CNIC 2013: A Wrap-up by Cynthia Sevier, SNS

This year, Meals Plus was represented at the Child Nutrition Industry Conference in San Antonio, TX by our own School Nutrition Operations Consultant, Cynthia Sevier, SNS. And in case you missed the event (which set a record of close to 600 attendees!), we have a wrap-up of the highlights to keep you in better informed.

As the former Child Nutrition Director of Guilford County Schools, which is the third largest district in North Carolina, Cynthia was pleased to see representatives from NC at the event. Attendees included Lenoir County, Wake County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Thomasville City Schools. The general sessions and Industry Breakouts explored the use of data and benchmarking. In a panel discussion, three directors presented profit/loss statements that they used in their individual districts. Lora Gilbert of Orange County Public Schools (FL) discussed how important the use of data and benchmarking is to her district’s operations. She emphasized the use of participation and food cost information. The use of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, was presented in one of the general sessions also.

In regards to the USDA and School Nutrition Association, the SNA is urging the USDA to not only extend the temporary lifting of restricts on meats and proteins, but to make the change permanent with the 2013 Legislative Issue Paper. The USDA said that change is slow, but that they are listening. The USDA is still expecting the breakfast meal pattern will go into effect next school year as scheduled even though SNA is asking for a delay.

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