Fresh Bites Winter Edition 2022

President Elect’s Message

OFFICERS

OFFICERS

Happy 2022! I hope you were all able to enjoy some time off and that you were able to spend time relaxing and focusing on the people who bring you joy. As we move into the new year it is a good time to reflect and set your intentions for the upcoming months. I personally am working on being more present in both my personal and work relationships. As an expert multi-tasker/juggler, this can be difficult because it might require me to ask for and accept help (*gasp) . I share this with you because periodically taking time to reflect on ways we can improve (personally and professionally) allows us to change and grow. The past two years have been mentally and physically exhausting and many of us find ourselves spinning our wheels. Sometimes reaching out to a coworker or fellow NYSNA member for some advice and support can be just the lift you need. Whether it’s an opportunity to take a mental break and enjoy the company of a friend, or taking the time to talk through a problem with someone who can understand the demands work life, the value of networking NYSNA provides can be a real lifeline!

CAITLIN LAZARSKI, MS, RD, SNS President Elect

This past November I was able to attend the North East Regional Leadership Conference, hosted by NYSNA in Clifton Park, NY! As always, Jennifer, Alyssa, Ashleigh, and Julia did an amazing job organizing an event that was both informative and fun for the state association leaders in our neighboring states. During the conference the NYSNA leadership team was able to network with leaders from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. It was wonderful to hear all of the work being done in our region to make sure our students have the freshest, healthiest meals. We were able to hear about the farm to school legislation in Vermont and the mentorship program through Maine SNA. Of course, we had time to brag about all of the amazing things NYSNA has accomplished and the exciting things that lay ahead in our strategic plan. I’m super excited to work with this talented and motivated group at SNA’s Legislative Action Conference in March! Universal free meals here we come! In closing I’d like to thank you all for allowing me to serve as your President Elect this year. I am excited to support our NYSNA President Donna Riviello and represent our members in the great State of New York at national events. If you have an idea or question (or you are just looking for a someone to problem solve with), please reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you all soon! “ Whether it’s an opportunity to take a mental break and enjoy the company of a friend, or taking the time to talk through a problem with someone who can understand the demands work life, the value of networking NYSNA provides can be a real lifeline!

I love to travel and have a collection of magnet bottle cap openers from all my travels.

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I am the proud pet parent of a seven-year-old black Labrador Retriever named Bronx.

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I went to college to be an English teacher with hopes of becoming a travel writer someday, but could not walk away from the food service industry.

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I am a rabid NY Yankees, NY Giants and Penn State Nittany Lion fan (although not a lot to cheer about these days).

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I worked for a multi-millionaire for seven years who hosted many celebrity events where I met several famous politicians, athletes, and members of the royal family.

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When I was younger, my family took a 7-week trip across the country, and I have visited most of the United States.

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At the top of my bucket list is a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy…. I’ll get there someday.

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My guilty pleasure is chocolate; I crave it constantly.

- Caitlin -

One of my favorite things to do is take a long walk in the woods, no matter what season it is.

I am NOT a morning person and most people that know me well can attest to this.

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Caitlin Lazarski, MS, RD, SNS NYSNA President Elect 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.

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FreshBites

WINTER 2022

FreshBites

WINTER 2022

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