MSNA Scholarship Program

Ready to grow, connect, and be inspired? Apply now for an MSNA Scholarship and earn up to $900 toward registration, travel, or lodging to attend one of five incredible school nutrition conferences - local or national!

Four MSNA members will receive up to $900 to cover costs for their choice of one of five conferences:

    • SNA Legislative Action Conference (LAC): March 8-10, 2026, Washington D.C. Be part of advocacy in action when you attend SNA’s Legislative Action Conference in the nation’s capital. Learn more here.
    • SNA National Leadership Conference (NLC): April 23-25, 2026, Kansas City, MO. Tailored for state association leaders to learn, network and build leadership skills. Learn more here.
    • SNA Annual National Conference (ANC): July 12-14, 2026, Charlotte, NC. Unites thousands of school nutrition program operators, industry partners, and allied organizations for an unparalleled educational and networking experience. Learn more here.
    • MSNA Annual Conference: August 2-5, 2026, River's Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN. Audience includes school nutrition directors, managers, staff, and industry partners. The exhibit show is held on Tuesday, August 4. Learn about the most recent conference here.
    • MSNA School Nutrition and Industry Partner (SNIP) Conference: October 21-23, 2026, Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN. Audience includes school nutrition directors and industry partners. Learn about the most recent conference here.

Key Details

  • Applicants must be school nutrition professionals (Industry members and current MSNA board members are not eligible).
  • Scholarship money can be used for travel, hotel or registration.
  • Scholarship recipients must turn in receipts to prove payment prior to being reimbursed.
  • Need to apply in a different language? Use the Google Translate bar to choose which language you need.

❤️ Special Thanks: Scholarships are made possible by the MSNA scholarship fund. Thank you to those who participated in the raffle at the MSNA 2025 Annual Conference, which contributed to this fund.

Apply for a Scholarship

 

 PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 

  • Janine Teske, Operations Specialist, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District #2888
  • Darcy Nelson, Food Service Director, Epiphany Catholic School
  • Paul Strand, District Chef, Moorhead Public Schools
  • Diane Dwenger, Kitchen Manager High School, St. Michael Albertville Schools
  • Genna Deprey, Chef Supervisor, Anoka Hennepin Schools

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WHAT AN MSNA SCHOLARSHIP MEANS

Learn what an MSNA scholarship has meant to one of our 2025 recipients, Diane. Diane was awarded a scholarship to attend the MSNA Annual Conference on August 3-6 in Rochester.

Diane Dwenger

Kitchen Manager

St. Michael Albertville Schools

 

"Receiving this scholarship had a meaningful impact on my professional development by giving me the opportunity to attend the Annual Conference in Rochester—an experience I am truly grateful for. The conference, set in beautiful Rochester, offered a remarkable variety of sessions and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees, including the ServSafe course, recertification, and a hands-on Spice class. Although I was unable to attend those particular Sunday classes due to prior commitments, it was wonderful to see how many valuable opportunities were available.

I was able to participate in several impactful sessions covering stress management, food safety, farm to school, scratch cooking, and more. Two sessions I especially enjoyed were Promoting Your Program Through Photography and Allergen Management, both of which provided practical skills I can immediately apply in my school kitchen.

Another great opportunity offered at the conference was the food show. Browsing the many rows, vendors gave me the chance to speak directly with them about their products and services, learn about new offerings, and even taste a variety of items. This hands-on interaction helped me better understand what could work well for my program and gave me fresh ideas to bring back to my team.

I also had the privilege of volunteering during the conference, which allowed me to meet and connect with other food service professionals in a friendly, meaningful way. Being surrounded by others who share the same passion for nourishing students was inspiring and reinforced my commitment to growing as a leader in school nutrition.

To anyone considering applying for this scholarship, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to go for it. This opportunity supports both personal and professional growth, pushes you outside your comfort zone, and opens doors to new skills, fresh ideas, and valuable connections. The sessions, food show, and networking experiences make it a truly impactful opportunity—one that I am deeply thankful to have been part of."