What's Happening at MSNA?

Check out our monthly member spotlight, members in the news, upcoming events, and more.

P.S. Our website is now available in multiple languages! Check out the "Google Translate" bar on the right side.

MSNA Member Spotlight

Welcome to MSNA's first monthly member spotlight! We are excited to feature Kerry Peterson, Food Service Director at Murray County Central School District. Read more about Kerry's involvement with MSNA and in school nutrition below!

Tell us about your program/district:

MCC is a small school system in Slayton which is in Southwestern Minnesota. My program has two kitchens.

How have you been involved in MSNA:

I’ve been an MSNA member for more than three years. I decided to get involved with the Annual Conference Registration Committee. While it was a little intimidating at first, it was so fun and exciting to be the first contact for conference attendees.

What foods or cafeteria experiences for students are you most proud of:

I love our annual all-school picnic. It is such a great way to connect with our students. I also enjoy teaching the students about all the incredible meals we serve. I find showing them pictures of the options helps enhance their opinion of school meals. As a treat we serve pork chops cooked by a local pork provider. Covid allowed us to develop some new recipes, one of which is our chili cheese nachos which replaced the Crispitos on our menu.

Favorite school menu items:

Our students’ favorite meal is our Walking Tacos and mine is the Buffalo Tots.

How does MSNA support you:

MSNA has provided me with great opportunities to network with others who share my passion. I've met so many amazing people.

What don't people know about school nutrition that they should:

I wish people would understand how difficult it is to plan a compliant menu that students will eat.

“Kerry Peterson loves to try new menu items for her students and is extremely passionate.”

- Michele Hawkinson, MSNA President

Did you Know?

MSNA has a job board! This is a space for MSNA members to post their available jobs at their respective district/companies. Members and non-members can view jobs posted here.

MSNA Job Board

Registration is Open

MSNA's Day at the Capitol event will be held on March 11 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM at the Minnesota State Capitol. This is a members-only event. Learn more and register below.

Learn More & Register

Materials Available

Say Yes! to School Meals marketing materials are now available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali

Download Materials

MN Farm to School Roadshow: Building Farm to School Relationships

Are you a Minnesota farmer or producer who is looking to expand your market opportunities?
Are you a school or early care provider who would like to incorporate more locally grown food in your meal program?

The first-ever Minnesota Farm to School Roadshow will bring together producers, school nutrition professionals and early care providers to make new connections and learn how to build successful relationships. This series of in-person events will include training and facilitated networking opportunities. There will also be a session for attendees to contribute ideas and input for the MN Farm to Kids strategic plan. Attend a session near you!

The Minnesota Farm to School Roadshow is free and organized by Renewing the Countryside, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Education, and University of Minnesota Extension. All sessions will close at capacity, so register early!

Dates and Locations for in-person events:

January 30th - The Good Acre (Falcon Heights, MN)
February 7th - UMN Regional Extension Office (Rochester, MN)
February 12th - UMN Regional Extension Office (Grand Rapids, MN)
February 13th - Bucks Mill Brewing (Detroit Lakes, MN)
February 14th - Midwest Technology Campus (Willmar, MN)
March 4th - St. Peter Community Center (St. Peter, MN)

Learn More & Register

Members in the News

January 4th

MSNA Vice President Glen Ritter appeared on WCCO & CBS News Minnesota to talk about ways to get children to eat healthier in the new year. Glen shared two popular dishes the nutrition team from St. Michael-Albertville School District makes for students.

Watch the segment here.

January 10th

How does Prior Lake-Savage Area School District make farm-to-school an integral part of the school day? Nutrition director and MSNA President-Elect, Emily Malone, describes how her school got involved with the program and where it's taken them.

Learn more here.

January 24th

Congratulations to MSNA member, Maria Amerman for being named a 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow from the Chef Ann Foundation. Maria is the Assistant Nutrition Director for Roseville Area & St. Anthony Schools- Nutrition Services.

Learn more here.