Quick News  

  • We want your opinion! SNA invites you to share your critical questions, thoughts, and feedback on the school nutrition standards Final Rule released by USDA in April.
  • MSNA is pleased to announce the outcome of the 2024 Board Member Election. Read more about our new Board members, Ashley Schneider, Jess Peña, and Kristi Frank.
  • What's happening at MSNA? Check out the 'What's Happening at MSNA' June feature.
  • Registration for the 2024 Annual Conference on August 4-7 is open!Attendees, visit the events page to register and learn more. Exhibitors, visit the exhibitor page for information.
  • Industry members, we've got *brand new* opportunities for you! Position yourself as a leader in school nutrition by supporting MSNA’s unique sponsorship program! View the prospectus to learn more.
  • May 3, 2024 has been officially recognized by the State of Minnesota as School Lunch Hero Day! Read the proclamation here.

Member Spotlight

Katie Possone, Kitchen Manager at St. Michael-Albertville Schools. Read about Katie here.

To read past member spotlights, click here. 

Nominate a Colleague You Admire!

There is no time like the season of giving to recognize the hard work of our colleagues in the school nutrition profession who go above and beyond. The SNA Awards program highlights the outstanding and important work of SNA members and state affiliates. Members and state associations are eligible for a variety of honors that recognize their achievements in school foodservice, leadership, membership recruitment and professional development. Nominations are closed for 2024 and will open this fall for 2025 nominations.

Employee of the Year Award
Manager of the Year Award, in honor of Louise Sublette
Director of the Year Award
National Industry Member of the Year Award  

MSNA Members in the News!

6/1: MSNA is pleased to announce the outcome of the 2024 Board Member Election. Learn more about our new Board members, Ashley Schneider, Jess Peña, and Kristi Frank.

5/23: Julie Kronabetter, Food and Nutrition Services Director for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 and MSNA Nutrition Chair, was featured in the Sun Thisweek for her efforts in diversifying menu offerings to students. These efforts helped her win the 2024 MSNA Director of the Year award.

5/21: Brooklyn Middle STEAM School’s nutrition manager, Sandra Hirdler, is highlighted in the Sun Post for being named School Nutrition Association 2024 Midwest Region Manager of the Year.

5/15: MSNA President Michele Hawkinson, President-elect Emily Malone, and Vice President Glen Ritter presented at the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) conference on "What's Next in Free School Meals: Seeing Down the Line for your District". MSNA also hosted a booth at the exhibit show. Check out photos here.

5/5: A variety of lunch heroes were recognized at their schools in honor of School Lunch Hero Day! Congratulations to: Minnesota’s Director of the Year: Julie Kronabetter, Burnsville Eagan Savage ISD 191;  Manager of the Year: Sandra Hirdler, Brooklyn Middle STEAM School; Employee of the Year: Melissa Willhite, Tracy Area Schools; MSNA Hero Award: Pat Tasse, Five Hawks Elementary; and  MSNA Hero Site Award: Alexandria Area High School. View photos and read more here.

4/9: Congratulations to Jennifer Walters, Director of School Nutrition for Winona Area Public Schools, who received the Winona State University President's Civic Engagement Community Partner Award. Check out photos here. 

4/2: Congratulations to Heather Hart and Antonia Nelson from Mounds View Public Schools' Sunnyside Elementary School for winning an honorable mention award from the Minnesota Department of Education in its recent "Say Yes to School Breakfast campaign photo contest."

Find past news stories here!