SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION INC

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 equipment 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.

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 and public relations: sna is continuously involved in investigating the latest trends factors and issues impacting schoolnutrition. Research is designed and conducted to meet needs of association members and the general public. Sna also offers a varietyof materials to assist members in promoting school nutrition programs and healthy school meals. The resources assists members withidentifying new marketing opportunities, and provide fresh ideas on ways to educate the community about school nutrition. Sna alsocelebrates members who work every day to ensure wellnourished students across the country are prepared for success through theawards program. Individuals may be nominated by peers staff, colleagues, or supervisors for these awards.

Certificate and credentialing: sna develops and encourages the highest standards in school nutrition programs and provideseducational opportunities to ensure the professional development of its members. Sna's certificate program is based on the standardsof practice and indicators in the keys to excellence in school food and nutrition programs that define nationally acceptedstandards for quality programs. Sna established the school nutrition specialist (sns) credentialing program to enhance theprofessional image of school nutrition professionals, elevate professional standards and enhance individual performance. The snscredential is a mark of excellence and achievement that reflects what it takes to manage school nutrition programs in today'schallenging climate. The sns credentialing exam evaluates candidates' knowledge and skills required to perform specific job activitiesrelated to managing or directing school nutrition programs.

Business development: sna's industry partners are vital to furthering the mission of the association. The industry relations area isresponsible for working and servicing industry partners with industry memberships, meeting sponsorships, partnership proposals andthe patron program.