News

AKSNA Board Members attend National Leadership Conference 2022

Posted on by Trevor Bridgewater
National Leadership Conference 2022 Attendees: Gavin Northey, Rachel Spencer (Future Leaders), Trevor Bridgewater

SNA’s annual national leadership conference was held in person for the first time since 2019. AKSNA was represented this year by president elect Trevor Bridgewater, treasurer Gavin Northey, and public policy & legislation chair Rachel Spencer. We met in sunny West Palm Beach Florida for 2 days packed with dynamic speakers and inspiring presentations by SNA members from all around the country. This year’s theme was “Be Extraordinary” highlighting the work volunteers have been doing to ensure members continue to receive the value of membership and move us forward as an association.

Being able to network with other state associations facing the same challenges as AKSNA and other school nutrition programs throughout our state was reassuring of our efforts as an association. We were able to share ideas on what worked to stay connected during the pandemic as well as get ideas for trainings and presentations to offer for our 55th annual conference in 2023.

State plan of action workshops were very helpful in maintaining our own identity while striving to align with SNA’s Strategic Plan areas of focus seen below. Keeping our plan of action updated shows we are listening to the needs of our members while working to be an asset to future AKSNA members.

Areas of Focus: Voice of School Nutrition, Career Development and Growth, Stakeholder Community, Thriving Organization

Future Leaders Program is offered during NLC and we were excited to have Rachel Spencer attend on behalf AKSNA. This is a great program that helps to give volunteers the tools and confidence necessary to develop and thrive as school nutrition professionals.  We look forward to sending interested members to Future Leaders in Louisville, Ky 2023. If you want to know more about NLC or other amazing opportunities offered through AKSNA, please reach out to a board member today! 

AKSNA Advocates to End P-EBT, Redirect Funds to Established Child Nutrition Programs

Posted on by Rachel Spencer
Public Policy & Legislation

Today, AKSNA sent a letter to Senator John Boozman, the Ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, advocating that P-EBT be eliminated and funds redirected toward already established Child Nutrition Programs that have been proven to provide a consistent and reliable source of nutrition for Alaska and America’s schoolchildren.

Read the full text of AKSNA’s letterDownload PDF

AKSNA Advocates for Reasonable Nutritional Standards

Posted on by Rachel Spencer

AKSNA’s Public Policy and Legislation Committee recently sent a letter to the USDA regarding Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grain, and Sodium. In this letter, AKSNA joins with SNA in advocating for the tremendous nutritional value that is already present in each of the nearly 73,000 breakfast and lunches served throughout our great state. AKSNA advocated for more reasonable implementation including delayed and voluntary standards that include a cash-based performance incentive in lieu of mandatory standards.

Read the full text of AKSNA’s letterDownload Letter as PDF

AKSNA Announces 2021 High School Graduation Award Recipients

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

AKSNA Announces 2021 High School Graduation Award Recipients

KING SALMON, AK – MAY 10, 2021 – The Alaska School Nutrition Association congratulates Alexander Colvin who graduated from Kotzebue High School in Kotzebue and will attend University of Alaska Southeast; Jenae Pusich who graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in Juneau, she has not selected a post-secondary institution; and Kyle Richardson who graduated from S.A.V.E High School in Anchorage and will attend AVTEC Alaska.

Recipients of the award are asked to share their thoughts on school meal programs, food insecurity, or a notable food service professional in their life.  Each chose to write about food insecurity, excerpts from their essays are posted on the AKSNA’s web site.

About the AKSNA High School Graduation Program

The AKSNA High School Graduation Program was founded in 2020 to provide a one-time financial gift to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing postsecondary education.  To be eligible, applicants must be a dependent of an active AKSNA member, receive a high school diploma or GED certificate, and be enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution.  Applicants must submit a short essay on food insecurity, school meal programs, or an inspirational food service worker.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

Celebrate Alaska’s School Lunch Heroes, Serving Alaska’s Schoolchildren Throughout the Pandemic

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

Celebrate Alaska’s School Lunch Heroes, Serving Alaska’s Schoolchildren Throughout the Pandemic

ANCHORAGE, AK – MAY 7, 2021 – The Alaska School Nutrition Association celebrates School Lunch Hero Day Friday, May 7,2021. During a normal school day, Alaska’s School Lunch Heroes serve approximately 50,000 healthy and delicious lunches to school children across Alaska supporting child nutrition and learning. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption for people around the globe and among our local communities. School Lunch Heroes across this great state have continued to serve Alaska’s schoolchildren and support the return to normal operations as they have since the very beginning of the pandemic. From March through December 2020, 6.8 million school meals were served by home delivery, bus, and remote stand.

Thanks to our dedicated School Lunch Heroes, Alaskan children continue to have access to school lunches and breakfasts that are a vital nutrient-dense food source.  Federal nutrition standards ensure that schools offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.  School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.

Please join the Alaska School Nutrition Association and the School Nutrition Association in celebrating School Lunch Hero Day and recognizing our community’s heroes.  For more information, visit www.schoollunchheroday.com or contact your local School District’s School Nutrition Program.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

Amy Rouse named Alaska and SNA Northwest Region Director of the Year; Michele Powers, Alaska Manager of the Year

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

Amy Rouse named Alaska and SNA Northwest Region Director of the Year; Michele Powers, Alaska Manager of the Year

FAIRBANKS, AK – MAY 26, 2020 – The Alaska School Nutrition Association congratulates Amy Rouse, the Alaska and Northwest Regional Director of the Year, and Michele Powers, Alaska Manager of the Year.

Rouse is the Nutrition Services Director in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District; Powers is the Operations Supervisor in the Anchorage School District.

As the director for the past 13 years, Rouse has used her social media and marketing savvy to inform the community and successfully promote her school meal program. One of the first in Alaska to initiate online free and reduced-price meal applications, Rouse incorporated interactive online menus and electronic production records. She has also supported other districts and the state agency in their move to electronic data systems. Rouse also maintains an engaging social media presence – highlighting program operations, nutrition services staff, holidays, celebrations, promotional events and new program initiatives. Social media plays a big part in sharing news about national and local celebrations, such as National School Lunch Week, National School Breakfast Week, African-American History Month, Alaska Grown Menus, taste tests and guest servers. Keeping her students engaged and excited, Rouse also holds student surveys for new menu items.

She believes in providing educational and training programs for her staff, encouraging her primary managerial staff to participate in state association networking and training opportunities. Professional standards are important to Rouse, who maintains a very structured staff training program during teacher in-service days. More than half of her sites have been awarded with the State of Alaska Food Safety Excellence (SAFE) food safety recognition program this year.

About SNA Awards

NA celebrates members who work every day to ensure well-nourished students across the country are prepared for success. The Director of the Year award recognizes school nutrition directors for the contributions they have made throughout their school nutrition career; the Manager of the Year award, in honor of Louise Sublette recognizes school nutrition managers for the contributions they have made throughout their school nutrition career.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

Tatiana Wilson Receives 2020 AKSNA High School Graduation Award

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

Tatiana Wilson Receives 2020 AKSNA High School Graduation Award

KING SALMON, AK – MAY 19, 2020 – The Alaska School Nutrition Association congratulates Tatiana Wilson, the 2020 AKSNA High School Graduation Award Program recipient.

Wilson graduated May 9, 2020 from Bristol Bay Borough School in King Salmon, AK and plans to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage.  Wilson is the daughter of Theresa Wilson, an AKSNA member and employee of the Lake and Peninsula School District.

Wilson wrote of two inspirational school nutrition professionals in her life, “These two women have shown me so much and are a real inspiration. They have shown me that even small gestures can brighten up someone else’s day. They have also shown me that even while struggling with your own problems you can take time out and show love and compassion for other people. I hope to be a strong and compassionate woman like these two women.”

About the AKSNA High School Graduation Program

The AKSNA High School Graduation Program was founded in the 2019-2020 school year to provide a one-time financial gift to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing postsecondary education.  To be eligible, applicants must be a dependent of an active AKSNA member, receive a high school diploma or GED certificate, and be enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution.  Applicants must submit a short essay on food insecurity, school meal programs, or an inspirational food service worker.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

School or No School, Alaska’s School Nutrition Heroes Feed Children Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

School or No School, Alaska’s School Nutrition Heroes Feed Children Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

ANCHORAGE, AK – APRIL 30, 2020 – The Alaska School Nutrition Association celebrates School Lunch Hero Day Friday, May 1, 2020.  During a normal school day, Alaska’s School Lunch Heroes serve approximately 50,000 healthy and delicious lunches to school children across Alaska supporting child nutrition and learning. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption for people around the globe.  Our School Lunch Heroes have stepped up and out from the cafeterias, dawning face masks and disinfectant bottles to fight hunger from school busses and parking lots throughout the Great State of Alaska.

Thanks to our dedicated School Lunch Heroes, Alaskan children continue to have access to school lunches and breakfasts that are a vital nutrient-dense food source.  Federal nutrition standards ensure that schools offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.  School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.

Please join the Alaska School Nutrition Association and the School Nutrition Association in celebrating School Lunch Hero Day and recognizing our community’s heroes.  For more information, visit www.schoollunchheroday.com or contact your local School District’s School Nutrition Program.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

Alaska School Nutrition Association to Lobby Congress in Support of School Meals

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

Alaska School Nutrition Association to Lobby Congress in Support of School Meals

BETHEL, AK – MARCH 7, 2020 – Next week, Marybeth Whalen will represent Alaska’s School Nutrition Professionals in Washington, D.C.  Each school day, School Nutrition Professionals serve approximately 50,000 lunches and 26,000 breakfasts in support of child nutrition and education in the great state of Alaska.

Whalen will participate in School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 48th annual Legislative Action Conference (LAC). During the conference (March 8 – 10), Whalen will join approximately 900 peers from across the country in urging Congress to increase student access to healthy school meals and support efforts to simplify child nutrition programs.

LAC’s “Charge to the Hill” will allow Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to understand Alaska’s needs and opportunities to support child nutrition programs.  Whalen is scheduled to meet with each of Alaska’s delegates or a member of their staff:

  • Senator
    Lisa Murkowski, Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Senator
    Dan Sullivan, Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Representative
    Don Young, Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

(All times Eastern Daylight Time)

Whalen will discuss the importance of school meal programs and provide insights on school meal program trends, successes and challenges.  Attendees will also share SNA’s 2020 Position Paper, which calls on Congress to eliminate the co-pay for students who are eligible for reduced price meals, allow all states to use Medicaid data to automatically certify eligible students for free and reduced price meals, and develop guidance on ensuring students have adequate time to eat healthy school meals.

SNA’s 2020 Position Paper also addresses the importance of providing flexibility in school menu planning as well as streamlining overly complex child nutrition programs.  USDA’s current and proposed rules to simplify menu planning ensure students continue to receive healthy meals at school, exposing them to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about SNA’s Legislative Action Conference, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/LAC.

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.

Alaskan Schools Encourage Students to Eat Nutritious “Out of This World” Breakfast

Posted on by Gavin M. Northey

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Gavin M Northey
Email: news@aksna.org

Alaskan Schools Encourage Students to Eat Nutritious “Out of This World” Breakfast

Anchorage, AK  – Feburary 28, 2020 – To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available for school breakfast, Alaska’s school districts will celebrate National School Breakfast Week during March 2-6, 2020.

Each day, 26,000 students across this great state of Alaska enjoy a nutritious school breakfast.  School breakfast provide students a tasty, nutritious source of energy for a successful learning experience.  Studies show that students who eat school breakfast are more likely to:

  • Reach higher levels of achievement
    in reading and math
  • Score higher on standardized tests
  • Have better concentration and
    memory
  • Be more alert
  • Maintain a healthy weight

The National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) campaign theme, “Out of This World,” reminds the entire school community that school breakfast provides a healthy and energizing start to the day for students. School nutrition professionals and students will be encouraged to show their enthusiasm for school breakfast from March 2-6 as districts celebrates with special menus, cafeteria events, and more.

The “Out of This World” campaign is made possible by the School Nutrition Association and Kellogg’s®.

Contact your local School District to learn more about NSBW activities and menus.

Parents and students can follow the fun on www.Facebook.com/TrayTalk using the hashtag #NSBW20.  To learn more about NSBW, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/SchoolMeals.  

About National School Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions since 1975. 

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AKSNA is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946.