Recent News

July 2024

Know of an SNS DPG member you’d like to see featured in an upcoming newsletter? Nominate them here!

July 2024

Attending the School Nutrition Association Annual Nutrition Conference? Be sure to register for the SNS DPG Member Breakfast, taking place on Monday July 15, 2024 at 6:30-8 am at the Westin Boston Seaport District. Join us for breakfast as we learn about and discuss the Impact of Updated School Nutrition Standards and Strategies to Promote Participation and Consumption. Our featured speaker will be Juliana Cohen, Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Sponsored by General Mills. Register here!

July 2024

This October, don’t miss your chance to attend the 2024 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® with fellow nutrition and dietetics peers. Register for the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® taking place October 5-8 in Minneapolis, MN! For more information about FNCE® and to register, visit this link.

July 2024

Join us for a networking event! This is a great time to connect with other School Nutrition Services DPG members to enjoy great food and celebrate the hard work our members have accomplished. We will update anyone who registers with the location once it has been finalized. Cost of the event is $25.00 for members and $75 for non-members. Registration is required. Register when you register for FNCE® - more details are here.

June 2024

Know of an SNS DPG member you’d like to see featured in an upcoming newsletter? Share your suggestion here.

June 2024

Attending the School Nutrition Association Annual Nutrition Conference? Be sure to register for the SNS DPG Member Breakfast, taking place on Monday July 15, 2024 at 6:20-8 am at the Westin Boston Seaport District. Join us for breakfast as we learn about and discuss the Impact of Updated School Nutrition Standards and Strategies to Promote Participation and Consumption. Our featured speaker will be Juliana Cohen, Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Sponsored by General Mills. Register here!

June 2024

Register for the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® taking place October 5-8 in Minneapolis, MN! Find details for the Save the Date here.

June 2024

June 19 is Juneteenth, a federal holiday honoring this day in 1865 when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people were to be freed. Issued January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation marked the end of slavery in the United States. While this was a historic milestone in the fight for freedom, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, didn’t learn of their freedom until June 19, 1865 ⁠— more than two years later. Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth first was celebrated in 1866, commemorating the day when people of Galveston were freed. Read more here.

June 2024

Pride Month honors the first Pride march that was held in New York in 1970, bringing together individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the most important roles of registered dietitian nutritionists is to provide nutrition counseling that is inclusive of everyone.

May 2024

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is proud to serve as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to deserving students at all levels of study. Submission deadline has been extended to May 14, 2024, at 10:00 am Central Time. Individual scholarships range from $500 to $25,000 each. Learn more here.

May 2024

Research suggests that providing free school meals to all students regardless of income level supports student well-being and academic performance as well as fosters a positive school climate by reducing stigma and improving social experiences. As students advocate for universal meal service, evidence points to the significant benefits of such policies in promoting equity and nurturing more healthful, inclusive learning environments. Learn more here.

May 2024

Personnel from USDA FNS will be the guest speakers for the Nutrition Security Affinity Group meeting on Wednesday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. ET. They will speak to the WIC and CN Regulations expected to be released this month. To register to receive the Zoom meeting links for upcoming Affinity Groups meetings, see: Join the Academy Affinity Groups (eatrightpro.org)

May 2024

Know of an SNS DPG member you’d like to see featured in an upcoming newsletter? Share your suggestion here.

May 2024

Attending the School Nutrition Association Annual Nutrition Conference? Be sure to mark down the SNS DPG Member Breakfast will be taking place on Monday July 15, 2025! Details to follow. Find out more about ANC here.

May 2024

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is seeking a doctoral-prepared member of the Academy to serve as its 2024-2025 Grace L. Ostenso Nutrition and Public Policy Fellow. This opportunity is a full-time, one-year fellowship role* supported by the Foundation’s Grace L. Ostenso Nutrition and Public Policy Fellowship Fund. The fellow will participate in the Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows Program, coordinated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which allows the fellow to spend one year serving on the staff of a member of Congress or on a congressional committee as a special assistant in a legislative area that will benefit from scientific input.This fellowship requires that the fellow be onsite in Washington, DC for the duration of the fellowship, which will run from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025.

To qualify for the fellowship, the applicant must:

• Be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Have a PhD or an equivalent doctoral-level degree
• Credentialed status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist strongly preferred
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Not be a federal employee
• Be mid-career, with three or more years’ experience in the field

The application is currently available within the Foundation’s application platform with a deadline of 3:00 pm CT on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

April 2024

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is proud to serve as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to deserving students at all levels of study. Submission deadline April Individual scholarships range from $500 to $25,000 each. Learn more here.

April 2024

If a school district submits an application and doesn’t meet all the criteria to qualify, the application comes with technical assistance to help schools get to the place where they are meeting the criteria! Get details here.

April 2024

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that for schools participating in the universal free school meals program there was a .6% percentage-point net decrease in obesity prevalence in students, and a relative decrease of 2.4% given baseline prevalence, compared with schools that did not participate in the free meal program. Researchers write that "these findings add to the growing literature showing benefits of universal free school meals for child well-being. Such policies represent a promising strategy for addressing childhood obesity." Read more here and here.

March 2024

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), through their non-profit Foundation for Fresh Produce, has developed 10 fruit-and-vegetable-forward breakfast recipes for K-12 school foodservice programs.

IFPA is encouraging schools to make one or more of these recipes during National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2024.

More info about the recipes and toolkit is also available here.

March 2024

March 2024

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is proud to serve as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to deserving students at all levels of study. Submission deadline April Individual scholarships range from $500 to $25,000 each.

March 2024

View the outcome of the 2024 National Election! The committee thank you for your support in the election process.

March 2024

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Action Plan, the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors have funded three videos designed to expose children to the exciting world of nutrition and dietetics! The goal of these videos is to generate early-stage career interest in the dietetics profession, specifically for underrepresented groups.

January 2024

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), through their non-profit Foundation for Fresh Produce, has developed 10 fruit-and-vegetable-forward breakfast recipes for K-12 school foodservice programs.

IFPA is encouraging schools to make one or more of these recipes during National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2024.

More info about the recipes and toolkit is also available here.

January 2024

The selected theme of National Nutrition Month® 2024 is "Beyond the Table." It highlights the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition; addresses the many ways and places we eat; emphasizes sustainability efforts; and showcases the expertise of nutrition and dietetics professionals. Learn More.

January 2024

From October 5-8, the Academy will host the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® in Minneapolis, Minn. Interested in sharing your original research, project or program report? Consider submitting an abstract to present a poster session.

• An abstract is a brief, written summary (no more than 250 words) of the specific ideas or concepts to be presented and a statement of their relevance to practice or research.
• A poster presents content using charts, graphs, illustrations and/or photographs and highlights the important parts of a study/program and its practice applications.
• The Call for Abstracts will open on January 1, and the submission deadline is February 16. If your outcomes will not be finalized by the February 16 deadline, you can submit a late breaking abstract between May 1 and May 31.

January 2024

Are you adept at translating scientific information into consumer-friendly language for the news media? If so, consider applying to the Academy’s volunteer media Spokesperson Program. Three-year terms begin June 1.

Learn More.

December 2023

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), through their non-profit Foundation for Fresh Produce, has developed 10 fruit-and-vegetable-forward breakfast recipes for K-12 school foodservice programs.

The recipes include on-trend, kid-friendly foods, while also spotlighting new ways to incorporate vegetables and fruit into school breakfast offerings. The IFPA toolkit includes nutrition and crediting info to assist with meeting meal pattern requirements, while also providing guidance on how to serve the recipes in a variety of settings, including grab-and-go and breakfast in the classroom. The recipes also align with proposed USDA updates that aim to limit added-sugar in school breakfast.

IFPA is encouraging schools to make one or more of these recipes during National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2024.

More info about the recipes and toolkit is also available here.

December 2023

In a new Editor's Podcast from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Linda Snetselaar, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, the Journal's editor-in-chief, is joined by Katie Wilson, PhD, SNS, executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, to discuss new developments in school food policy. Watch here.

December 2023

The selected theme of National Nutrition Month® 2024 is "Beyond the Table." It highlights the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition; addresses the many ways and places we eat; emphasizes sustainability efforts; and showcases the expertise of nutrition and dietetics professionals. Learn more.

December 2023

USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has launched the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards to celebrate school food authorities (SFA) having made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals.

SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis over a two-year application period ending June 30, 2025.

For more information and to find the Recognition Awards application, please visit: www.healthymealsincentives.org.

The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards will spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies SFAs have used to provide meals consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SFAs can apply for one or more of the following Recognition Awards categories:

• Breakfast Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Breakfast Trailblazer
• Lunch Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer
• Innovative School Lunch Makeover
• Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals
• Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals
• Innovation in Nutrition Education

November 2023

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), through their non-profit Foundation for Fresh Produce, has developed 10 fruit-and-vegetable-forward breakfast recipes for K-12 school foodservice programs.

The recipes include on-trend, kid-friendly foods, while also spotlighting new ways to incorporate vegetables and fruit into school breakfast offerings. The IFPA toolkit includes nutrition and crediting info to assist with meeting meal pattern requirements, while also providing guidance on how to serve the recipes in a variety of settings, including grab-and-go and breakfast in the classroom. The recipes also align with proposed USDA updates that aim to limit added-sugar in school breakfast.

IFPA is encouraging schools to make one or more of these recipes during National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2024.

More info about the recipes and toolkit is also available here.

November 2023

The selected theme of National Nutrition Month® 2024 is "Beyond the Table." It highlights the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition; addresses the many ways and places we eat; emphasizes sustainability efforts; and showcases the expertise of nutrition and dietetics professionals. Learn more.

November 2023

Get the best of FNCE® 2023 Collection at the member price of only $75! Receive a well-rounded bundle of on-demand recordings from FNCE® 2023! Offer ends January 31st, 2024. Get the best of FNCE® 2023 now.

November 2023

USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has launched the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards to celebrate school food authorities (SFA) having made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals.

SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis over a two-year application period ending June 30, 2025.

For more information and to find the Recognition Awards application, please visit: www.healthymealsincentives.org.

The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards will spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies SFAs have used to provide meals consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SFAs can apply for one or more of the following Recognition Awards categories:

• Breakfast Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Breakfast Trailblazer
• Lunch Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer
• Innovative School Lunch Makeover
• Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals
• Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals
• Innovation in Nutrition Education

October 2023

The new grants aim to stimulate innovation and discovery in nutrition and dietetics science by providing funding for emerging researchers and program directors and/or faculty members of ACEND-accredited educational programs who oversee ongoing research within their programs. Find out more.

October 2023

FoodCorps AmeriCorps Food Operators and Leaders of Color in Schools is seeking applications for their mentorship program that connects folks who are embarking on a career in school nutrition with leaders who are already established in the field. If you identify and are interested, complete the Mentor or Mentee Application here.

October 2023

USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has launched the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards to celebrate school food authorities (SFA) having made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals.

SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis over a two-year application period ending June 30, 2025.

For more information and to find the Recognition Awards application, please visit: www.healthymealsincentives.org.

The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards will spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies SFAs have used to provide meals consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SFAs can apply for one or more of the following Recognition Awards categories:

• Breakfast Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Breakfast Trailblazer
• Lunch Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer
• Innovative School Lunch Makeover
• Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals
• Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals
• Innovation in Nutrition Education

September 2023

The FNCE^Ⓡ SNS DPG event will be held on Saturday October 7th, 2023 at Coohills, a French-influenced upscale dining lounge! Register here.

September 2023

The IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California in July 2023 hosted a school nutrition track for school nutrition professionals from across the country to engage with produce growers, distributors, allied businesses, USDA, ICN, state agency staff, and other segments of the industry. The education sessions, farm visits, cooking demos, meals, and networking events all focused on skill and capacity building, developing communication and partnership strategies, and strengthening access.

This is the second year that IFPA has hosted a cadre and tract for school nutrition professionals and are looking forward to working with the School Nutrition Services, Dietetic Practice Group (SNS-DPG). IFPA will have a booth at FNCE and has graciously agreed to sponsor our SNS-DPG networking event at FNCE. IFPA has also been actively advocating for additional FFVP funding!

September 2023

September 2023

Chef V and Chef Lindsey book, along with Alexis Cole, RD, recently published a new book - To Your Taste: How to eat well and feel better for your whole life.

September 2023

USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has launched the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards to celebrate school food authorities (SFA) having made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals.

SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis over a two-year application period ending June 30, 2025.

For more information and to find the Recognition Awards application, please visit: www.healthymealsincentives.org.

The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards will spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies SFAs have used to provide meals consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SFAs can apply for one or more of the following Recognition Awards categories:

• Breakfast Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Breakfast Trailblazer
• Lunch Trailblazer
• Small and/or Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer
• Innovative School Lunch Makeover
• Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals
• Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals
• Innovation in Nutrition Education

August 2023

Know of other Academy members not currently involved in our DPG? Forward these details to potential members!

August 2023

Registration and housing for FNCE^® are now open! FNCE^® will be held in Denver, CO from October 7th - 10th. Find out more about speakers, sessions, and special events here.

August 2023

The FNCE^® SNS DPG event will be held on Saturday October 7th, 2023! The FNCE^® SNS DPG event will be at 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Coohills Restaurant. Venue and event details can be found here.

July 2023

Know of other Academy members not currently involved in our DPG? Forward these details to potential members!

July 2023

Registration and housing for FNCE^® are now open! FNCE^® will be held in Denver, CO from October 7th - 10th. Find out more about speakers, sessions, and special events here.

July 2023

The FNCE^® SNS DPG event will be held on Saturday October 7th, 2023! The FNCE^® SNS DPG event will be at 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Coohills Restaurant. If you have not yet registered for FNCE^®, you will have the option to add this event prior to checking out.

If you have already registered for FNCE^®: Simply click here to return to the main FNCE^® registration page and log in there to modify your FNCE^® registration and add the event. Click through the pages until you reach the events listings, and add your event. Continue clicking through until the end where you will submit payment. You will receive a confirmation email noting your additional event.