Fresh Bites Fall Edition 2021

COMMITTEES Professional Develemopment

COMMITTEES Public Policy & Legislation

Farm to School Partnership Awards

Due on or before December 31st each year

Did you know that NYSNA has a partnership with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets? One of the exciting programs is the annual Farm to School Partnership Awards. These awards highlight exemplary Farm to School projects across New York State. Ideas for submissions include: merchandising/promoting local foods, working with local farms, building partnerships and integrating farm to school into wellness activities, and distribution: finding creative ways to get or receive local farm products. The criteria for judging include: • Transferability: should be able to be replicated in other districts or areas • Impact/Measurability:whoandhowdid the submission impact the children, schools, farms and/or communities • Innovation: shows improved and creative ways to use local farm products • Sustainability: activity should be something that can be completed every year or demonstrate growth from one year to the next

There are so many great events and programs already in place at many districts, but we don’t always hear about them. It’s not hard at all to submit something for consideration - just fill out an application! Why not let your peers around the state know what fantastic things you are doing in your district? We would love to help celebrate your successes and give you the kudos and recognition you deserve! So now is the time to think about it. You can also nominate another district that you know is doing an awesome program but is a little shy to “toot their own horn”! Take a look at what you have planned in your District as it relates to Farm to School and send the application and a few pictures - we would love to present you with an award and get your picture taken with a representative from NY Dept. Ag & Markets! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

FOR ALL STUDENTS We have wanted universal meals for years and this past year has proven just how important school meals are for ALL children, regardless of income. We need to make sure that message is not forgotten and keep pushing our elected of�icials to make sure HEALTHY MEALS AT NO CHARGE continue after June 2022. They need to be permanent and viewed as just part of the school day. YOU can TAKE ACTION! Reach out to your member of Congress and be sure to remind them that: • Our programs can ensure every child is nourished and ready to learn each school day - a crucial safety net with food insecurity on the rise due to the pandemic. • Equal access to nutritious school meals at no charge will support academic achievement and foster healthy eating habits for all of our students. • No child should go hungry during the school day or accrue unpaid meal debt, a burden on families and school district budgets. • Families won’t have to worry about meal application paperwork and processing; school nutrition staff will have more time to focus on serving students. Join NYSNA, FRAC, and other Advocates to help make universal meals permanent!

Champion of Child Nutrition Award This NYSNA award is presented by the Public Policy and Legislative Committee to show the recipient our great appreciation for efforts that have gone above and beyond to actively support, promote, and/or enhance child nutrition programs in some way.

Anne B. Gennings Award This NYSNA award is presented by the Public Policy and Legislative Committee to show the recipient our great appreciation for efforts that have gone above and beyond to actively support, promote, and/or enhance child nutrition programs in some way.

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FreshBites

FALL 2021

FreshBites

FALL 2021

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