Passion, Purpose, and Excitement in the New Year!
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2022
In the New Year!
ISNA Annual Conference HIGHLIGHTS 2021
Virtual Pocket Experience REGISTRATION 2022 P P E
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PPE virtual pocket experience PAGE 35
WINTER 2022 EDITION
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Letter From the President
Calendar of Events
isna annual conference highlights PAGE 16 isna annual conference:
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Mark Your Calendars
NOMI NAT I ONS DUE MARCH 1 , 2022
Social Media Post Inspiration
ISNA/IDOE Certificate Program Schedule
committee research articles STARTING ON PAGE 30
onor a colleague by nominating them for an SNA award! There are SNA awards to recognize every
ISNA Executive Board
member type:
nutrition in action Nutrition Research Committee PAGE 32
National School Breakfast Week
Employee of the Year Award Manager of the Year Award, in honor of Louise Sublette Director of the Year Award
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“Operational Revolution: Total Kitchen Efficiencies” - Administration Research
SNA Awards EMPLOYEE O F T H E Y E A R
“A Student’s Favorite Event: Taste Test Day” - Operations Research
National School Lunch Week! October 11-15, 2021
global supply chain crisis: the challenge is real
“Building a School Nutrition Network” -Comm. and Marketing Research
perry twsp schools NSLW highlights PAGE 22
SNA Training Zone: Webinar Wednesdays
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New for 2022
State Agency Happenings
It’s now easier than ever to recognize a school nutrition colleague by nominating them for an SNA Award! No certificate requirement for Employee and Manager of the Year No requirements for a certificate, SNS credential or service on a committee or board for Director of the Year Membership requirement for Director of the Year is now 3 years Applications have been streamlined and are now all digital Regional judging will be done by an ad-hoc committee of volunteers, and You can now team up to collaborate on applications!
SNA Awards MANAGER O F T H E Y E A R
Legislative Update
Standardized Recipe Exchange
Industry Partners
® All ISNA members are also proud members of the School Nutrition Association. SNA Office 2900 S. Quincy Street, Suite 700 Arlington VA 22206 Phone: (703)824-3000 FAX: (703)824-3015 www.schoolnutrition.org SNA Shop www.schoolnutrition.org/ sna-emporium Indiana SNA Office Sheri Shipp, RD P.O. Box 915 Brownsburg, IN 46112 (317) 852-1985 sheri@indianasna.org
PRESIDENT Stacie Light
Warsaw Community Schools slight@warsawschools.org PRESIDENT ELECT Christine Clarahan, MS, SNS, RDN School City of Hammond crclarahan@hammond.k12.in.us VICE PRESIDENT Courtney FitzSimons, RD, SNS West Lafayette Comm. School Corp. fitzsimonsc@wl.k12.in.us SECRETARY/TREASURER Vacant IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Leeanne Koeneman Northwest Allen County Schools leeanne.koeneman@nacs.k12.in.us
Food for Thought is published four times a year by the Indiana School Nutrition Association. Articles in Food for Thought represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Indiana School Nutrition Association nor does acceptance of any advertisement imply endorsement of the product(s) or service(s). Copy deadline for the Spring Issue is February 11, 2022. Contributions are welcome from the members of ISNA and Industry Partners. Email articles to sheri@indianasna.org.
SNA Awards DIRECTOR O F T H E Y E A R
Get started today at www.indianasna.org/awards
CL I CK HERE TO SUBMI T A NOMI NAT I ON
Food for Thought is Designed by
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
ASSOCIATION NEWS
calendar OF EVENTS
FROM YOUR president
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All of us have had to change just about everything in our departments. From job descriptions and schedules, to menu adjustments, serving styles, and plans and procedures. We have had to embrace challenges we have never faced before. As we finished our 2021 ISNA Annual Conference in Fort Wayne, I felt so grateful that we were able to come together to re-energize our spirits and leave some of the above challenges to another day! Some of us hugged, a lot of us laughed, and almost all of us enjoyed meaningful conversations. It was great for
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our members to have the opportunity to network, attend educational sessions, and hear from wonderful keynote speakers. It was a pleasure to co-host with Immediate Past President, Leeanne Koeneman. We received great feedback this year and were so happy to share our themes with you. For those that may have forgotten, last year’s theme was supposed to be “Feeding Our Future.” And what better way to expand on “Feeding Our Future” than with a little “PPE: Passion, Purpose, and Excitement!” Passion. The essential meaning of passion is a strong feeling of enthusiasm for something or about doing something. When I started working in my kids’ school as a cashier, I had no idea just how much passion I would have working in child nutrition. To tell you a little more about me; I have been a part of the Warsaw Community Schools, Food & Nutrition Department since 2008. I started this “job” with part-time intentions of having a little pizza money for Friday nights. Fast forward 13 years over which that “job” ignited a passion to launch a career that I love. Yes, even with all of the supply chain issues, staff shortages, COVID quarantines, P-EBT card challenges, and regulatory hoops to jump through…I still love this job, with a PASSION .
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As this year’s ISNA President, it is an honor to share my passion with you. I am truly humbled to follow extraordinary leaders who have been influential in my life and career. I look forward to the networking and lifelong friendships for many years to come. The Indiana School Nutrition Association is here for you. As we continue to navigate uncharted waters, please think of ISNA as a life ring of knowledge, assistance and a shoulder to lean on. As I close out, let me share one of my favorite quotes: “The best surfer out there is having the most fun.” This reminds me that even if you are beginning your school nutrition career and you are already having fun, it is just going to get more fun as you grow. It means that all the “paddling” or navigation is well worth it.
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As we continue to navigate uncharted waters, please think of ISNA as a life ring of knowledge, assistance and a shoulder to lean on.
SNA Events
ISNA Holidays (Office Closed)
ISNA Events
ISNA Events ISNA Member Meet Up • January 11, 2022 (VIRTUAL)
SNA Events School Nutrition and Industry Conference • January 16-18, 2022 San Antonio, TX SNA Awards Nomination Deadline • March 1, 2022 Legislative Action Conference • March 6-8, 2022 Washington D.C. National School Breakfast Week • March 7-11, 2022 National Leadership Conference • April 28-30, 2022 West Palm Beach, FL School Lunch Hero Day • May 6, 2022 Annual National Conference • July 10-12, 2022 Orlando, FL Executive Board Meeting • September 14, 2022 (Location TBD) Facilities Planning & Management/Menu Planning Regulations and Concepts • October 5, 2022 Indpls. ISNA Annual State Conference • November 9-11, 2022 Marriott East (Indpls.) Food for Thought Deadline • November 18, 2022 Planning for the Next Crisis/Advanced Menu Planning and Production Strategies • May 4, 2022 Indpls. Food for Thought Deadline • May 13, 2022 Executive Board Nominations Deadline • May 31, 2022 School Nutrition and Industry Summit • June 8-9, 2022 (Location TBD) Food for Thought Deadline • August 12, 2022
Marketing Your School Nutrition Program (VIRTUAL) • January 12, 2022 ISNA Annual Conference Call for Proposals OPEN • January 12, 2022 USDA Foods: Background, Utilization and Strategy (VIRTUAL) • January 19, 2022 Product and Inventory Management (VIRTUAL) • January 26, 2022 Executive Board Meeting • February 2, 2022 (Location TBD) Creating and Implementing Your HACCP Plan (VIRTUAL ) • February 2, 2022 Virtual Pocket Experience LIVE Session (VIRTUAL) • February 8, 2022 School Nutrition Policies and Procedures (VIRTUAL) • February 9, 2022 Food for Thought Deadline • February 11, 2022 Visionary Leadership (VIRTUAL ) • February 16, 2022 Program Accountability and Ethics (VIRTUAL) • February 23, 2022 SNA/ISNA Award Nominations Deadline • March 1, 2022 Financial Planning & Reporting/Food Production & Operation Mngmnt. • March 2, 2022 Indpls. Virtual Pocket Experience LIVE Session (VIRTUAL) • March 3, 2022 ISNA Member Meet Up • March 15, 2022 (VIRTUAL) SN Program Expense Basics/SN Program Revenue Basics • April 13, 2022 Indpls.
Please share your stories, experiences and passion with us! Join us in social networking on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ISNA President, 2021-2022
Executive Board Meeting • April 20, 2022 (Location TBD) Executive Board Retreat • April 21-22, 2022 (Location TBD) ISNA Member Meet Up • May 3, 2022 (VIRTUAL)
National School Lunch Week • October 10-14, 2022 SNS Credentialing Exam • November 9, 2022 Indpls.
Request to Join Today!
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
ASSOCIATION NEWS
march 2022 (continued)
MARK YOUR calendars!
National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) March 7-11, 2022 “Take Off with School Breakfast ”
ISNA Annual Conference Virtual Pocket Experience (LIVE “The Power of Appreciation” with Jon Colby!) March 3, 2022 • 2:30pm EST (session for purchasers of the pocket experience ONLY) Legislative Action Conference (LAC) March 6-8, 2022 ● Washington D.C. #LAC22 is on! “A New Era in School Nutrition” equals opportunities for change! Join SNA’s 2022 Legislative Action Conference (LAC) to build and grow relationships that will shape federal school nutrition policies. More Information & Register Now!
february 2022
january 2022
CLICK HERE
For resources and information,
Creating and Implementing Your HACCP Plan (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
ISNA Member Meet Up January 11, 2022 • 2:00pm EST
ISNA Member Meet Up March 15, 2022 • 2:00pm EST Topic TBD. Come to learn and to share!
SPONSORED BY
Join ISNA and your peers from across the state to discuss time management and kitchen organization. Best practices, tools for efficiency and more! Come to learn and to share!
February 2, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
CLICK HERE
SPONSORED BY
CLICK HERE
To register,
ISNA Annual Conference Virtual Pocket Experience (LIVE Idea Sharing Session with Katie Rogers) February 8, 2022 • 2:30pm EST (session for purchasers of the pocket experience ONLY)
Marketing Your School Nutrition Program (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
april 2022
January 12, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
School Nutrition Policies and Procedures (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
School Nutrition Program Expense Basics/School Nutrition Program Revenue Basics (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses) April 13, 2022 • 9:00am EST and 12:30pm EST
CLICK HERE
For more information and to register, CLICK HERE
February 9, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC) January 16-18, 2022 ● IN PERSON January 25-26, 2022 ● VIRTUAL Join SNA for SNIC 2021, a virtual event, featuring unparalleled education, innovative ideas and sharing among school nutrition operators and industry partners. Your registration fee is an all-access pass to three afternoons of keynotes and educational sessions, special events and Zoom breakout sessions. > View the Schedule Registration for the in-person conference is closed, but you can join the waitlist by clicking HERE CLICK HERE to register for the virtual event!
Central Indiana Educational Service Center • Indianapolis
CLICK HERE
Visionary Leadership (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
SOCIAL MEDIA post inspiration
February 16, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
CLICK HERE
february 2022
march 2022
Program Accountability and Ethics (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
February 23, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
February is Black History Month February 4-20 Winter Olympics February 19-26 National FFA Week February 2 National Tater Tot Day February 9 National Pizza Day
March is Women’s History Month March 10 National Popcorn Lover’s Day March 17 St. Patrick’s Day March 19 National Let’s Laugh Day March 25 National Waffle Day
CLICK HERE
USDA Foods: Background, Utilization and Strategy (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
march 2022
Financial Planning and Reporting/ Food Production and Operation Management (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
January 19, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
CLICK HERE
March 2, 2022 • 12:30pm EST Central Indiana Educational Service Center • Indianapolis
Product and Inventory Management (ISNA/IDOE SN Certificate Program Courses)
CLICK HERE
For more information and to register,
January 26, 2022 • 12:30pm EST For more information and to register,
CLICK HERE
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
Take the First Step Toward Your Future With the ISNA/IDOE School Nutrition Certificate Program
2 0 2 2 I S N A / I D O E School Nutrition Certificate Program COURSE SCHEDULE JANUARY (all January courses will be Virtual) Marketing Your School Nutrition Program January 12, 2022 - 12:30pm EST USDA Foods: Background, Utilization and Strategy – January 19, 2022 - 12:30pm EST Product and Inventory Management January 26, 2022 - 12:30pm EST February (all February courses will be Virtual) Creating and Implementing your HAACP Plan – February 2, 2022 - 12:30pm EST School Nutrition Policies & Procedures February 9, 2022 - 12:30pm EST Visionary Leadership February 16, 2022 - 12:30pm EST Program Accountability and Ethics February 23, 2022 - 12:30pm EST March *2 in person courses Financial Planning and Reporting/Food Production and Operation Management March 2, 2022
The Indiana School Nutrition Association and the Indiana Department of Education have joined forces to create a program that will add value to the School Nutrition Profession in the state of Indiana. The program is designed to be completed within two years and is comprised of 17 targeted courses. Meets USDA requirement for State Recognized Certificate Specific information on Indiana requirements Best practices for key functional areas
April *2 in person courses School Nutrition Program Expense Basics/ School Nutrition Program Revenue Basics April 13, 2022 May *2 in person courses Planning for the Next Crisis - Keeping your Staff & Space Safe/Advanced Menu Planning and Production Strategies May 4, 2022 October *2 in person courses Facilities Planning & Management/Menu Planning Regulations and Concepts October 5, 2022 December *2 in person courses Procurement - Beyond the Basics/Human Resource Management December 7, 2022
Marketed to School Superintendents and Business Officials as the certificate to look for when hiring. Networking with peers
“I would especially recommend [the ISNA/IDOE program] you will learn something new and get inspiration to take back and implement positive changes to your program! I appreciate the thought that went into planning the sessions to break things up into manageable chunks of learning material!” Amanda Worrick, Director of Child Nutrition Mississinewa Community Schools “This program is geared toward providing a new Food Service Director (or one that has been around for a while) the tools they need to be more efficient in their program. The material provided covers all areas needed to be more confident in making decisions. I have enjoyed [the program] and learned so much.” Betty Huddleston, Director of Food Services - Western Wayne Schools “I have to say, I was hesitant about taking the time out of my busy schedule to take the ISNA/IDOE certificate courses, but I’m so glad I did! I’ve been in my position for nearly 20 years and every time I take a session, regardless of the topic, I learn something new! The courses are beneficial for all Nutrition Services management positions and will meet their continuous learning and improvement goals. ” Vickie Coffey, Nutrition Services/Healthy Schools Director - RBB Edgewood Schools
Program Enrollment Fee is $25/person Course Fees - $90/course for members, $130/course for nonmembers CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information visit www.IndianaSNA.org
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
2021-2022 executive board
Region Representative Chair/ Region 5 Representative Amanda Worrick,DTR Mississinewa Community Schools 765-677-4423 amanda_worrick@olemiss.k12.in.us
Region 8 Representative Shenae Rowe, RDN Warrick County School Corp 812-897-1341 srowe@warrick.k12.in.us
President Stacie Light Warsaw Community Schools 574-371-5086 SLight@warsawschools.org Immediate Past President Leeanne Koeneman Northwest Allen County Schools 260-637-8768 Leeanne.Koeneman@nacs.k12.in.us President Elect Christine Clarahan, MS,SNS,RDN School City of Hammond 219-933-2400 CRClarahan@hammond.k12.in.us Vice President Courtney FitzSimons, RD,SNS West Lafayette Community Schools 765-746-0421 fitzsimonsc@wl.k12.in.us
Asst. Professional Development Chair Lindsey Hill, RD,SNS South Madison Community School Corp 765-778-2152 lhill@smcsc.com Membership Chair Claudia Simion Brownsburg Community School Corp. 317-852-5726 csimion@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Region 9 Representative Vickie Coffey Richland-Bean Blossom Comm School Corp 812-876-7805 vcoffey@rbbschools.net
Region 1 Representative Joseph Blissett, MSM Griffith Public Schools 219-924-4250 jblissett@griffith.k12.in.us
IndustryAdvisory Chair Alison Powers, MBA, RDN JTM Food Group 574-242-0962 alisonpowers@jtmfoodgroup.com
Region 2 Representative Lisa Abell NIESC/NWIESC 574-254-0111 labell@niesc.k12.in.us Region 3 Representative Ashlee Shroyer Dekalb County Central United Schools 260-920-1013 ashroyer@dekalbcentral.net Region 4 Representative Claudia Simion Brownsburg Community School Corp. 317-852-5726 csimion@brownsburg.k12.in.us Region 6 Representative Betty Huddleston Western Wayne Schools 765-478-3326 bhuddleston@wwayne.k12.in.us Region 7 Representative Valarie Miller Center Grove Community School Corp. 317-881-9326 millerv@centergrove.k12.in.us
Public Relations Chair Ashlee Shroyer Dekalb County Central United Schools 260-920-1013 ashroyer@dekalbcentral.net Legislative Chair Ben Driscoll SMART Sytems 800-348-0823 ben@smart-4.com Bylaws and Policy Chair Jordan Ryan, RD,SNS Brownsburg Community School Corp. 317-852-5726 jryan@brownsburg.k12.in.us State Agency Representative Ashley Heller Indiana Dept of Education 317-232-0544 aheller@doe.in.gov
Executive Director Sheri Shipp, RD ISNA 317-852-1985 sheri@indianasna.org Financial Secretary Amy Schut ISNA 317-716-6504 amy@indianasna.org
Secretary/Treasurer VACANT
Professional Development Chair VACANT
Asst. Professional Development Chair Betsey Willard, RDN Franklin Township Community School Corp. 317-862-2411 betsey.willard@ftcsc.org
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Industry PERSPECTIVE
about. Those who have heard me speak will recall that I have alluded to feelings of being the bad guy or feeling like a greasy salesman just for reaching out to check on how things are going. I have also confided in people about my own personal fears of picking up that phone or knocking on that door in fear of rejection, which may come as a shock to some who see my confident bravado and think that is my natural persona. This is why Jon’s session turned out not to just be educational for you Directors and Managers as planned, but for me as an industry rep too. I not only got to share feelings and experiences with people I barely knew from a world I am still learning about, but I also learned a lot about myself, and I am sure they learned a lot about me too. We got to
My name is Sam Stables, I am a manufacturers equipment representative for HRI, Inc. along with my colleagues, Tim Christianson and Scott Robinson. Five years ago, I left my home in Guernsey and a career in High School teaching to chase the American Dream. Well not exactly, but that sounds way cooler. I was looking for a new adventure and after extensive travels in the US fell in love with Indiana, the people in particular, so the opportunity to stay was too hard to pass up. After a quick three-year stint as a gymmanager, I was approached by Tim to enter the amazing world of foodservice, as he put it, and be an end user focused rep for HRI calling on K-12 in particular. Little did we know that the foodservice industry, particularly schools, was about to enter some of the most
As I reflect on the 2021 ISNA Annual Conference, I can’t help but recall the excitement in the air as attendees began walking toward the registration area at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. This long-awaited conference was filled with education, networking and so much fun. I watched as friends from school districts across the state reconnected with one purpose…professional development that would inspire and teach them to continue to serve children nutritious and safe meals no matter the obstacles they have been facing. What’s more, our valued Industry Partners were right there with them participating as panelists and attending sessions to learn more about what their customers’ needs truly are, and will be, in the coming months. Speaking of Industry Partners attending education sessions, please read on for some great perspective on just how important it is to some of our partners to attend more than just the Exhibit Fair at each annual conference and other professional development events offered by ISNA. CONFERENCE Highlights Industry PERSPECTIVE
laugh and be silly on a level that put us all on the same side. It takes a lot of courage for someone to tell you what they like about themselves. When someone pretends to be an oven, or sings a song in front of strangers, they can’t help but to build trust that goes a long way when we return to our day-to-day jobs. I may be wrong, but wouldn’t you rather trust and call
difficult years ever experienced as the worldwide pandemic hit. I must express my admiration for all of you and the work you have done and continue to do during such difficult times. The families of America really do owe you a debt of immense gratitude. I just hope and pray easier times are just around the corner for all of us. So, on to the topic at hand. Many of you reading this can attest to the
I’d even go so far as to say that I’ve built friendships at these events; andwhat’s easier than getting to work with and help your friends as your job!?
each other. It also demonstrates to our current and future customers that we are truly interested and care about their business and their mission. We have also found the same lessons and return on investment to be true by attending the SNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference in January (SNIC), Legislative Action Conference in March (LAC), Annual National Conference (ANC) in July, and the neighboring State SNA functions that occur throughout the year as well. While these are not necessarily inexpensive events to attend, the investment we have made in attending these conferences has proven to be a most valuable form of advertising and marketing for our business. We are often some of the only Industry members present at these educational events, which means more opportunities to engage and network. We also know that by attending these events, that we are financially supporting the Professional Associations that School Nutrition Professionals (our only customers) belong to, which is simply good business! We have always wondered why more Industry members don’t attend the educational portions of the various conferences (or attend any at all) and wish more would consider doing so. Until then, we will continue to enjoy the opportunities to learn, grow, network and share our Passion, Purpose and Excitement for the School Nutrition Industry. KUDO’s to the ISNA Executive Board and to Sheri Shipp for planning, organizing and executing an excellent Conference this year! Respectfully, Michael Miller, President of SMART Systems
We recently had the opportunity to attend the Indiana School Nutrition Association’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Fort Wayne, IN on October 27th through the 29th, 2021. We had ten (10) members of our team attend not only the tradeshow on Friday, but various educational sessions and networking events that began on Wednesday evening. Throughout the conference, I was asked by some School Nutrition Professionals and other Industry peers, “wow…why are there so many people wearing purple shirts from SMART Systems-SFSPac attending the whole conference?” The answer is simple; to learn, grow, network and to share our Passion, Purpose and Excitement for this Industry with others. Understandably, many Industry members are mainly interested in the exhibit portion of the conference since that can have a direct impact on revenue for their business. While we certainly agree, our philosophy is that the more we understand our customers’ needs, the better we can serve them, which has often had more lasting and positive impact to our bottom line. To this end, we have found that attending the General and Break-Out Education Sessions along with the networking opportunities that occur at the Wednesday and Thursday evening receptions and before, during and after the events each day of the conference, provide an even greater return on our financial investment. At the end of the day, by attending the full conference it provides professional development opportunities to our staff who then become more knowledgeable of the industry, helps us to identify new customers and business opportunities, while also helping our team to enhance the bonds that we have with
fact that I dove headfirst into the school nutrition world and have really tried to get to know the industry and its people on a detailed and personal level. I wholeheartedly believe I am in the business of relationship building, not equipment selling, and will continue to learn as much from you all and my peers as I can on how to best serve your needs and be the best rep possible. This is why I try to attend as many of the great educational sessions put on by ISNA as I can at all the events. Firstly, it is so beneficial to me from an educational standpoint. On any normal year, the list of jobs and obstacles you face is unbelievable never mind the last two years…and equipment is such a small part of that. Attending the educational sessions allows me to learn about government plans and initiatives to help you all through normal, and not so normal days. It teaches me about the guidance you are receiving to navigate the equipment world and its many facets. Most importantly, it brings to light the challenges and obstacles you face on a day to day that alert me to what I might be able to do to help ease those pain points. However, for me the most impactful sessions are the interactive ones. Especially ones where we get to make fun of ourselves and each other like Jon Colby’s sessions a few weeks back. This goes back to my previous statement about relationship building that’s at the heart of what we are all
on an industry partner who shows an interest in you and your profession and not just the chance to get in front of you and sell something? I can’t vouch for everyone, but as an industry partner it sure is easier for me to call or meet with someone that I have a relationship with. I’d even go so far as to say that I’ve built friendships at these events; and what’s easier than getting to work with and help your friends as your job!? A good industry partner is here to help and not be a pain or the enemy, but you must earn that by showing that you care. So next time you have the chance to interact with Directors jump on in and give these sessions a try. Directors, if you get a chance to interact with an industry member don’t be afraid to take that call or ask the difficult question or even learn a little about them on a personal level. Building a relationship and trust between all parties is only going to make our lives a bit easier moving forward. I’ll close with this…we are all human with a shared common goal in this industry, and we must not lose sight of “Feeding Americas children!” I must say, that from what I can see, we are all doing an amazing job! Sam Stables, Sales Consultant, HRI, Inc.
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Industry PERSPECTIVE
CONFERENCE Highlights
I have attended the ISNA School Nutrition and Industry Summit in Plainfield and the ISNA Annual Conference in Fort Wayne and both were very beneficial in my development as an Industry Partner over the last eight months of my time spent with HPS. The Summit was my first experience as an Industry Partner and I made it a point to attend as many of the educational offerings as I was able to because I felt like it was important to learn how my members and potential members were dealing with all of the prominent issues that are facing this industry. Many of the sessions are collaborative and allow you to sit with potential customers and get to know them on a personal level rather than just trying to grab their attention at the trade show portion of the conference. We are all trying to provide solutions to future and current customers and there is no better way to understand what a food service program needs than by attending the sessions that are telling you exactly what struggles/successes they are facing on a daily basis. After the shows and also during the trade show portion of the conference when members are passing by the HPS booth, I have used information that I have learned over the last two shows and made suggestions to my members on different contracts that will add value to their food service programs. At the Annual Conference, during one of Jon Colby’s sessions, he actually split up the tables to allow for one Industry Partner to sit at a table of Food Service Directors and give them a 2-minute pitch on what their company does. The Industry partner and attendees were then asked to collaboratively come up with a funny commercial to promote your product. I was sitting with 7 different directors who will not soon forget my terrible dancing, but will most likely come up and say hello to me at the next conference and have a laugh about it. Most importantly, they left that session with a better understanding of what services HPS can or already does provide their program. It is my opinion that, by attending the sessions, you are becoming a familiar face within the food service industry and it shows that you care about the people and members that you are trying to provide a solution to. After all, we are in this together and our goal as an Industry Partner is to provide the solutions to keep the school feeding programs running as smoothly as possible. I feel like by attending the educational sessions I have become more informed on different topics and have really gotten to know some different directors on more of a personal level. Kory Coleman, Region Manager, HPS
The energy at the 2021 Spring and Fall Conferences was at a heightened level this year. As an industry representative, we know the importance of spending quality time with our customers, but this year the feeling was different. There was not only the excitement of seeing customers all together in one location, but the collaboration with other members of the industry was encouraging. The supply chain issues were a common denominator amongst all of the directors, but the desire to work together with industry professionals to continue to put student’s needs first was highlighted. This was often demonstrated during the collaboration with industry during breakout sessions, small group interactions and social gatherings. When we can spend dedicated time together focused on the needs of our customers, we not only have a chance to commiserate in our challenges, but the devotion is always there to be the best we can be. The challenges are not behind us and we need to remember to continue this partnership as we continue to navigate the rest of this school year. Personally, I know that I needed this renewed hope in our industry. Professionally, being engaged in the conferences, attending breakout sessions and being an exhibitor provided me with the opportunity to not only strengthen relationships with our current customers, but to have a better understanding of what they are experiencing day in and day out. It is my hope that everyone had an opportunity to share an idea, recharge their battery, or even just enjoy a good old-fashioned belly laugh with a friend! Shannon Walls, Account Manager Commercial Food Systems, Inc.
This year’s conference included several panel discussions in order to incorporate many perspectives on topics.
Gracie Dowsett of South Madison Community Schools and Audrey Banich of Franklin Township Community Schools presented a fantastic and targeted session on Tech Tools for School Nutrition Program Efficiency!
Speaker, Jon Colby, always brings in fun activities to drive home his takeaway messages.
A special thank you to Tarrah Westercamp of No Kid Hungry for organizing not one, but 2 panel discussion at this year’s conference.
Robin McCorkle of MSD Bluffton Harrison telling a story to co-attendees during Jon Colby’s opening session.
Ben Driscoll, ISNA Legislative Committee Chair, provides attendees with a Legislative Update at lunch on Thursday.
Never a dull moment when playing “games” during a session with speaker, Jon Colby! Members from Avon Community School Corp. with Shannon Walls of Commercial Food Systems.
It’s impossible to get a still photo of speaker, Jon Colby! Animated is an understatement when it comes to Colby’s sessions!
Overall conference feedback from attendees included rave reviews for all 3 of our keynote/general session speaker Ervin Watson, Jon Colby and Gerry Brooks. I mean, it was truly an all-star line up! Take a look at the photos on the following pages to get a glimpse into the energy that was brought to the table. You will also see pictures showcasing the fun that is had during networking, meals and entertainment events. While I could go on and on about all of the aspects of the annual conference, in the interest of Food for Thought space, I will simply remind you to SAVE THE DATE for the 2022 ISNA Annual Conference in Indianapolis from November 9th through the 11th. The 2022 theme will be ‘A Seat at the Table.’ CONFERENCE Highlights
Gerry Brooks, one of our highly rated keynote speakers, addressing attendees regarding Climate and Culture.
Mikki Dayhuff and Betsey Willard pose with Friday’s featured speaker, Gerry Brooks!
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A great bonus at this year’s conference was a session presented by Claudia Simion and Janet Bataneyah. This session was meant to be attended by program Directors to learn the perspective of the Cafeteria Manager.
CONFERENCE Highlights
The student panel was a hit once again. This concept was introduced at the School Nutrition and Industry Summit in June where attendees stayed late just to hear from their main customers...students!
The Industry Advisory Council wowed attendees with a designer bag raffle to raise money for ISNA!
A huge thank you as always to the IDOE representatives that taught several sessions on topics of interest to members. Pictured here is Mike Downey speaking on CEP.
Ervin Watson had attendees on their feet and working together to get a hula hoop from one end of a line of people to the other! But don’t break the link!
Speaker Ervin Watston with board members Amanda Worrick, Courtney FitzSimons and Lindsey Hill.
Ervin Watson, back by demand after presenting at the June 2021 ISNA School Nutrition and Industry Summit, did NOT disappoint and brought some fun into his message!
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Perry Township Schools Went Wild for National School Lunch Week in October!
JEREMIAH GRAY Kindergarten Academy
Perry Township Schools hosted its annual National School Lunch Week decorating contest. Cafeteria staff were invited to take part in decorating their serving lines in the spirit of the theme with a $75 budget per school. The following schools participated in the Wild About School Lunch theme: Rosa Parks Kindergarten Academy, Rosa Parks Elementary, Perry Meridian 6th Grade Academy, Douglas MacArthur Elementary, Southport 6th Grade Academy, Jeremiah Gray Kindergarten Academy, and Mary Bryan Elementary. Managers and staff transformed their cafeterias into jungles filled with animals, vines, music, and, of course, plenty of food. Many of the schools collaborated with other departments to celebrate the special week. Kindergarten Academies hosted coloring
Jungle Video
PERRY MERIDIAN 6th Grade Academy
contests, while other schools’ art classes created projects focused on the NSLW theme. Southport 6th Grade Academy’s media class even put together a promotional video highlighting lunch to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh).” It was fun to see the excitement from both staff and students in honor of school lunches.
DOUGLAS MACARTHUR Elementary
MARY BRYAN Elementary
SOUTHPORT 6th Grade Academy
ROSA PARKS Elementary
Decorating Contest Winner!
Contest Winner Video
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Celebrate National School Breakfast Week! March 7–11, 2022
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to increase. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Within this category, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the All Items Index increased 6.2% over past 12 months. We’ve all experienced higher prices at the gas pump in recent time. Gas prices have surged to a 7-year high as demand exceeds supply for fuel. Gas is over $1 higher than it was this time last year, as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has decided not to increase production. We can anticipate price increases as School Year 2022-2023 Bid Season begins, due to operational cost increases. LEARN MORE HERE School Nutrition continues to be a career with constant challenges, but our industry is ready to roll with the punches. It took a global pandemic for universal free meals to become a reality. We’ve never experienced such high levels of participation for school breakfast and school lunch, but never experienced such product shortages and labor deficits. So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? All we know is there is not one cure-all solution for this global supply chain crisis. It is easy to point fingers and play the blame game, but ultimately that will only increase tension and frustration. Now is the time for collaboration and communication. Troubleshoot with your peers and industry partners to generate new ideas and camaraderie. Utilize our talented staff to creatively tackle daily problems. Focus on the required tasks and delegate wherever possible. You are NOT in this alone! If you’re looking for a great educational tool to inform your parents and administration to the global supply chain issues impacting your program, check out SNA’s educational video below: LEARN MORE HERE
Dubbed The Great Resignation, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 4 million Americans quit
Labor Shortage
G l o b a l S u p p l y C h a i n C r i s i s : The Challenge is Real
their jobs in July 2021. Employees began resigning steadily since April 2021 and resignations have remained high ever since resulting in a staggering 10.9 million open jobs. Many speculate that the pandemic afforded the labor force time to evaluate their current employment and make steps towards changing their circumstances to better suit their family and personal goals. The highest resignation rates are amongst employees between 30 and 45 years in mid-level positions. LEARN MORE HERE Where did all the foodservice workers go? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a peak of 7% of US food service employees quitting their jobs in August 2021. Employment in the foodservice industry is down 8% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Reasons for leaving their positions include high turnover, lack of benefits, long hours, and potential exposure to COVID-19. Keep inmind, this same labor shortage is being seen at every level of the supply chain including food manufacturers and distributors. A foodservice operation cannot exist without goods and materials to serve. The ongoing truck driver shortage is continuing to strain the foodservice industry. With a current deficit of 80,000 truck drivers in the US, it is getting worse as our labor force ages and the Boomer Generation retires. The Infrastructure Bill, that was recently passed, has a challenge to recruit 1 million new drivers in the next 9 years to haul 72.5% of all freighted transport in the US. WHO IS DRIVING THE GREAT RESIGNATION? LEARN MORE HERE
By Jack Farling, Greg Brooks, Cindy Husar-Marschke and Alison Powers (Industry Advisory Committee Members)
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! If there was ever a time for a pep talk, this would be it. Unfortunately, supply chain issues continue with no clear end in sight. Economists are saying 2023 is when our world will begin to regulate. This is no longer crisis management mode; rather, this is our new normal.
home. This instantaneous surge in non-traditional buying threw a big monkey wrench in the US supply chain. As the world began to re-open the supply chain continued to experience cracks in every aspect resulting in our current supply chain crisis. From a foodservice management perspective, our biggest issues lie in raw material shortage, labor shortage, and increased operational costs.
Gen Z has even begun referring to the pandemic as a “panini” which at least sounds more fun, right?!
By now, everyone has seen the stunning photos of approximately 200,000 shipping containers sitting idle off the coast
GRAPHIC BY SARAH SCHLEEDE LEARN MORE HERE
Raw Material Shortage
Let’s get down to business, what exactly is going on out there anyway? We’re months into School Year 2021-2022 and it
Reality Check
of Los Angeles. Looking for paper trays, anyone? They’re likely sitting in a shipping container waiting to get a dock appointment for skilled labor to unload the shipping containers, transfer them on to a rail car or delivery truck, bring them to your distributor, wait for a dock appointment and labor to unload the delivery, make it into the distributor’s inventory, and be available for you to purchase with a generous lead time. There are countless opportunities for breakdown in this system.
still feels like we’re in start-up mode with a laundry list of stock outs, countless open positions, and forecasting is non-existent. The one saving grace: no one is exempt from the current state of business.
TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE
LEARN MORE HERE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
LEARN MORE HERE
Increased Operational Costs
Big Points of Tension in the Supply Chain
Due to the labor crisis many organ i za t i ons are increasing wages, offering sign-onbonuses,
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CALIFORNIA’S GRIDLOCK
At the beginning of the pandemic, the world shut down sending everyone home
SNA VIDEO
In addition to paper goods and shelf stable items, manufacturers are also experiencing ingredient shortages resulting in delays with processed foods. Everyone has experienced egg, potato, milk, and even bread shortages in recent time.
for varying lengths of time. What do idle people do with no where to go? We shop. During the pandemic retail soared and everyone began DIY projects at
Your ISNA’s Executive Board and Industry Advisory Committee is here to help. If you don’t know where to start, utilize the contact information of Indiana’s School Nutrition leaders HERE.
and other incentives to attract talent. This only adds to the ever-increasing cost of doing business during the pandemic. The cost of production, equipment repairs, and inflation are all causing the cost of goods
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