School Food for Thought

In this episode of School Food for Thought, we dive into the diverse and essential roles within the school nutrition field. Kristina Kraushaar, Program Innovator at Rialto Unified School District in California, and Bill Ward, System Support Specialist at Hernando County School District in Florida, join us to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Kristina and Bill discuss how they collaborate with their teams to support students, highlighting the complexity and importance of roles that extend beyond direct food service. Their insights are both enlightening and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of school nutrition.

In this podcast episode, Danielle Duran Baron, Cathy Schuchart, and Nicole Taylor discuss the critical role of advocacy in school nutrition programs. Cathy and Nicole share practical tips on finding one's voice and making an impact through advocacy, emphasizing that it extends beyond formal meetings to everyday interactions. They highlight the importance of SNA's support in addressing challenges and shaping legislative decisions. The conversation also covers the impact of COVID-19 on school meal programs and the potential for universal healthy school meals. The episode encourages members to utilize SNA resources and engage at all advocacy levels.

In this bonus episode of School Food for Thought, Patti Montague, the CEO of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), engages in a captivating conversation with Lori Adkins, the SNA 2022-2023 President, during the Annual National Conference held in Denver. Lori reflects on her leadership journey, the highlights of her career, and her whirlwind year as the president of the School Nutrition Association.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the field of school nutrition. Lori’s insights into the challenges and opportunities are both informative and inspiring. Her passion for improving the lives of students through healthy and nutritious meals is evident throughout the conversation.

So, tune in to this engaging discussion between two accomplished leaders. You won’t regret it!

Positive workplace culture starts at the top! Doug Massey of Klein Independent School District in Texas, and Alisa Roman of Lewiston (Maine) Public Schools, have a lot in common, despite their geographic distance. This includes their leadership style, love for the profession, and incredibly successful and diverse teams built on solid values and strong cultures.  

SNA Secretary/Treasurer Warren DeShields of Bridgeton City (N.J.) Public Schools and Brianne Pulver of Auburn (Mass.) Public Schools discuss diversity and inclusion in school cafeterias and different ways school food directors can engage with their communities. Warren and Brianne also share their experiences navigating the school nutrition profession and how they hope to bring more diversity to the profession they love. 

From local foods to sustainability to recruiting the next generation of school nutrition professionals, what's coming up next in the future for the school nutrition profession? SNA President Chris Derico, SNS, of Barbour County (W. Va.) Schools, and Stefanie Giannini, MA, SNS, of Marquardt School District 15, in Illinois, talk about their predictions, discuss the financial challenges of running a successful program, supply chain issues, and the increasing role technology has played in the industry.

Community partnerships are key for successful school nutrition programs. Chris Burkhardt, SNS, of Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools, and Naim Walcott of West Hampton (N.Y.) Unified School District, discuss the power of these partnerships and how to work with different stakeholders to advance school nutrition programs.

School cafeterias are full of students from all over the world. E. Nichole Taylor of Chichester School District in in Pennsylvania, and Lindsay Aguilar, RD, SNS, of Tucson (Ariz.) Unified School District, chat about their experiences bringing the world together in their cafeterias. Topics include serving diverse communities, supporting refugee families, asking parents to share their favorite recipes, and make some students feel at home while giving others a taste of the world.

Season One of the School Food for Thought podcast is your connection to the school nutrition community! Here you’ll find valuable insights, inspiration, and the latest industry updates to help you thrive in your role. Join us as we dive deep into the innovations and best practices in the the heart and soul of school nutrition!