MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
HEADQUARTERS
Dear NYSNA Members,
As we look toward a new year and beyond, NYSNA continues to evolve to better serve our members, our partners, and—most importantly—New York’s students. I’m excited to share some updates and reflections as we enter a new chapter together. Fresh Bites – Now Three Times a Year Starting in 2026, Fresh Bites will move to a triannual publication cycle , arriving in February, June, and October . This change allows us to offer richer, more comprehensive stories and timely updates aligned with NYSNA’s major events, legislative efforts, and member achievements. Each issue will continue to highlight the creativity, resilience, and advocacy that define our school nutrition community. Evolving Our Events: Connecting and Inspiring Year- Round We’re also reimagining how we connect across the state. Beginning in 2026, our Annual Conference will move to the spring, becoming a season of innovation, networking, and professional growth. This will be complemented by a renewed focus on food and culinary excellence in the fall through the Regional Industry Seminars (RIS)—with opportunities to learn, taste, and collaborate closer to home. Before then, mark your calendars: RIS 2026 is coming this October and December ! This year’s sessions promise engaging demonstrations, vendor showcases, and practical takeaways you can bring directly back to your district.
Jennifer Martin, MBA, CAE NYSNA Chief Executive Officer Since joining the New York School Nutrition Association in 2014, Jennifer has played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s remarkable growth. A recipient of the prestigious national 40 Under 40 award, she is recognized not only for her leadership but also for her exceptional talent in scouting emerging professionals. With expertise in administration and governance, Jennifer brings a unique blend of skills to her role. Her keys to success are encapsulated in her guiding principles: “Work smarter, not harder;” “Be intentional;” and “Your attitude determines your altitude.”
2026 Legislative Action Conference: Advocacy in Action At the heart of NYSNA’s mission is advocacy—ensuring every child in New York has access to healthy, locally sourced school meals. As outlined in our 2026 Position Paper , we are calling on state leaders to: • Sustain Universal Meals to guarantee uninterrupted access to nutritious food for every student, eliminating meal debt and administrative burden. • Modernize the NY 30% Incentive Program by adopting a strengthened reimbursement structure that includes breakfast, protects current participants, supports new entrants, and ensures long-term sustainability. Our 2026 Legislative Action Conference will champion these priorities, bringing our collective voice to Albany to advocate for smart, sustainable policies that nourish New York’s children and strengthen our state’s agricultural economy. Moving Forward Together As we grow and adapt, our mission remains clear: to nourish, advocate, and lead . I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together— and energized for what lies ahead. Let’s continue to build connections, inspire innovation, and advocate boldly for the future of school nutrition in New York. Together, we are feeding minds, fueling futures, and shaping change. ~ Jennifer ~
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FreshBites
WINTER 2026
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