School Nutrition Association Annual National Conference Hosts Panel Discussion – SNA Release
Posted: July 14, 2014
Boston, MA (July 14, 2014) – In advance of School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 68th Annual National Conference (ANC) Exhibit Hall grand opening, a panel of school nutrition professionals shared insight on school cafeteria trends, including successes and challenges related to recent and newly implemented national nutrition standards.
Although SNA has requested reasonable flexibility from USDA to support school meal programs, panelists provided a glimpse into how SNA has been supporting members’ efforts to meet the requirements. Panelists shared examples on how ANC education sessions have helped their programs and insight on how they planned to utilize the Exhibit Hall – approximately 180,000 square feet of exhibits from 400 companies, partner organizations, non-profits and USDA divisions…
Gary Vonck, SNA Industry Representative, Vice President of the Education Division for Key Impact Sales & Systems: “The school foodservice market has been ahead of many retail trends. ANC exhibitors have dedicated extensive research and development resources to make these changes work for the unique needs of schools. Unlike families serving healthy meals at home, schools often face the challenge of serving hundreds of students in a matter of minutes and must appeal to a broad range of tastes and cultural preferences. Schools and food companies must work closely to meet standards and stay on budget. This is a great benefit of ANC – to come together and get the latest information on the regulations from USDA and other experts in the field.”
Click here to read the full press release.
About the Author:
Gary Vonck
VP - Education Division
Gary Vonck has been with KeyImpact since 2007, adding to an impressive 40-year foodservice career. His knowledge and passion for child nutrition are unsurpassed. Gary oversees the Education Division, which includes sales, bid, and commodity teams across the entire nation.
Gary is an active member of the SNA and was the first and only broker/agency representative on the School Nutrition Association’s Industry Advisory Board, as the appointed Industry Representative, in 2008 and again 2014. Gary has also served on numerous SNA Task Forces and co-chaired several SNA events. Gary was also on the NSFMI national advisory council. In January 2013, Gary was awarded the Silver Friend of Child Nutrition FAME Award.
Gary Vonck is based in Illinois and can be reached at gvonck@kisales.com.