ISNA COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING RESEARCH COMMITTEE
The lunch bell rings and, at first, it’s a trickle. Suddenly, a flood. Students pour in, and they’re hungry now. The lunch rush is well-named. It thrills us, too. That’s why we’re ready with experienced nutrition experts, on-trend menu ideas and tools to fuel your success.
Building A School Nutrition Network
Katie Sherman, SNS Food Service Director Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools
Let’s go! Connect your kitchen with inspired solutions at gfs.com .
What is Networking and Why is It Important?
Tips for Effective Networking
In school nutrition, one of the first steps in networking is to identify key partnerships to the program. It’s important to consider various levels when identifying these partnerships. School nutrition professionals should think of their customers, stakeholders and industry partners when making network connections. Stay in the know and seek out networking opportunities. Nobody understands your job better than someone with the same role in a different school nutrition program. There’s no better place for school nutrition peers to network than at the several events held by the Indiana School Nutrition Association throughout the year. It’s also important to network locally within the school district. Consider participation in district wide or school level activities and become involved in relevant groups and meetings. Keep communication open, ask a lot of questions and listen. Realize that effective networking can be thought of as a two-way street and consider what knowledge, ideas and experiences you have to offer as well. It’s important to be proactive about sharing information and opportunities with your network.
To define the term simply, networking is meeting new people. More specifically, it’s where professionals form mutually beneficial connections with one another and help each other grow in their careers. When individuals network, ideas are exchanged and experiences are shared. Discussing work with like-minded peers is often inspiring and can even enhance motivation. New techniques or skills can be learned during networking which can keep individuals trying new concepts and growing professionally. During the changing and challenging times of COVID, networking relationships have never been more important or beneficial. Not only have school nutrition professionals looked to one another for support and creative thinking, they’ve also looked to industry colleagues for insight and guidance. Consulting and working with others provides reassurance that you are on the right path or handling situations in an effective manner.
General Mills for K-12 Schools @generalmillsk12 @generalmillscf
*Honey Cheerios® does not contain nuts. However, the product is not labeled as nut free because it is not produced in a nut free production facility.
1 Nielsen Nitro US XAOC, RTE Cereal, Dollar Share, 52 Weeks Ending 10/3/2020
Learn more about the entire K-12 cereal lineup at GeneralMillsCF.com
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