Fresh Bites Spring Edition 2021

Vice President’s Message

OFFICERS

Can you believe it’s been a whole year??

For a WHOLE YEAR we have been the most ESSENTIAL employees in our schools. We have been instrumental in providing both nutritious meals and a bit of normalcy for our kids in the most stressful and trying times. We rose to the challenges and rolled with the punches. We learned to wear many hats and to pivot with each change on a moment’s notice. We proved to everyone that we are resilient, strong and truly dedicated. I could not be prouder to be a leader of this amazing group of School Nutrition Professionals.

CAITLIN LAZARSKI, MS, RD, SNS Vice President

As we move forward into some version of normalcy, we cannot and should not forget that when school buildings closed in March, the essential nature of the work we do every day came to the forefront. Our children and our communities depend on the healthy meals we provide, and we should make every effort to have a seat at the table when decisions are made regarding our ability to provide them. “But I’m just a lunch lady/school food dude. No one will listen to me.” If this is your mindset, or the mindset of your staff/coworkers, it is time to change. You are a part of NYSNA, an association of School Nutrition PROFESSIONALS. Within our association, you have opportunities to share ideas and brainstorm, to continuously educate and improve yourself, and to come together as a unified voice for legislative action. There is no one better than you to speak to your local administrators, school boards, and State representatives about the work you do and the service your department provides to your community. I have participated in NYSNA’s Legislative Action Conference for the past several years and this year I will participate in SNA’s Virtual LAC for the first time. I feel fortunate to be able to represent my local community and the State of New York as we work together to advocate for appropriate funding and greater access to our child nutrition programs. If you have the chance to participate in one of these conferences you absolutely should, but these large-scale events are not our only opportunities to be advocates. Advocating for your students and programs starts at home. It can be a simple meeting with a building administrator to discuss breakfast in the classroom, or even a wellness partnership with your school PTA. Advocacy doesn’t have to be large scale and dramatic to be effective. Each of us has a story to tell about how food from our kitchens has helped a child in a time of need, especially now. If you don’t know where to start or need extra support in your corner, reach out to your fellow NYSNA members and leadership. I guarantee you will find the strength and support you need to accomplish great things!

- Caitlin -

CAITLIN LAZARSKI, MS, RD, SNS Caitlin Lazarski is the Director of School Nutrition for Newburgh Enlarged City School District, the district where she grew up and is currently raising her family. Caitlin is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Delaware. NYSNA Vice President

8

9

FreshBites

SPRING 2021

FreshBites

SPRING 2021

Powered by