Tally Bennett Janesville SD
Amanda Crick Janesville SD
Theresa Drallmeier Rosholt SD
Patricia Erickson Janesville SD
Rebecca Fieilds Janesville SD
Christine Irace Janesville SD
Steve Kies Janesville SD
Ana Medina De Salinas Janesville SD
Kayleigh Rufer Janesville SD
Laura Lessard
Jill Seefeld
Laura Smanski La Crosse SD
Jennifer Stibs
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AN ADVENTURE IN THE GREY: SCHOOL
NUTRITION POLICY & WHY IT’S WORTH IT
KAITLIN TAURIAINEN | 2024-25 PRESIDENT | ASHWAUBENON, WI
First off, let’s kick things off with a huge high-five for the amazing work you all do. You’re changing the world, one meal at a time!
This month’s article will feature stories about policies. We all know them, and we all follow them. Whether it’s your department’s, district’s, county’s, state’s, or even federal regulations, policies are everywhere and a little overwhelming at times. But here’s the thing – what if we took a step back and asked ourselves a simple question: Can we ever dabble in the grey?
If you’re like me, you probably live for that clear-cut direction. Black and white. Right or wrong. There’s something reassuring about it. Policies give us that neat, tidy framework. We know exactly what we can do, and more importantly, we know what we can’t do. There’s comfort in knowing that following the rules keeps us out of trouble, right? However, when we stick too rigidly to the rules, sometimes we miss out on possibilities. The grey area? It’s a little unnerving, but it’s where true innovation can bloom.
Now, let’s get this straight: I’m not talking about breaking the law or disregarding USDA meal regulations. Let’s not get carried away! We’re not throwing deep-fried French fries into the cafeteria every day just because the kids might like them better. (Spoiler alert: They probably would, but we’re not doing that.)
What I am talking about is giving yourself the freedom to think a little outside the box. To ask for forgiveness instead of permission. Sometimes, you might need to challenge the status quo, even if that means venturing into the unknown.
Think about the pioneers of good ideas in our world – those who started things like Farm to School. You think that was made possible because there was some neatly packaged policy guiding the process? Probably not! Instead, it probably began when someone thought, “What if we got our potatoes from the farm across town, the one where the kids of our school attend?” And they took that chance. They dared to enter the grey.
The truth is, some of the most impactful changes come from stepping out of the comfortable and into the uncertain. Sure, it’s a little scary, but that’s where magic happens.
Here’s the deal: The grey can be a scary place. I get it. I like things neat and tidy too. But when you allow yourself the chance to experiment a bit – to nudge your policies just a little bit out of their boundaries – you allow yourself to evolve and grow.
Maybe you start small. Maybe you try one new approach. Maybe you think about how you could tweak an existing policy to serve your community better. You’ll learn from it, whether it works out perfectly or not. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover something that becomes the next big thing in school nutrition.
So, as we step into 2025, I encourage you to do one thing: Be brave. Take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and step into the grey for just a moment. Ask yourself, “What if…?” What if that tiny change you’ve been hesitant to make could be the one thing that transforms your program for the better?
Take that leap. Make your mark. And as you do, remember that sometimes, it’s okay to color outside the lines. After all, without pioneers, we wouldn’t have the bold ideas that change the world.
Be brave, my friends. You’ve got this. Here’s to a year of thinking differently, challenging the status quo, and making a difference – all while keeping the kids fed and happy. Let’s make 2025 our year of brave, bold, and grey-filled adventures!
KAITLIN TAURIAINEN
TOP 10 REASONS TO COME TO THE SUMMER CONFERENCE
BECKY TERRY | 2024-25 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR | DEFOREST, WI
Top ten reasons to come to the SNA WI Summer Conference. I wanted to put a plug in for the summer conference coming up June 24-26 in Appleton, WI. I always look forward to it and want to make sure you know why!
1. Continuing education. The education sessions are very pertinent to all jobs in school foodservice. I always leave with specific ideas and actions to implement at my district. They also count as CEU’s for your continuing education requirements.
2. Advocacy and legislation. These two things are not always the first thing I think about in doing my day to day job. SNA does an outstanding job of keeping us informed an giving us takeaways of what we can do to help advocate for school nutrition including free meals for all. The conference always brings me up to date and gives specifics of what we all can do.
3. New products and industry members. Food show. That is a big one! I love seeing all the new products and talking to our manufacturers about what they are offering this year.
4. Local foods and gardens. There is always awesome ideas and information on how to get started with local foods, recipes, and gardens.
5. Mentor Program! Last year we were able to do a gathering of mentees and mentors for our mentorship program. It was a nice way to meet new people and talk about what we are doing or we need help with.
6. Awardees. Support your fellow peers who have won the following awards: Employee, Manager, Director and National Industry Member of the year and Katie WIlson Lifetime Achievement Award. Check the SNA WI website to nominate for these awards!
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Servicing Dish
TOP 10 REASONS TO COME TO THE SUMMER CONFERENCE
BECKY TERRY | 2024-25 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR | DEFOREST, WI
7. Fun. There is always a fun event or activity to attend and relax at.
8. Time to recharge. Get away from your school district and distractions to put time and energy into yourself. This conference tends to renew, refresh and bring back excitement to what I am doing.
9. Get involved. There are amazing people who make our SNA-WI successful. Take a minute to see how you can be involved and what you might be interested in helping with. It is a great way to meet new people and see what is happening outside of your district.
10. Networking. This might be my favorite. I love connecting with peers that know all the struggles and successes we deal with on a daily basis. I have gotten more help and support from meeting new people all over the state.
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WHAT IS PFAS?
Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS is a group of synthetic chemicals that take a long time to break down in the environment. They are found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing and more.
Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS is a group of synthetic chemicals that take a long time to break down in the environment. They are found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing and more.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Because of their widespread use in industrial and consumer products, PFAS are often found in drinking water, including public water systems and private water wells.
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Visit epa.gov/pfas to discover and understand the impact PFAS has in school drinking water.
Because of their widespread use in industrial and consumer products, PFAS are often found in drinking water, including public water systems and private water wells.
WHY IS PFAS A CONCERN IN SCHOOLS?
WHY IS PFAS A CONCERN IN SCHOOLS?
According to CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, scientific studies suggest that increases in exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans:
According to CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects
Increases in cholesterol levels (PFOA/PFOS/PFNA/PFDA)†
chemicals that belong to a larger category of PFAS) concentrations in your drinking water Water Filtration You Can Trust Everpure PFAS reduction water solutions not only can help limit your exposure to harmful chemicals but also can help ensure that your school’s water source meets industry standards.
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Lower antibody response to some vaccines (PFOA/PFOS/PFHxS/PFDA)† Changes in liver enzymes (PFOA/PFOS/PFHxS)†
Increases in cholesterol levels (PFOA/PFOS/PFNA/PFDA) † Lower antibody response to some vaccines (PFOA/PFOS/PFHxS/PFDA)† Changes in liver enzymes (PFOA/PFOS/PFHxS)†
Since children are particularly vulnerable, it’s essential to ensure that the water they drink is safe from harmful contaminants‡
Since children are particularly vulnerable, it’s essential to ensure that the water they drink is safe from harmful contaminants‡
Learn More About PFAS Visit epa.gov/pfas to discover and understand the impact PFAS has in school drinking water.
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PUTTING POLICY INTO ACTION IN YOUR SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
CAITLIN HARRISON | 2024-25 LEGISILATIVE CHAIR | ELMBROOK, WI
We preach the importance of advocating and putting policy into action regularly, for this issue, I wanted to arm you all with three ways that you can actively put your programs in a positive position to better advocate and educate others on all the work you do!
Connect with your District Administrator(s) to have a conversation about the work that you and your team are doing each day to better support education of the children in your community. Making sure that you and your administration are on the same page is huge! Apart from educating other leaders on your program, it would be a great time to discuss the impact and funding strategies for Healthy School Meals for All in Wisconsin. If our Administrators are supportive, this is a huge win for this initiative. The goal would be to have our District leadership supportive and advocating on our behalf of the importance of our programs and how impactful this initiative could be for our youth in Wisconsin.
Invite your local Legislator to your District for breakfast, lunch and a tour of the behind the scenes work in your department! This is a great opportunity to discuss funding, show them how you and your team work each day and how impactful the work you do is. These visits have proven to be so beneficial for support of our programs and moving the needle forward on our goals. Remember- you are the expert and they are learning from you. Are you a bit nervous about taking this on alone? This may be a great opportunity to partner with a neighboring District to join forces and expand the conversation.
Attend and speak at upcoming Joint Finance Committee Hearings in 2025. State budget conversations have already begun, and we have significant support from the Leadership at DPI and the Governor’s office supporting our largest initiative, Health School Meals for All. Attending and speaking at the Joint Finance Committee Hearings is imperative to educate and make your voice heard to those who are ultimately going to craft the final State budget.
PUTTING POLICY INTO ACTION IN YOUR SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
CAITLIN HARRISON | 2024-25 LEGISILATIVE CHAIR | ELMBROOK, WI
Reach out to colleagues and friends across the state to have them join in on attending these events.There is power in numbers.
Looking for something easier? Join our coalition, Healthy School Meals for All, here, and join our monthly calls to support the mission and learn how you can further advocate.
Join our virtual Advocacy Day coming up this Spring and engage with other passionate School Nutrition professionals!
I look forward to seeing the work we can accomplish together and making a difference for the youthacross the State!
participation
EVEN MORE E ORTLESS MAKE GRAB & GO
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S MESSAGE
LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP
JAMIE WILSON | 2024-25 SECRETARY/TREASURER | SUPERIOR, WI
You know the days when juggling menus, ordering, equipment repairs, and staff shortages are the only thing you can accomplish each day? You weren’t alone! As school nutrition professionals across Wisconsin, we’ve all been there. How do you find time to lead, coach, mentor your team?? It seems like that is the task that always gets pushed to the back burner. That’s why a group of us, fueled by a shared desire to improve, came together to create the “Growing Leaders” series – a unique program designed specifically for leaders like all of you.
Last year, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and leadership development, tackling key areas like “Leading with Purpose,” “Strengths & Harmony,” and “Accountability in Action.” We explored leadership styles, set ambitious goals, and even delved into the fascinating world of DISC assessments. Let me tell you, those DISC reports were an eye-opener! I gained invaluable insights into my own personality, identifying my strengths and areas for improvement. More importantly, I learned to understand my own communication style, allowing me to better motivate, support, and foster a more harmonious work environment.
But the biggest takeaway? The incredible community we built. Connecting with other school nutrition professionals across the state, sharing our challenges and triumphs, was invaluable. We realized we weren’t alone in our struggles and found inspiration in a group setting.
This year, we’re excited to build upon this success with an even more dynamic series. We’ll delve deeper into DISC assessments, exploring how to leverage
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Winston is a longtime supporter of student nutrition. We’re active in SNA, SNF, and regional associations. We also proudly sponsor the annual Winston Equipment Grant, where approximately $100K in CVap equipment is donated to a deserving school system.
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S MESSAGE
LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP
JAMIE WILSON | 2024-25 SECRETARY/TREASURER | SUPERIOR, WI
these insights for improved team dynamics and individual growth. We’ll also explore new leadership frameworks, focusing on building resilience, fostering innovation, and creating a positive and supportive work culture. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this program is for you. And whether you joined us last year or not we want you! Join us as we continue to grow, connect, and elevate our leadershipskills together.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow, connect, and elevate your leadership skills!
Mark your calendars:
Thursday, January 23rd, 2:00-3:00 PM Wednesday, February 19th, 2:00-3:00 PM Thursday, April 10th, 2:00-3:00 PM
Pre-Conference Workshop: Monday, June 23rd (at the SNA-WI Annual Conference)
Let’s lead with purpose, embrace our strengths, and create a thriving future for school nutrition in Wisconsin!
P.S. A huge thank you to Joe Pettit for planting seeds in all of us! YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!
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FROM FARM TO TRAY: HOW CLOC CAN REVOLUTIONIZE SCHOOL MEALS
MAGGIE SANNA | 2024-25 EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR | MONONA GROVE, WI
What if your school nutrition program had more flexibility to allocate USDA Foods and meet your district’s unique needs? Reintroducing a Commodity Letter of Credit (CLOC) option could make this vision a reality. By offering districts a credit-based option within the USDA Foods system, CLOC would empower school nutrition professionals to customize food purchases, localize procurement, and optimize their menus. This innovative approach has the potential to transform how we manage USDA commodities, but it needs the support of advocates like you to become a viable option. Here’s why CLOC matters, how it reshapes the cash-in-lieu conversation, and how you can help advocate to bring it to life.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases foods from American farmers and allocates an allowance for schools to use to purchase these foods. Annually, this program utilizes about two billion pounds of domestically grown food, contributing between 15-20% of what is served in school meal programs. These commodities have
“Imagine the possibilities of greater flexibility, increased local support, and enhanced menu options for our schools.”
a significant impact on the bottom line of school nutrition programs. However, it’s essential to remember that the program was not originally designed with schools as its sole focus.
During the Great Depression, economic hardship left many Americans unable to afford food, resulting in surpluses of domestically grown commodities. This imbalance in supply and demand caused agricultural prices to plummet, leaving farmers unable to profit from their products. In 1935, the Federal Surplus Commodities Corporation (FSCC) was established. This initiative enabled the federal government to purchase surplus agricultural products and distribute them to schools and other organizations, addressing both hunger and economic instability.
As school nutrition professionals advocating for change, it’s important to acknowledge that we benefit from the commodity program as part of a solution to a broader problem. For many, advocating for a change to
Cindy Long, Administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, visits Granite Ridge School in Cottage Grove
FROM FARM TO TRAY: HOW CLOC CAN REVOLUTIONIZE SCHOOL MEALS
MAGGIE SANNA | 2024-25 EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR | MONONA GROVE, WI
a cash-in-lieu program is a non-starter, as it can bypass the domestic agricultural industry entirely. While cash-in-lieu could be used to address other needs, such as increasing staff wages or purchasing equipment, it does not directly support the U.S. food system.
In the 1980s, the USDA introduced a pilot program exploring both cashin-lieu and Commodity Letters of Credit (CLOC) as options for schools to use their USDA Foods entitlement. Schools utilizing CLOC received letters of credit to spend on the same domestically grown commodities we are accustomed to but without being tied to specific manufacturers or commercial products. This approach allowed for more local control within programs and encouraged the significant funds allocated for donated foods to support local economies.
Keep in mind that CLOC must advance federally with USDA before it can be implemented at the state level, but the potential impact is worth the effort. Imagine the possibilities of greater flexibility, increased local support, and enhanced menu options for our schools. Advocacy for CLOC could lead to transformative changes in how we manage USDA Foods, ensuring that our programs better serve our students and communities.
Now is the time to unite as school nutrition professionals and advocate for the reintroduction of the Commodity Letter of Credit option. Together, we can help bring this innovative policy to life, creating a stronger, more adaptable system for the future.
For more information on beef as a nutrient-rich component of school lunch menus, visit www.beeftips.com/nutrition/k-12-school-foodservice.
KITCHEN USE POLICY
A MODEL FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT OPERATIONS
NICOLE LENZNER | 2024-25 MARKETING AND MEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIR | PRESCOTT, WI
We have implemented a comprehensive Kitchen Use Policy that sets a high standard for facility rentals and demonstrates a strong commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency. This policy not only ensures compliance with local health regulations but also offers a framework for other school nutrition departments looking to refine their own procedures.
A Well-Defined Policy
The Kitchen Use Policy was designed to streamline the rental process while maintaining strict adherenceto our Public Health Department standards. It includes clear guidelines for hygiene, food safety, equipment use, and cleanup responsibilities. By requiring a food service supervisor to be present during rentals, the district ensures that all activities meet regulatory standards while providing support to rental groups.
Key expectations include:
• Proper handwashing and glove use during food preparation and serving.
• Sanitizing all work surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
• Immediate reporting of any damages or equipment issues.
• Thorough cleanup of all areas, including sanitizing surfaces, mopping floors, and properly disposing of trash and recycling.
Supporting Accountability and Safety
One notable aspect of the policy is its emphasis on accountability. Groups renting the kitchen are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and reporting any issues. Failure to clean adequately results in a $50 courtesy cleaning fee, ensuring that the facility remains in top condition for future use.
The policy also highlights the importance of supervision, especially when students or children
are involved. By requiring adult oversight and prohibiting unsupervised children in the kitchen, the district minimizes safety risks and reinforces the importance of a professional working environment.
A Model for SNA-WI Members
As members of the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin (SNA-WI), we can look to our members’ policy as an example of how to effectively manage kitchen rentals. The policy’s thoroughness and attention to detail align with SNA-WI’s mission to promote excellence in school nutrition programs. By adopting similar practices, other districts can ensure their facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with health regulations.
Inspiring Best Practices
Our Kitchen Use Policy serves as a reminder of the critical role kitchen facilities play in supporting school and community events. Whether hosting fundraisers, extracurricular activities, or special programs, having a clear and enforceable policy fosters trust and reliability among users.
SNA-WI encourages all members to review their current kitchen use guidelines and consider using a Kitchen Use Policy to enhance operations and uphold the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness.
Together, we can continue to create safe, welcoming, and efficient environments that support the healthand well-being of our students and communities.
Meeting the needs of your students and keeping up with regulations is hard.
We can help.
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HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOL NUTRITION — STARTING SMALL AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
STACY NELSON | 2024-25 PRESIDENT-ELECT | MENOMONIE, WI
Advocacy is easier than you think, and it all begins with your voice. If you’ve ever felt uncertain or overwhelmed by the idea of improving school nutrition, you’re not alone. Making change—especially around something as important as the food our children eat—can seem daunting. But the truth is, you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers to make a meaningful impact.
Advocacy starts with small steps, sharing your story, and building confidence along the way. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or school nutrition professional, you have the power to help make school meals healthier and more accessible. The key is taking that first step.
Start with What You Care About
Advocacy begins with passion. Reflect on what matters most to you—whether it’s ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals or advocating for healthier options. You don’t need all the answers; simply identify what resonates with your values and experiences. Your perspective is valuable, whether you’re a school nutrition professional or a concerned parent.
Speak from the Heart
Personal stories are a powerful advocacy tool. You don’t need to be an expert to make an impact. Sharing your experiences—like how access to healthy meals affect students’ focus or how school food impacts your child’s well-being—can connect with others on a deeper level. Real-life stories are what make issues relatable and memorable.
Start Small and Build Momentum
Advocacy doesn’t have to mean making big speeches or pushing for sweeping changes right away. Small actions can lead to significant change. You could write a letter to your school board, join the SNAWisconsin Legislative Committee, Healthy School Meals for all Wisconsin, or start a petition about a specific concern. Focus on one manageable issue at a time, and over time, you’ll gain confidence and momentum.
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOL NUTRITION — STARTING SMALL AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
STACY NELSON | 2024-25 PRESIDENT-ELECT | MENOMONIE, WI
Connect with Others
You don’t have to advocate alone. Find like-minded individuals or organizations that share your passion for improving school nutrition. Joining groups can provide support and amplify your impact. Working with others makes advocacy less intimidating and more effective.
Utilize Resources
There are many resources available to help you get started. SNA Wisconsin, along with other national and local organizations, offer toolkits, training, and guidelines for beginner advocates. You can find different templates, talking points, and tips to guide your advocacy efforts.
Keep Going—Every Effort Counts
Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Change may take time, but every action— whether it’s writing a letter, starting a conversation, or joining a group—moves you closer to your goal. Celebrate small victories and keep pushing forward. Even the smallest efforts add up over time and can lead to meaningful change.
You don’t need to be an expert or take on the system alone to make a difference in school nutrition. Start small, share your story, and connect with others. Your voice matters, and together we can make school meals healthier and accessible for all students, one step at a time.
Nominate a Colleague Nominate a Colleague You Admire! You Admire!
LIFETIME LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Dr Katie Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes SNA-WI members who have outstanding contributions to SNA-WI and school nutrition during their school nutrition career
Naming of the Award: The award recognizes lifetime achievement in school nutrition and no one in recent history has accomplished more in school nutrition than Dr Katie Wilson Dr Katie Wilson has served as SNA-WI President, SNA National President, Director of ICN, Deputy under the Secretary of Food and Consumer Sciences at the USDA and is the Executive Director of the Urban School Food Alliance Dr Katie Wilson has been a strong advocate for School Nutrition throughout her career
Award Criteria
The nominee:
Must have worked in school nutrition, either at the School District Level, State Agency, or in an educational institution directly involved in the training of School Nutrition Professionals
Nomination for this award can be made by any current SNA-WI member.
Candidates for this award do not have to be a current member of SNA-WI but do need to have been a past member of at least 10 years of service
Have served SNA-WI as an officer or board member on the Chapter or State level.
Selection of Winner
The winner from the pool of nominees will be selected by the members of the SNA-WI Executive Board.
*Nominations are due by May 1st
Thank you all for attending this year’s fall conference! Everyone brought some festive spirit to the mix and mingled with our industry connections – enjoy some of the recap here! We hope to see you again next year!
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES FOR SNA-WI
NATHAN BUTZLAFF | HOVEN CONSULTING, LOBBYIST
Build a Relationship with Your State Legislator by Providing a School Food Service Tour!
In our mission to educate state legislators on school nutrition, SNA-WI continues to work towards bringing state legislators to schools statewide to experience the school nutrition profession firsthand. With that in mind, we strongly encourage you to invite state representatives and state senators to attend a breakfast or lunch service at your school.
As the 2025-2026 state legislative session begins on January 6, 2025, it is a great time to reach out to the state representative and state senator whose legislative districts include the school where you are employed and ask if they will come to your school to attend a meal service. This would allow them to experience an overview of food preparation and service, as well as obtain an insight into how your school crafts menus. Feel free to cut-and-paste this email template when emailing your legislators or use it as a script when you contact the legislator’s office.
If you don’t know which state legislators represent the school where you are employed, or do not have their email address or phone number, simply CLICK HERE, select the 2024 Assembly and Senate maps, and type the address of the school where you are employed in the upper right corner text box. Remember to contact both the state senator and state representative for your school’s address.
Thank you for advocating for SNA-WI, your profession, and the students you serve.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR SNA
Legislative Leaders Announce New Members of the Budget-Writing Joint Finance Committee
In December, Assembly and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders announced the following legislators will be members of the powerful budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance for the 2025-2026 legislative session.
• Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Senate Co-Chair
• Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Senate Vice Chair
• Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay)
• Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin)*
• Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron)*
• Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond)*
• Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Ranking Senate Democratic Member
• Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison)
• Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), Assembly Co-Chair
• Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), Assembly Vice Chair
• Representative Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake)
• Representative Jesse Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek)
• Representative Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls)
• Representative Karen Hurd (R-Withee)*
• Representative Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha), Ranking Senate Democratic Member
• Representative Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay)
*New committee member.
SNA-WI ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS!
Presentation proposals are being accepted for the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin (SNAWI) Annual Conference, being held on June 24-26 at the Paper Valley Appleton in Appleton, WI. All breakout presentations should plan for 50 minutes of content and 10 minutes of Q&A for 60 minutes total.
Have an interesting learning session idea? Fill out our Call for Proposals form to share your thoughts! We hope you’ll consider sharing your time and talents with our conference attendees.
The conference planning committee is also looking for presentations that align with the conference theme of “Joy is the Secret Ingredient”.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR SNA
Legislative Republicans Announce Committee Chairs
In mid-December, Legislative Republicans announced the chairs of the various Assembly and Senate committees for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The following committee chairs may be of interest to SNA-WI members:
Assembly Committees
• Committee on Agriculture
Chair: Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City)
• Committee on Children and Families
Chair: Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Weston)
• Committee on Education
Chair: Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay)
• Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency
Chair: Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie)
• Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care
Chair: Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie)
• Committee on Local Government
Chair: Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville)
• Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform
Chair: Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers)
Senate Committees
• Committee on Agriculture & Revenue
Chair: Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point)
• Committee on Education
Chair: Sen. John Jagler (R-Watertown)
• Committee on Health
Chair: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton)
• Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State & Federal Affairs
Chair: Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Pewaukee)
• Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children & Families
Chair: Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona)
• Committee on Transportation & Local Government
Chair: Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee)
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR SNA
Governor Announces State Ends Fiscal Year with a $4.6 Billion Surplus
On October 15, Governor Tony Evers announced that the state government ended Fiscal Year 2024 with a positive balance of $4.6 billion. This amount is $821.3 million higher than projected. This balance will be used when the Legislature’ crafts the state’s Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget next year.
Also, the state’s budget stabilization fund or “rainy day fund,” which is intended to be used to balance the state budget in a time of reduced tax revenue, is $1.9 billion. This fund balance is the highest in the state’s history.
Membership Application for Individual and School District Memberships.
Instructions for completing the front of this application:
1 Please indicate if you have ever been a SNA member
2 Print your full name as you would like it to appear in your membership record and on your membership card.
3. Print your email address and job title. o
4 Print your current school district.
5 Print your current school name.
6 If you know your local chapter number, please fill in.
7 Print your work and home phone number
8 Print your work mailing address.
9 Print your home mailing address.
10 Print full name of member referrer who introduced you to SNA (only needed for new members). This will give the person credits for Star Club and annual membership campaign drives. Optional: Include referrer s SNA member ID.
11 Please review the membership categories listed. Check one that best describes your position. School District/State Agency Membership (SDM) is a membership managed or coordinated by the school district/state agency and can be transferred to another individual in the same membership category. Please check with your district to see if you are eligible for SDM.
12 Please check if you are employed by public school, private school, or private management company
13 Please indicate if your employer pays your dues.
14 Please indicate if you are responsible for school nutrition operations in your school district.
15 Record your national dues based on membership category checked.
16 Record your state dues based on the dues listed on left side of application under “Your state dues are:"
17 All applications must include the processing fee.
18 Please add national, state dues and processing fee amounts. This is the total dues amount to be paid. Applications with incorrect total amount will be returned resulting in a delay of member benefits.
19 Record your optional contribution to the School Nutrition Foundation. The School Nutrition Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible Your contribution of $10 or more will be acknowledged by the School Nutrition Foundation
20 Add national dues, state dues, processing fee and any optional contributions. This is the total payment.
21 If paying by credit card, please visit www.schoolnutrition.org.
22 This box must be completed for SDM applicants.
23. Please sign and date your completed application. Required for individual membership only. Mail your application and payment to SNA, SNA Depository PO Box 719297, Philadelphia, PA 19171-9297
Membership dues cover a full year of member benefits. Processing of application takes approximately two to four weeks from receipt of payment. Once application is processed, new members will be able to access and print their membership card by logging in at www.schoolnutrition.org.
School Nutrition Employee Student
School Nutrition Director, Supervisors, Specialist, Executive Chefs
School Nutrition Director, Supervisor, Specialist (Major City)
State Agency Director, Supervisor, Specialist
School Nutrition Educator Other
Affiliate Part-Time Staff (less than 4 hours daily)
Cooks, chefs, bakers, bookkeepers, technicians, assistants, etc.
Full-time students enrolled in post-secondary nutrition, health or other food related program. Does not include right to vote.
Retired Members.
Managers, head cooks, head chefs, assistant managers.
Working in a school nutrition program at the school district level.
Working in a school nutrition program where the school district enrollment is 40,000 or more or city population is 200,000 or more.
Working in state office for child nutrition programs, including nutrition education.
Faculty working in a college/university setting.
Principals, Superintendents, Teachers, etc. Does not include right to vote.
Optional membership category for retired or part-time school nutrition staff. Does not include a subscription to SN magazine or the right to vote in the annual SNA election.
Note: Contributions or gifts to SNA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to the Foundation are deductible for IRS purposes. $2.00 of your national dues is used for your subscription to the SN magazine.
School Nutrition Association * 2900 S Quincy Street, Suite 700 * Arlington, VA 22206 Phone: 800-877-8822 * Web site: www schoolnutrition.org * E-mail: membership@schoolnutrition org