May 31, 2012 - SNA is taking an active role in addressing meal pattern questions and has appointed an ad hoc working group to develop a practical “How-To Guide” for SNA members. The goal of this guide is to assist in the challenges of implementing the new meal pattern requirements scheduled to go into effect this fall.
The ad hoc group is composed of representatives from USDA, state agencies, foodservice operators and industry. The working group meets regularly via a series of conference calls to develop the “New Meal Pattern Guidelines: A Companion Guide.” The Guide will address the meal pattern requirements for lunch. This training resource will be unveiled at SNA's Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver in July, as part of four “hot topic” education sessions.
SNA members are strongly encouraged to share their comments and concerns with the ad hoc group regarding the challenges they are facing in understanding and implementing the final meal pattern requirements. SNA urges you to submit your comments below this web posting and provide your input on areas of greatest concern and challenge as it relates to the final meal pattern. Further, please feel free to directly contact SNA staff liaisons on this project: Cathy Schuchart, SNA VP, Child Nutrition and Policy and Danny Seymour, SNA Dean of Education at the following email addresses: cschuchart@schoolnutrition.org and dseymour@schoolnutrition.org.
The Ad Hoc group consists of the following state agency directors: Colleen Fillmore (ID), Catherine Digilio Grimes (VA), Lynn Harvey (NC), Katie Millett (MA) and Robin Safley (FL). Individuals representing the food service operator segment include: Wanda Grant (CA), Penny McConnell (VA), Jean Ronnei (MN), and Ken Yant (GA). Pat McCoy of Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., will participate on behalf of the SNA industry segment. George Sneller, former Child Nutrition Director, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington will serve as the project consultant. A representative from USDA is also participating in project development.