Training/Certification

 

TRAINING/CERTIFICATION RESOURCES

2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, ST. CLOUD, MN

2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, ST. CLOUD, MN

 

SNA’s Keys to Excellence

School Nutrition Association’s Keys to Excellence is a comprehensive self-assessment and recognition program designed to help school nutrition programs evaluate performance, identify areas for growth, and implement continuous improvement. Built around national standards, the program guides teams through goal setting and action planning while providing the opportunity to earn national recognition for excellence in key operational areas.

For more information, please visit: Schoolnutrition.org/keys

Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)

The National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) - now known as the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) - is a trusted national resource for training, research, and professional development in child nutrition programs. Located at the The University of Mississippi, ICN provides free online courses, in-person training, and practical resources designed to support school nutrition and child care professionals at every level. Through its partnership with the USDA, ICN continues to deliver high-quality, research-based tools and training that help strengthen and advance child nutrition programs across the country.

ICN provides:

  • Free online training courses
  • In-person training and workshops
  • Menu planning and nutrition resources
  • Food safety and operations training
  • Research-backed best practices for school nutrition programs

Learn more: Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)

 TrayTalk

School Meals are Healthy Meals. Join the Conversation.

Tray Talk is an online platform that highlights trends, success stories, and real-world innovations in school meal programs across the country. Created by the School Nutrition Association, Tray Talk shares stories straight from school cafeterias, showcasing how nutrition professionals are improving menus, introducing new ideas, and making a positive impact on students’ health and experiences. The site also provides facts, insights, and examples that help build awareness and understanding of the value of school nutrition programs nationwide.

Visit traytalk.com

USDA Foods Toolkit for Child Nutrition Programs

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s USDA Foods Toolkit for Child Nutrition Programs is a collection of resources designed to help school nutrition professionals maximize their use of USDA Foods. The toolkit includes menu planning guidance, product information, and communication materials to support nutrition education and promote the value of USDA Foods to students, staff, and the community..

Learn more: USDA Foods Toolkit for Child Nutrition Programs