MdSNA 2022 Winter Serving Spoon

Serving Spoon
quarterly news publication of the
Winter 2022
Maryland School Nutrition Association

Nutrition Notes #NSBW22

To Our School Food Service Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 1
Heroes

Legislative
News

Federal & State LAC
SNA Position Paper

Spring
Education
Workshops

The Stress Club - Take Your
Power Back!
by Tami West, PhD

MdSNA On the
Web

Supply Chain Disruptions and
Labor Shortages

Year in Review

2021 Association Recap

Maryland School Nutrition Association

WALL www.rfwall.com
And Company
Building a Healthy Future for Maryland

Andrea Whiteford Ray Wall
[email protected] [email protected]
Page 2 | Serving Spoon, Winter 4202120 -935-1437 410-404-369M0aryland School Nutrition Association

In Every Issue PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

3 President’s Message Iam excited to be at the start of a new Barbara Harral
5 MdSNA Calendar year for our association serving as your MdSNA President
6 Nutrition Notes president.
20 Federal Legislative Update and empathize. We are all in this together –
36 MdSNA on the Web As I waited for the ‘Ball Drop’ ending which is important for us to remember if
42 Chapter News 2021 and beginning 2022, I was mindful we want to stay sane.
of how grateful I am for relationships that
Serving Spoon we have within Maryland School Nutrition We are grateful to USDA and MSDE for
Association. It is these relationships that have the waivers that have allowed us to make
A quarterly journal of the Maryland kept us all going throughout this pandemic. this happen. As we navigate the uncertainty
School Nutrition Association, an affiliate Who knew we would be putting the take of product retirements (who knew that there
of the School Nutrition Association, Inc. away notes into practice from one of our last was such a thing?) we have worked more
in person events – which highlighted that closely than ever with our industry partners
Executive Officers relationships matter? The keynote speaker to source and procure more new products
President for that meeting highlighted the concept of than ever before.
Barbara Harral “Because I Said I Would”. How many times
Montgomery County have we all echoed that sentence in the past Our plans for the Legislative Action
(301) 284-4943 22 months? Conference have now been adapted to keep
[email protected] us safe – but also in touch with each other.
President-Elect Even though we were often scrambling to We have a lot to talk to our senators and
Megan Doran, SNS figure out waivers and ‘where, oh where congressmen about this year for our ‘March
St. Mary's County SNA is our delivery?’, we have been able to to the Hill.” We are planning for a ‘Zoom’ to
(301) 475-4256 continue with our primary work – feeding the Hill again this year. We want all of you
[email protected] our students. We struggled with deliveries to participate so that our voices are heard
Vice President that were scheduled but were late, a no show in Washington – please watch for updates
Cody Wilt or short and lead times that were now more on days and times. You will be able to login
Garrett County SNA than a couple of months out! We have been from your office.
(301) 334-7652 forced to pivot for all of our students so that
[email protected] we were able to continue to provide. We will work on our own mental health for
Secretary our spring workshops – Tami West, PhD,
Cherie Cotsonas We have spent the last almost two years SNS will be leading a virtual workshop for
St. Mary's County planning and providing contingency meals
(301)475-4256 – whether they were at the curb – on a cart – Continued on bottom of page 4.
[email protected] on a bus – or on a truck! We have pulled off
Treasurer the near impossible – still loving our jobs
Kathy Kim and feeding our students. These students
Montgomery County depend on all of us, not just for their meals,
(301) 284-4934 but for the positive relationships that we
[email protected] have with them.

Executive Secretary Staffing has also impacted the work for all of
& MdSNA Office us as we have struggled with the shortage of
Michele Switzer staff in our cafeterias – between the positivity
21912 Goshen School Road rate, retirements and lack of applicants in the
Gaithersburg, MD 20882 pipeline. We have some days, or many days,
(410) 740-7278 that we have subbed for a missing coworker
[email protected] to do other work at the end of the day.
www.mdsna.org
We were also able to reach out to any of our
colleagues who could identify with our stress

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 3

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS WINTER 2022 | PUBLISHED BY MARYLAND SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOC.

Maryland School Nutrition Association Nutrition
2021-2022 Executive Board
President, Barbara Harral To Our Dear School Food Service Heroes

President-Elect, Megan Doran, SNS Federal Legislative Updates
Vice President, Cody Wilt
National and State Legislative Action Conferences
Past President, Terri Smith, SNS SNA Position Paper
Treasurer, Kathy Kim
Director of the Year
Secretary, Cherie Cotsonas
Advertising, Jodi Risse Jodi Risse
Advisor, Robin Ziegler
MdSNA Spring Education Workshops
Awards & Scholarship, Karen Sarno
Budget, Kathy Kim Stressed Out?

Certificate & Credentialing, Karen Olsen, SNS MdSNA is on the Web
Convention ‘22, Megan Doran
Education, Chelsey Martin Supply Chain Disruptions and Labor Shortages

Executive Secretary, Michele Switzer Chapter Networking
Handbook/Bylaws/Resolutions, Eulalia Muschik
Chapter News From Around the State
Historian, Terri Smith, SNS
House of Delegates, Kaitlin Fraer President's Message, continued from page 3
MdSNA. Tami will also be our keynote speaker when we meet in person for our
Industry Advisor, Dane Emery next in person annual conference in the fall of 2022. Tami is a speaker with an
Industry Bookkeeper, Michele Switzer excellent national reputation. One of her strengths is how well she knows school
Industry Guest Representative, Lisa Pline nutrition – and the stress that we are all dealing with. We are all in this together,
which is important for us to remember if we want to stay sane. We will repeat this
Legislative-Federal, Mary Klatko on two separate days so that more of you are able to attend.
Legislative-State, Marla LeTourneau As I look to our year ahead – we plan as an association to be utilize digital platforms
Marketing and Public Information, Jodi Risse – and yes, that means Zoom. It also means that we will transition to a digital
version of our Serving Spoon magazine for some of the issues. I am reminded that
Membership, Tracy Newbold the work that all of our members accomplish every day is of the utmost importance
Nominating, Terri Smith, SNS as a hungry child cannot learn.
So settle in for another school year of pandemic feeding and join us virtually for
Nutrition, Marla Caplon our Spring Workshops!
Parliamentarian, Mary Klatko
Social Media, Chelsey Martin Barbara Harral
MdSNA President, 2021-2022
Sunshine, Cherie Cotsonas Maryland School Nutrition Association
Ways & Means, Cody Wilt

Webmaster, Mary Klatko
The Serving Spoon is published four times per year by the

Maryland School Nutrition Association. Articles and editorials
in the Serving Spoon represent the views of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect official policy of the MdSNA nor does acceptance of

any advertising imply endorsement of the product(s) or service(s).
To advertise in the Serving Spoon,

contact Jodi Risse at (410)222-5900.
To contribute articles to the Serving Spoon,

contact
Michele Switzer
21912 Goshen School Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
[email protected]

Visit us online at
www.MdSNA.org.
Follow us at @MdSNAmedia
on both Twitter and Instagram.
Like us on Facebook.

For more information about joining the
Maryland School Nutrition Association

or the
School Nutrition Association,
please contact us at [email protected].

Page 4 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022

2021-2022 MDSNA CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WWW.MDSNA.ORG MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Maryland School Nutrition Association
2021-2022 Calendar of Events

OCTOBER 2021 MAY 2022, CONTINUED
October 11-15 National School Lunch Week 2021 May 15 Chapter Strategic Plan due to MdSNA President
October 22-23 68th Annual MdSNA Convention, Ocean City May 19 MdSNA Executive Committee Mtg.,
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Conference Call
May 31 Resolutions due to Bylaws Chairman for HOD
NOVEMBER 2021 May 31 Nominations due to local chapters
November 1 Articles due to Serving Spoon Editor
November tbd Fall Industry Boot Camp awards designee for Manager of the Year in
Alexandria, VA Honor of Louise Sublette, Employee of
the Year, Rhonda Motley Gold Success
Award, Innovation Award
DECEMBER 2021
December 1 Serving Spoon Mailing
December 16 MdSNA Executive Committee Mtg.,
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Conference Call JUNE 2022 Serving Spoon Mailing
June 1 MdSNA Convention Committee Mtg.,
JANUARY 2022 MdSNA Convention Committee Mtg., June 2 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Conference Call
January 6 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Conference Call June 2 MdSNA Executive Board Mtg.,
January 6 MdSNA Executive Board Mtg., 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. June 10 1:15 - 2:45 p.m., Conference Call
January 16-18 Conference Call List of local chapters’ new officers due to MdSNA
SNA School Nutrition Industry Conference Executive Secretary
San Antonio, TX
JULY 2022 SNA Annual National Convention
FEBRUARY 2022 July 10-12 Orlando, FL
February 1 Articles due to Serving Spoon Editor July 31 County award winners and their nominations for
February 9 & 16 Spring Education Workshops Director of the Year, Manager of the Year in
Honor of Louise Sublette, Employee of the Year,
MARCH 2022 Serving Spoon Mailing Rhonda Motley Gold Success Award,
March 1 National School Breakfast Week Innovation Award due
March 7-11 MdSNA Executive Committee Mtg.,
March 3 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Conference Call AUGUST 2022 Articles due to Serving Spoon Editor
March 6-8 SNA Legislative Action Conference, Wash., DC August 1
March 9 MdSNA Legislative Action Conference, 2:00-4:00
March 15 MdSNA State winners of Employee of the Year, SEPTEMBER 2022
Manager of the Year and Director of the Year September 1 Serving Spoon Mailing
March 17 nominations submitted to SNA for regional/ September 15 MdSNA Executive Committee Mtg.,
March 17 national award entry 11 a.m. - 2 p.m, Conference Call
MdSNA Convention Committee Mtg., September 29 MdSNA Convention Committee Mtg.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Conference Call 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Conference Call
MdSNA Executive Board Mtg., 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. September 29 MdSNA Executive Board Mtg.,
Conference Call 1:15 - 2:45 p.m., Conference Call

APRIL 2022 SNA National Leadership Conference OCTOBER 2022
April 28-30 West Palm Beach, FL October 10-14 National School Lunch Week
October 21-22 69th Annual MdSNA Convention, Ocean City

MAY 2022 Articles due to Serving Spoon Editor *Awards and Scholarship applications accepted year-round.
May 1 National School Lunch Hero Day ** Check back frequently to www.MdSNA.org for latest calendar
May 6 updates.

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 5

Nutrition To Our Dear School Food Service Heroes Dear School Food Service Heroes!
Notes
Each of you has earned the title of hero! During the
Each of you has past 22 plus months, you have done an amazing job
earned the keeping our students well fed and, in many instances,
title of hero! risking your health and safety to serve. Because of you, the
During the past 22 plus worries about feeding their children have been lifted from
months, you have done families, which is such a blessing. Because of you, families
an amazing job keeping have been reassured that their children are receiving healthy
our students well fed and nutritious food.
and, in many instances, We are all focused on serving our students! I have had the
risking your health and opportunity to hear from our food service staff here in
safety to serve. Because Maryland as well as from child nutrition staff throughout the
of you, the worries about United States to learn many of the accommodations that were
feeding their children made to ensure that children were served.
have been lifted from Here is some of what I heard:
families, which is such • To minimize the spread of Covid 19, many of you
a blessing. Because of have implemented the practice of prepackaging meals,
you, families have been utilizing single serve items, creating “weekly” bundles, and
reassured that their have been innovative on the use of vacuum sealers to produce
children are receiving and freeze meals for future service.
healthy and nutritious • Many districts provided grocery meal kits. These
food. kits provide ingredients that allow families to prepare batch-
cooked products that could be served hot and fresh to students.
Marla Caplon, R.D., L.D. What a great way to serve high quality nutrition to children.
MdSNA Nutrition Chairperson • Many of you have developed partnerships with
local businesses and non-profit organizations to provide
Page 6 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 support to students and their families. Considering economic
downturns caused during Covid 19, these partnerships have
been especially helpful in providing much needed food and
supplies to families. In many cases, your work has been
instrumental in fostering these connections.
• Your focus on serving the healthiest of foods, such
as an increase in fresh fruits and vegetables has helped to help
protect families from Covid 19. You have worked tirelessly
to provide as much fresh produce, whole grain products and

Maryland School Nutrition Association

healthy entrees as best possible. Studies have shown NUTRITION NOTES
that maintaining a good nutritional intake proved
helpful in reducing incidents and lessened the severity Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 7
of Covid 19. Where else, but in a school cafeteria can
vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables and
whole grains be found? Even with the supply chain
shortage issues, you have done your best to keep the
meals as healthy as possible.
• You have provided an unparalleled degree
of customer service. Even before COVID-19, the
daily highlight for many students was seeing your
smile, telling you their story, and knowing you
were there for them. For so many students, the
pandemic strengthened those connections. Your
commitment to students was demonstrated during
last year’s virtual learning and continued into the
current school year. As a result of the economic and
social impacts of COVID19, mental health issues have
impacted students, staff, and families. Knowing that
your commitment to providing meals was unwavering
provided such a relief to families. I bet you never
thought of yourselves and stress relievers! I received
many comments from students and families who felt
so comforted knowing you were there day after day for
meal service/grab and go pick up. That’s pretty special.
• While the diet for many families relied upon
convenience foods, canned foods and highly processed
foods with elevated levels of fat, salt, sugar, you
should all feel so proud knowing that the best place
for healthy, nutritious meals came right from your
kitchens! Congratulations!
Thank you for all you do! Best of everything for the
rest of the school year ….. stay well!

Enjoy good health!
Marla Caplon, R.D., L.D., MdSNA Nutrition Chair

Maryland School Nutrition Association

Page 8 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 9

Page 10 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 11

Jodi Risse, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for Anne
Arundel County Public Schools, today was named the Maryland
School Nutrition Association’s Director of the Year.

In her 14 years overseeing AACPS’ Division of Food and Nutrition
Services, Risse has become known as an innovator who cultivates
creative year-round approaches to providing healthy meals for
students at all levels with an intense focus on fresh options. Risse
has implemented vibrant and abundant salad bars in every school in
the school system has even developed curbside menus during the
pandemic that feature fresh produce such as red peppers, kiwi, and
squash.

“Jodi epitomizes what we mean when we say ‘AACPSAwesome,’ ”
Superintendent George Arlotto said. “There is nothing she and the
incredible team she leads won’t do to provide students with healthy
options that fuel their minds and bodies. We are incredibly grateful
that she is on our team because our students benefit from her
expertise and devotion every day.”

Under Risse’s leadership, the Division of Food and Nutrition Services
has provided more than 12.5 million meals to students across the
county since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. FNS employees didn’t miss a day, serving meals on
the very first day schools were closed.

Risse also co-chairs the school system’s Wellness Council, a multi-sector committee aimed at providing resources,
strategies and monitoring tools to ensure that effective implementation of the AACPS Wellness Policy in order to
increase the quality of life for all members of the educational community and to cultivate communities of wellness.

In addition, she hosts a monthly educational segment titled “Tasting of the Rainbow” that features a local product served
in school meals. The video includes spotlights from students, teachers, principals, and a local farmer. It is featured in
all 126 schools on the monthly “Tasting of the Rainbow” day.

Risse’s work isn’t all about serving meals, however. She also collaborates with the Department of Special Education to
give students work experience within FNS. This program helps students develop job-related skills as they transition out
of high school, while introducing them to the world of school food service.

“It is a such an honor to be recognized by the Maryland School Nutrition Association for the impact we have in serving
the students and communities in Anne Arundel County,” said Risse, who also won a national award for her efforts to help
curb childhood hunger in 2019. “It is my honor and privilege to work side by side with the best school nutrition team in
the country. This could only be accomplished with the unwavering support from our Superintendent, Dr. George Arlotto,
and from my family both at work and home. Together, we truly cultivate communities of wellness: one student at a
time.”

In addition to her work with AACPS, Risse has served on the Maryland School Nutrition Executive Board since 2002 and
was the organization’s Education Committee Co-Chair from 2000 to 2007. reprinted from aacpsschools.org news release

Page 12 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 13

STRESSED
OUT?

You Are Invited to Attend MdSNA’s 2022 Virtual

Spring Education Workshop
February 9 & 16, 2:30 PM

The Stress Club: Take Your Power Back!

featuring two, identical, one-hour webinar sessions by

Tami West, PhD

The American Institute of Stress has reported that America is “on the verge of a stress-
induced public health crisis.” Stress-management advice, training, and products are
abundant, yet statistics continue to worsen. There’s a reason why stress-management

techniques aren’t working: It’s risky not to be stressed because you’ll be kicked out of the
club! The Stress Club opens eyes to these pressures and teaches you how to disconnect
from stress forever. This session, based upon Tami’s research, is guaranteed to make you

laugh AND forever change the way you think about stress!

Register online: Maryland School Nutrition Association
www.MdSNA.org

1 CEU Hour:
Employee Health, Safety & Wellness

Key Area 3 - 3450

Page 14 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Open to members and guests. Limit 300.

Today’s students are curious about the source of their food and its global impact.

Dairy farmers are sustainability leaders and milk is a nutritional powerhouse.
With 13 essential nutrients – including calcium, Vitamin D and protein – it’s
the perfect complement for every school meal. You can take pride in the
fact that the dairy foods you serve are popular, nutritious and sustainable.

To learn about our programs and sustainability commitment,
CLICK HERE or contact us at:

AmericanDairy.com • [email protected]

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 15

HIGH SABATINO

presents

SCHOOL FOODSERVICE SYSTEM
OF TOMORROW

HIGH SABATINO Top 3 Reasons Why You Need
This System in Your School
10545 Guilford Road # 101
Jessup, MD 20794 • Creates additional savings by reducing waste
301.470.7051 using programmable technology

• Protects the nutritional value of food items
through storage and preservation systems

• Each piece of equipment has a downloadable
HACCP data storage system for food safe
practices

Page 16 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

In-Room Feeding Cart

The Cambro CVC75 Vending Cart is the perfect vehicle
for classroom feeding. The insulated top ice pan holds
five full size pans. Storage below can accommodate insu-
lated GoBoxes for cold or hot flood storage.

CONVECTION OVENS

High output convection ovens with 20%
more capacity -24” high interiors-not 20”-
with six sheet pans.

HOLDING & RETHERM OVENS
Patented Cvap Retherm Ovens provide ventless
baking, roasting, and steaming with holding for up to four hours. Holding
cabinets also available with pass through access. Save up to $1,000 with
the Winston Trade Up and Save Program.

FRESH VEGETABLE PROCESSORS

Robot Coupe, the creator of the food processor The popular
table-top models offer robust design, efficient, easy to clean
and offering the widest variety of cuts. Gain consistency ,
save hours and money: slice, grate, julienne, ripple cut, french
fries, dice and even mashed potatoes.

CLEVELAND DELFIELD JACKSON KOLPAK

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Maryland School NutBritiaonltAismsocioatrioen -Annapolis 410-974-1108 DC ArSeeravin3g S0po1on-,8W5in8ter-2500225|8Page 17

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Page 18 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022

Menu Solutions for
Today’s Needs

Our Education Specialists can assist in:
Commodity Drawdown & Monitoring

Diversion Planning & Samples
Menu Planning & Recipes
Grab & Go Foods
Take & Bake Foods
Packaging Options

Manufacturers accepting your commodities:

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For more information, please contact KeyImpact Sales & Systems, Inc.

Sharon Bass: 301-332-7339 or [email protected]

KeyImpact Call Center | [email protected] | 844-462-8500
Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 19
www.kisales.com |

Federal The SNA Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is
Legislative scheduled for March 6-8, 2022.
Update SNA has just released the 2022 Position Paper this
week.
SNA
Legislative The Public Policy and Legislative Committee developed the
Position Paper with input from their regions, then it went to the
Action Executive Board and received unanimous approval.
Conference
March 6-8, '22 I contacted SNA to request a one-day rate for Maryland attendees
and it was granted at $255.00 for one day.
MdSNA
Legislative I did that because I looked over the agenda and was very pleased
to see that the best day for us to attend is the day they discuss the
Action 2022 Position Paper.
Conference
March 9, '22 That day is Sunday, March 6, 2022.

SNA LAC Agenda
Position Paper
The agenda for Sunday is as follows:
Mary Klatko
MdSNA Federal 12:15 – 1:15 pm Opening Luncheon
Legislative Chair
1:15 – 2:30 pm Opening Keynote: Amy Walter
Page 20 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022
2:30 – 3:00 pm Break

3:00 – 4:30 pm First General Session:
Presentation of the
2022 SNA Position Paper

Continued on next page.
Maryland School Nutrition Association

The SNA LAC is being held at the JW Marriott Hotel student breakfasts and lunches and continuation of all
near the White House at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave in waivers we currently have for the program on sodium,
Washington, DC. If you have never attended one, whole grains, and flavored milk; reducing regulatory
this is a great, inexpensive opportunity and you don't and administrative burdens as well as expanding the
have to miss a day at work which I know has to be very Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
difficult in these pressing times. In Person and Zoom
We will have 5 Team Leaders and me as Coordinator This is our opportunity to make this wish come true.
in attendance at the SNA LAC on Sunday, March 6, Please join us in DC and on the Zoom call to talk to our
2022, following the above agenda. Washington DC is Maryland Congressional Delegation to convince them
again requiring masks and Covid precautions. to support and vote to make these Positions happen
Based on the success we had last year with attendance, permanently through Legislation.
especially from Directors, the MdSNA Executive Board If you have questions or need help, please email or call
voted to host another Zoom MdSNA LAC Meeting me.
on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
so that meals are served hopefully giving you time to Mary Klatko, Federal Legislative Chair
participate. [email protected]
Following this page is a the SNA Position Paper for 410-320-0317
your perusal.
Join Us Continued on next page.
If you like what you see on the Position Paper, come Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 21
join us as we ask for legislation to make it happen at
both meetings but if you have to choose one, make it
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 when you will talk to our
Maryland members of Congress or their aides via a
zoom call.
The Position Paper is exactly what we have been hoping
for, full reimbursement to be made permanent for all

Maryland School Nutrition Association

2022 Position Paper

Throughout the pandemic, nutritious school meals have contributed to student achievement, supported
America’s families and provided a critical safety net during economic hardships. With the help of federal child
nutrition waivers, school nutrition professionals have ensured safe and consistent access to healthy meals for
students. School meal programs now endure acute supply chain, labor, financial and regulatory challenges and
require Congress and USDA’s continued support. To promote the health and success of students and ensure the
sustainability of school meal programs, the non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) urges Congress to:

Extend pandemic-related child nutrition waivers through School Year (SY) 2022/23
Persistent national supply chain disruptions and labor shortages have severely impacted the financial and
operational sustainability of school meal programs. Widespread issues with discontinued menu items, shortages
and higher prices are already wreaking havoc on the SY 2022/23 bid process. To plan for next school year, school
nutrition programs and their suppliers urgently need the assurance of waiver extensions through SY 2022/23.

Make the following permanent changes to Child Nutrition Programs:
• Increase National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP) reimbursements.

During the pandemic, free meals have been reimbursed at the higher Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
rate. However, in a November 2021 SNA survey, only about half of school meal program directors indicated
that the SFSP reimbursement rates sufficiently covered the costs of producing school breakfast and lunch,
including food, labor, supplies and pandemic costs. Returning to NSLP/SBP reimbursement rates would
increase meal program losses and cut into education budgets, impeding efforts to meet the needs of students
and jeopardizing progress in school nutrition programs.

• Expand NSLP/SBP to offer healthy school meals for all students at no charge to support academic
achievement.
Students, families and school meal programs alike have reaped the benefits of offering equal access to free
school meals during the pandemic and through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Research shows
students receive their healthiest meals at school, and school meals are proven to support learning and
improve attendance and classroom behavior. No child goes hungry during the school day or accrues unpaid
meal debt, a burden on families and school district budgets. School nutrition professionals can focus on
nourishing students and spend less time on paperwork and reporting requirements.

• Ease sodium, whole grain and milk requirements.
Nutritious school meals already meet Target 1 sodium reductions. Giving schools more time to meet Target 2
limits and eliminating unachievable Final Targets will preserve this progress and ensure students continue to
consume school meals, which include fruits, vegetables and milk. Congress should also restore the rule that
half of all grains be whole grain rich and permit schools to offer low-fat flavored milk.

• Reduce regulatory and administrative burdens.
Overly complex federal regulations divert resources from the mission of serving students and impede efforts
to quickly and creatively adapt meal services during emergencies. Congress should direct USDA to implement
the recommendations of the congressionally-mandated Child Nutrition Reporting Burden Analysis Study and
the forthcoming Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of USDA Foods in Schools.

Page 22 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

DATE: January 17, 2022
TO: Maryland SNA Members
FROM: Mary Klatko, Federal Legislative Chair
SUBJECT: MdSNA’s VIRTUAL State Legislative Action Conference, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

Maryland SNA will sponsor a VIRTUAL State Legislative Action Conference in conjunction with the SNA Federal
Legislative Action Conference. The major objective of the conference is to give members the opportunity to be
involved in our program’s requests to Congress through the national organization’s (SNA) Position Paper. It is
vitally important that members of Congress hear from us. We have an opportunity to have input into the program’s
administration for the next few years. Don’t miss it. Be a part of history.

The Maryland State Legislative Action Conference will be held as follows:

Date: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual Conference via ZOOM

It is recommended that chapters plan to have their President, President-Elect and Legislative Chairs on the ZOOM

call. A special invitation is extended to Directors and Central Office Personnel. For the first time we are
extending the Invitation to the MdSNA Legislative Action Conference to all members because it is on
Zoom at no cost to members. Please consider joining us even if it is just to listen in to the Position Paper
and hear the responses from our Congressional Members or their Representatives.

At 2:00 on March 9, 2022, we will meet as a state team to review procedures to be used when talking to a
congressional office representative. Those who attended the National Legislative Action Conference (LAC) for 3
days prior will brief participants on the issues in the Position Paper. Team leaders will be assigned, and each group
will further detail the points to present when calling their assigned congressional offices. At 3:00 you will be in a
smaller group with a Team Leader to talk to the first Congressional Office Representative and at 3:30 the next
Congressional Office Representative will join your team.

It is requested that all Directors and/or Supervisors prepare the SNA fact sheet (called a “District Profile”) for their
program. Directors will receive a District Profile form as an email attachment that will be delivered with this letter.
Please return it to [email protected] by February 16, 2022. The District Profile will be sent to each
congressional office prior to the scheduled phone calls.

The 2 Certificate CEU’s will be awarded in Goal 2, Advocacy and Public Image, for this activity.

Legislation is vital to our program. As you know, MdSNA has been very responsive to all federal legislative issues
in the past. We have all worked very hard to make sure that our Maryland Members of Congress understand our
programs and the importance of these programs to our students.

Let’s speak to members of Congress as an Association!

PLEASE VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE AT WWW.MDSNA.ORG TO REGISTER TO ATTEND.

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 23

KEEP YOUR COOL. SAVE MONEY & ENERGY
WITHOUT COMPROMISE.
CLeN
G Series
Ventless Conveyor
Refrigerators & Freezers Dish Machine

Premium features like precise temperature tuning, Uses energy efficient
EZ-Clean Gaskets, and rapid temperature recovery heat-pump ventless
come standard. Added benefits, like Traulsen’s technology, combined
innovative top-mounted, front-facing coil system with energy recovery,
ingests less kitchen dirt to save you time and money removing the need
on preventative maintenance. for direct venting while
providing auxiliary heat
RMC Series to the wash tank.

Milk Coolers For more information on these and other
Hobart & Traulsen products, contact:
Traulsen’s Milk Cooler combines
innovation, accessibility, and durability PHONE: 301.762.3710 E-MAIL: [email protected]
for the perfect product that you’ll come
to value for years and years. Low-access-
height design makes this the easiest milk
cooler for students to use and staff to load.
Top-breathing refrigeration is easier to
service and picks up less floor debris.

BETTER SCHOOL NUTRITION STARTS HERE

ABC SerieS V SerieS

ComBi ovens CommerCial
Braising Pans

Designed for simple operation, the Vulcan ABC combi Vulcan’s versatile and dependable braising pans
combines precision humidity control with easy-to-use are seamlessly designed with convenience in mind.
knobs for an intuitive operating experience. Teach By combining the functionality of multiple pieces of
staff in minutes, not days and enjoy the benefits of equipment into one, braising pans enable you to
combi cooking now. braise, sauté, simmer, fry and steam.

Page 24 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 For more information on these and other Vulcan products, contact:
PHONE:
301.762.3710
E-MAIL:
[email protected]

Maryland School Nutrition Association

Cross-Category

School Promotion

Soft pretzels • frozen novelties • churros • breakfast bars • cookies

Item #30185

Item #40409

double triple new Single

Cool School POINTS Cool School POINTS 3000category purchasers

when purchasing from when purchasing from Cool School POINTS

2 categories 3 categories with the purchase of

100 cases or more

minimum purchase of 10 cases per category to participate • qualifying purchase dates 2/1/22 - 5/27/22

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 25

areOmulutri-cthaeleesnetseda,ulcikese you.

The choice is yours to make and theirs to enjoy.

When you’ve got Land O Lakes® Cheese Sauces, you’ve got great taste,
consistency and, most of all, options. Give your students custom
creations that are easy to serve in the cafeteria, classroom or to-go.

• Ready to use and shelf stable
• Long hold time
• Easy to pre-portion into to-go containers

Page 26 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 To discover the sauces that will work for you, visit

K12 .L A NDOL A K E SFOOD SERV ICE .C OM.

Maryland School Nutrition Association

Alan Caraballo K-12 Kathy Backstrom
Director, K-12 Sales Bid Administration

(240) 319-0100 (800) 638-3776
MarylanadlSacnho.oclaNruatbriatilolnoA@ssoacifaftiinonit ysales.com kathy.backstrSoermvin@g Sapfofoinn,iWtyisnatelre2s0.2c2om| Page 27

Page 28 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Mark Your Calendars

May 31

Nominations are due the local chapter/county Food and Nutrition Service designee for:
 Manager of the Year in Honor of Louise Sublette Award
 Employee of the Year Award
 Rhonda Motley Gold Success Award
 Innovation Award

Winners will receive free registration to the fall MdSNA Convention and be honored at our
Awards Ceremony.

County winners will be submitted for nomination of the state awards and announced at the
Awards Ceremony.
State winners will receive $1,000 toward registration and travel expenses for SNA’s next Annual
National Conference.

July 31

County chapter nomination forms due to MdSNA Awards Chair.
Director of the Year nominations due to MdSNA Awards Chair.
Nomination forms must be emailed to [email protected].

October

Awards Ceremony, Fall MdSNA Convention

NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON

WWW.MDSNA.ORG.

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 29

HEARTY BANANA
C H O C O L AT E
CHIP
ON-THE-GO

OATMEAL

CAINPNPALME ON

Introducing Nature Valley™ Soft Oatmeal Rounds

Ready to roll out some grab n’ go excitement this school year?

NEW Nature Valley™ Soft Oatmeal Rounds are an individually
wrapped, warm-able menu item for K-12 schools. They’re perfect for
a filling breakfast, meatless lunch or an after-school supper program.

Parents will appreciate the hearty 32g of whole grains in PACKED WITHWROHLOLLEEDGORAATINS
each serving, and students will love the irresistible flavors:

Apple Cinnamon and Banana Chocolate Chip!

Learn more about Nature Valley™ Soft Oatmeal Rounds and other Maryland School Nutrition Association
school food favorites at GeneralMillsCF.com/K12.

Page 30 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022

WAYPOINT K-12 Ajinomoto Foods Beyond Meat
Fred's appetizers, Bernardi Italian foods, Plant-based burgers, beef, beef crumbles
BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON Golden Tiger Asian foods, Original Chili and sausage.
Bowl and Whitey's Chili, and Posada www.beyondmeat.com
K-12 Mexican foods.
www.ajinomotofoods.com Conagra Foodservice
8th Avenue Food and Provisions Nationally recognized brands such as:
Leading manufacturer of Golden Boy - nut Chobani Angela Mia, Udi’s, Gardein, PAM, Krusteaz
butters, Dakota Growers - dry pasta, and Greek yogurt, Flips, Chobani Drink, and many more. Visit their website for the
Attune Foods - granola, fruit & nuts. Gimmies and plant-based products. full brand portfolio.
www.8ave.com www.chobanifoodservice.com www.conagrafoodservice.com

Butterball Home Market Foods Keurig Dr Pepper
High-quality turkey products including: Premium cooked & processed meats Leading beverage, juice and mixer brands
cooked breasts, breakfast meats, burgers, including meatballs, roller grill items, hot including Clamato, IBC, Mr & Mrs T's,
raw roasts, sliced, and specialties. dogs and sausages. Mott's, Yoo-hoo, ReaLemon, ReaLime,
www.butterballfoodservice.com www.homemarketfoods.com Rose's and Green Mountain coffee.
www.keurigdrpepper.com
Flowers Bakeries La Colombe
An extensive portfolio of frozen bread A variety of canned Draft Latte and cold Land O Lakes
loaves, rolls, hoagies, buns, bagels, TM brew coffee drinks. A farmer owned co-op producing butter
flatbreads and other speciality items. www.lacolombe.com and spreads, cheeses, sauces, sour cream,
www.flowersfoodservice.com and macaroni and cheese. Kozy Shack
Maglio Companies pudding, custard and gels.
Kodiak Cakes A provider of safely-grown, top quality, www.landolakesfoodservice.com
Pancake, waffle & baking mixes, individual fresh produce that nurtures a healthy
oatmeal cups, frozen prepacked waffles & lifestyle. Mars FS-Ben's Original K12 ONLY
pancakes, granola protein bars, and fruit www.maglioproduce.com (K-12 ONLY) Ben's Original brand rice and
syrups. confectionery products.
www.kodiakcakes.com Monsoon Kitchens, Inc. www.marsfoodservice.com
Authentic ready-to-serve Indian cuisine
Lender's including appetizers, sauces, marinades, Pilgrim's Foodservice
Refrigerated and Frozen Bagels chutneys and entrees. World largest poultry supplier offering an
www.lendersbagels.com www.monsoonkitchens.com optimized portfolio under their powerful
brands of Pierce Chicken and Gold Kist
Michael's Bakery Sara Lee Frozen Bakery Chicken.
An extensive bakery portfolio of baked Sara Lee, Chef Pierre and Bistro Collection www.poultry.com | www.goldkist.com
good including cookies and cookie doughs branded high quality frozen baked goods.
and a full line of K12 cookies and bars www.saraleefrozenbakery.com Starkist
under the Bonzers brand. America's favorite canned, pouch and grab-
www.michaelscookies.com Ventura Foods LLC tuna, salmon and chicken products.
Brands with flavor & performance: www.starkistfoodservice.com
Popchips SunGlow, Sauce Craft, Smokehouse 220,
Popped snacks with all the flavor and half Hidden Valley, Classic Gourmet, Marie’s, Wawona Frozen Foods
the fat of fried potato chips. White Cap, Phase and Mel-Fry. Provides the highest quality fruit, fruit
www.popchips.com www.venturafoods.com blends and ingredients to foodservice
operators and chefs.
Talking Rain Beverage Co. Inc. www.wawona.com
Sparkling Ice sparkling water beverages
flavored from natural sources. K-12 only.
www.sparklingice.com

MARY DIETZ PAM THOMAS-BID SPECIALIST PHYLLIS CHRISTOS-COMMODITY SPECIALIST/EAST
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Maryland School Nu(t4r4it3i)o3n56A-7ss2o1c4iation (757)383-7005 Serving Spo(o6n17, )W96i0n-t7e4r728022 | Page 31

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SIMPLOT ROASTWORKS®
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Maryland School Nutrition Association

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Page 34 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 A Lancaster Colony Company All content ©2020 T. Marzetti Company. All rights reserved.

Maryland School Nutrition Association

THTOE CSOEROVLEESFTRWUIATY

GLUTEN 1/2 CUP FRUIT
__________F_R_E_E_ _E_Q_U_I_V_A_L_E_N__T___
SMART SNACK
ALLERGEN _C_O_M__P_L_IA__N_T____
__________F_R_E_E_ 100% RDA OF
VITAMIN C
NO SUGAR
ADDED

1FJ0RU0OI%CZEEN

Maryland School Nutrition Association frootjooceice.com
Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 35

MdSNA IS ON THE WEB:

Supply Chain Disruptions

and

Labor Shortages

All school systems are facing two major problems: description of the Webinar is below:
Supply Chain Disruptions and Labor Shortages. SNA Webinar Wednesday: Supply Chain
The good news is that USDA will not withhold Series - What in The World is GDSN?
reimbursement for meals that don’t meet the Meal
Pattern due to component shortages. You can apply Supply chain disruptions are prompting school
for waivers to maintain reimbursement. districts to begin thinking differently and driving
I saw on the SNA website in the Training Zone under innovation to develop more efficient solutions. One
Goal 2 Operations (which is where you apply your solution is the Global Data Synchronization Network
credit for attending this webinar) that SNA is offering (GDSN) -- an internet-based, interconnected network
a webinar on Wednesday January 12, 2022 on the topic of interoperable data pools governed by GS1 standards.
of the Supply Chain Disruption. The GDSN enables companies around the globe to
I attended it that day and found it most interesting. exchange standardized product master data with their
There was information on changes to Purchasing and trading partners.
Bids using technology that Industry is developing. They I joined the webinar "What in The World is GDSN?
stated that other segments of the Purchasing World are Supply Chain Challenges Made Simpler with
using GDSN, except K-12. The authors selected for Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)" on
these webinars are usually very knowledgeable on the Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 3:00 pm ET to learn
topic and this one was no exception. Webinars are free more about GDSN and how it can help you better
to members. Non-Members would pay $50.00. The address current supply chain shortages.

Page 36 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Continued on next page.
Maryland School Nutrition Association

The Learning Objective of the Webinar are as follows: it on the MdSNA.org Website on the left hand column
1. Identify the root causes of supply chain issues of the Homepage under Webinars On Demand. If you
prepare Bids, you will find this Webinar very interesting.
related to non-standardized data sets and ones that Right now there are 75 Webinars On Demand on a
we can impact. variety of subjects. They also provide credits for your
2. Understand GDSN standards, protocols, and key certificate and spell out the category the topic relates
attributes. to so you are gathering what you need to maintain
3. Identify practical applications and examples of how your certificate. This one was really interesting to me
GDSN data can simplify the activities of K-12 because I was wrote bids for the Maryland Purchasing
operators and other stakeholders. Coop prior to Retirement from Howard County Public
I am guessing you are curious about what GS1 is. I School System. It seems to be the way technology is
was too so I looked it up before the Webinar but it was going to try to help you with the purchasing aspect of
explained fully during the Webinar. your positions and with supply chain issues at the same
GS1 standards, services and solutions are designed to time. There are comparisons made so you know what
improve the efficiency, safety and visibility of supply an appropriate substitution is if the distributor can’t get
chains across physical and digital channels in a wide your specification which can be very helpful.
variety of sectors. They form a business language that As for the labor shortages I wish there was a solution
identifies, captures and shares key information about but I’m sure you are doing everything you can to get
products, locations, assets and more. I learned that help to serve meals to students. Maybe some of your
USDA has adopted this standard for commodities retirees will volunteer to help out if you ask them.
which is another reason you may want to look into this I hope the new semester at school stays in-person and
Webinar. that you are able to get the supplies you need for your
GDSN can now be accessed by going to SNA’s menus and the help you need to serve and deliver them.
Training Zone and watching the recorded version of Have a very good, more normal, tranquil 2022.
the Webinar “On Demand”. You will also find a link to
Happy New Year!
Mary Klatko, MdSNA Webmaster

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 37

Continued from prior page.

SNA is excited announce the all-new monthly membership
campaign, Membership Starts with Me #ISupportSNA.

From August through May, this revamped approach to the Annual Membership
Campaign will have randomly selected winners and prizes each month. This is a
great opportunity to get involved and show your support for SNA and school nutri-
tion – you can also win great prizes!

Monthly campaign prizes include:
• Free SNA membership
• Free Training Zone class
• SNA Shop gift card

To be eligible for a monthly prize, you just need to recruit at least ONE new SNA
member. Be sure that the member you recruit lists you as the referrer when they
join SNA (online or using print application). Winners will be selected through a
random prize drawing each month.* In addition to winning a great prize, monthly
campaign winners will be showcased on SNA social media platforms. We encour-
age you to recruit a new member today!

For complete campaign rules, prizes and materials, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/MembershipStartsWithMe
*Void where prohibited or restricted by law

Page 38 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 39

MdSNA Year inMdRSeNviAew... 2020-2021 Officers Paper particularly the Universal Free Meals for all
President: Terri Smith, SNS students. We had planned an in-person meeting until a
President-Elect: Barbara Harral few days before the meeting when the governor issued
Vice President: Megan Doran, SNS an order prohibiting travel outside of Maryland so we
Secretary: Cherie Cotsonas quickly switched to a Virtual Zoom meeting.
Treasurer: Kathy Kim Fifty Policy Updates were collected by SNA that were
issued between April 2020 and June 2021. They are
Themes posted on the MdSNA website under Federal Legislation
National School Lunch Week: FY 20-21.
“Wild About School Lunch”, October 11-15, 2021 4 members of Congress, including David Trone
National School Breakfast Week: from Maryland introduced HR 5177 “The Schools,
“Score Big - School Breakfast”, March 1-5, 2021 Preventing Hunger in At-Risk Kids Act”which allows
Education students being raised by grandparents to apply for free
Spring Workshop: Be A Leader: No Title Required meals. It did not go anywhere.
USDA issued new waivers addressing Supply Chain
Legislation, Federal Challenges.
There was no Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition SNA signed onto an Allied Letter Urging USDA to
Programs for the last 11 years. They are due to be Grant and Extend Summer Food Service Program
renewed every 5 years. Waivers.
The SNA LAC was held on March 8-9-10, 2021. At FNS Publishes Guidance on Nutrition and Ingredients
the last minute it was made Virtual due to the Covid for USDA Foods.
19 Pandemic. Most legislative aides were working from Cindy Long, longtime friend of SNA, was appointed
home. Administrator for FNS.
The SNA Position Paper contained the following: Legislation, State
• Permanently expand the National School Lunch The General Assembly State Legislative Session ran from
January 13 – April 21, 2021. There continues to be
and Breakfast Programs at no charge to students changes with the new Covid Regulations. There is no
as part of the Educational Experience. This did not longer in person testimony, it’s all done virtually. There
happen but the Summer Food Service Program were six total bills that were put forth in the 2021 session,
continued to be implemented during the school year two of which were cross referenced. Out of all those only
at the higher reimbursement rate and was available two passed.
to all students regardless of their socio-economic
status. Senate Bill 483 and House Bill 264, Solid Waste
• Provide emergency financial relief directly to school Management - Organics Recycling and Waste Diversion
food authorities due to feeding all students during - Food Residuals, MdSNA opposed this Bill with written
the Covid Pandemic. testimony. This bill requires certain generators of large
• Preserve USDA food entitlements and State quantities of food residuals to separate them from other
Administrative Expense (SAE) funds impacted by solid waste and ensure that the food is diverted from
Covid 19. final disposal into a refuse disposal system. An individual
• Reduce Regulatory and Administrative burdens. facility owned or operated by a local school system and
MdSNA held our annual Legislative Action Conference an individual public primary or secondary school are
Virtually on March 10, 2021 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. considered generators of large food residuals under the
We asked Maryland Members of Congress or their bill. The implementation timeline for this requirement
Representatives via Zoom to support the SNA Position is staggered, based on weekly tonnages of food residuals,
beginning January 1, 2023. The bill provides affected
generators of large quantities of food residuals to apply for
a waiver. The Maryland Department of the Environment
(MDE) must establish related guidelines and mapping
systems as well as a plan to implement the bill, as
specified. MDE must issue warnings for violations; after
receiving a warning, a violator is subject to specified
civil penalties. Finally, the bill establishes reporting

Page 40 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

requirements. This Passed without the Governor's signature. offering complimentary membership for 2021.
Senate Bill 223 and House Bill 314 is the Plastic Bag Reduction
Act. This Bill will prohibit on or after July 1, 2022, retail Annual Convention
establishments from distributing plastic carryout bags customers 68th Annual Convention:
at the point of sale. On or after July 1, 2022, only the State may “Charting the NEW Course of Child Nutrition!”
enact a law or take other action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate October 22-23, 2021 - canceled due to Covid
the use of certain plastic bags by establishments. Passed the Roland E. Powell Convention Center
House but Senate never voted. Ocean City, MD
House Bill 069 is the Restrictions for Single Use Plastics. Our on-site convention was canceled this year due to
This Bill States, beginning on January 1, 2022, a food service Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of this, a virtual online event
business will be prohibited from providing certain single-use was held on November 10th to conduct association business
food or beverage products to a customer unless requested. It such as our House of Delegates, recognition of chapter
will require a food service business to maintain a limited supply leaders, voting and installation of new MdSNA officers.
of certain single-use food and beverage products for certain Attendees: n/a
customers; It received an unfavorable report by Economic Exhibit Booths Sold: n/a
Matters Committee and therefore there was no vote. Best Single Booth: n/a
House Bill 373 is the Child Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Best Multi Booth: n/a
Prevention when Hiring Emergent Employees. This Bill was
introduced in the 2020 Session. Authorizing the hiring of House of Delegates
an emergent employee by a county board of education or MdSNA had no bylaw changes this year to approve.
nonpublic school for a period not to exceed 60 days pending
a review of an individual's employment history for applicants Membership/Certificates/Credentials
who will have direct contact with minors. It authorizes a county MdSNA members: 753
board or nonpublic school to share employment history reviews SNA Members: 639
with other county boards and nonpublic schools. The bill Certificate Holders: 266
also 1) alters statutory provisions that specify the employment Credentialed: 32
history that schools are required to obtain before hiring an 100% Membership Schools: n/a
individual who will have direct contact with minors; 2) alters
the definition of “direct contact with minors”; 3) authorizes Awards Presented
a local board of education or nonpublic school to share an Jodi Risse, Anne Arundel County, Director of the Year
employment history record with other local boards of education Joe Baker, Harford County, Employee of the Year
or nonpublic schools; 4) authorizes a contracting agency to MdSNA Program of Work
share an employment history with other contracting agencies; Baltimore County, Tom Burch
5) establishes conditions under which a local board of education Cecil County, Brenda Ream
or nonpublic school may use an employment history review Garrett, LuAnn Klink
completed by a current or former employer; and 6) establishes Harford, Derek Layser
conditions under which a contracting agency may use an Montgomery, Jennifer Wolfe
employment history review completed by another contracting St. Mary's, Kaitlin Fraer, SNS
agency. This Bills was approved by the Governor and enacted
as Chapter 192. Scholarships Awarded
Finally, as a reminder House Bill 315 and Senate Bill 740 Three scholarships for continuing education were awarded.
Maryland Cares for Kids Act passed in the General Assembly Industry Partnerships
Session 2018. This Bill went into effect school year 19/20 Diamond Members: 5
starting with paying $.10 for breakfast and $.10 for lunch for Platinum Members: 4
all reduced-price students. Starting 22/23 school year reduced Gold Members: 18
price students will receive free breakfast and lunch. Although Silver Members: 22
all meals are free at this time, this may be good information for Sustaining Members: 5
next year. MdSNA members: 735
Membership Promotion
MdSNA offered a Superhero Membership Promotion this year
to support our school nutrition workers around the state by

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 41

Networking News
From Around the State

Carroll County SNA significant weather changes in different areas of the
county.
We have been working this year to connect with all We had two very successful fundraisers in the fall
food service managers and employees in all schools. It and were able to make a donation to a local charity
has been a success! This school year we achieved 100% that we have supported for many years. We also
food service staff participation in the Carroll County delivered Christmas gifts to each of our employees.
School Food Service Association, our local chapter. We wanted each person to know how much we
In appreciation of our members, we gave each a School appreciate their hard work and flexibility because it's
Lunch T-shirt that read “Cafeteria Worker because an understatement to say it has been a challenging
Miracle Worker is not an official job title” and a year.
Walmart gift card as a holiday gift in December. We are dealing with the same issues as everyone else
In January we are having our Association Raffle. with supply chain breakdowns and employee shortages,
Tickets were sold for chances to win every day in the but all of our kitchens are serving students and twice a
Month of January. Prizes are local restaurant gift cards week we are delivering snacks and suppers to remote
and designer purses. This raffle supports our student sites throughout the county.
scholarship fund. We are looking forward to LAC and the Spring
The association worked with the Food Service Central Education Workshops. We are also looking forward to
Office to provide $500 recruitment, referral and being able to meet in person!
retention bonuses for Food Services. It has been a tough Stay safe and enjoy each day.
year and we are all working hard to provide free meals
to all students! We welcome our new team members LuAnn Klink, GCSNA President
and appreciate all working in food services. This
bonus is a small thank you for all they do. Take care! Harford County SNA

Sue Arrington, CCSFSA President Happy New Year School Nutrition Professionals!!!
Harford County has been (like many others) facing
Garrett County SNA challenges of food shortages, cost increases and staffing
shortages. Coming up with innovative ways to combat
Hello from snowy Garrett County! We just had our these challenges are what keep us successful and bring
first sizable snowstorm of the winter. We had an early us together as a family.
dismissal and a snow day, and have anywhere from six HCSNA held an in-person technology seminar to help
to twelve inches! Our county is large enough with area our staff be better equipped for our virtual meetings.
of 656 square miles and has an elevation difference of
almost 3000 feet so it is not uncommon for us to have Continued on next page.

Page 42 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Continued from page 40.

Congrats to Joe Baker of Belair Middle School for being awarded MdSNA Employee of the Year.

From Joe: Thank you to everyone! I am beyond thankful just to have been nominated. We have
kicked butt this past year and a half! This award is a reflection of every single person that has
worked tirelessly to provide healthy meals in to kids across the county, state and country! Thank

you again.

Staff learned how to access placing orders, emails, With respect and admiration of all we do!
payroll and other staff resources while not in the Jennifer Tribull, HCSNA President
buildings. We also developed a packet of information
to send out to staff who could not attend the meeting Montgomery County SNA
and for future new employees.
I will leave you with this thought from Kristen Sudzina MCSNA had a sweet ending to 2021 with our annual
our Food Service Director. We are operating under cookie exchange. All current, past, and potential
GRACE… members were invited. Only requirement was to bring
Gratitude your recipe, samples, and an appetite! We enjoyed the
Resiliency pause in our day to take time to relax and talk. We are
Attitude & Acceptance starting 2022 spicy with our chili cook off!
Courage & Creativity
Empowerment Kevin Carifi, MCSNA President

Maryland School Nutrition Association Continued on next page.

Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 43

Continued from page 41.

St. Mary's County SNA

Happy New Year!
We hope everyone is having a happy and healthy start to the year! We are looking forward to a new year, hoping things
start to look up. We started the year off with two snow days which was very fun! Sometimes it's difficult to see through
the stress, but our goal going into 2022 will be to try to help our staff manage and work on their stress. We had a
fun line-decorating contest and our staff came up with some very clever ways to utilize #10 cans and recycle boxes for
decorations! Our winner was Leonardtown High School. They really went above and beyond. We had a very successful
hot chocolate bomb fundraiser last year and we are going to look for ways to possibly do it again for Valentine's Day.
Wishing you warmth and happiness for your new year!

Kaitlin Fraer, SMCSNA President

DO WE KNOW WHO YOUR CHAPTER LEADERS ARE?
PLEASE KEEP US UP TO DATE
BY EMAILING

CHAPTER LEADER NAMES, ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS & EMAIL
ADDRESSES
TO

[email protected]

Page 44 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Dear Maryland School Nutrition Staffs,
We hear your stories about the continuing challenges you
face through the pandemic and we can’t thank you enough

for your dedication, flexibility, and extraordinary efforts
to get meals to kids. Families rely on you now more than ever
and you are truly making a difference in the lives of so many.

You are our heroes and we are here to support you!

Sincerely,
Kara Panowitz and Ayesha Holmes

No Kid Hungry Maryland

Maryland School Nutrition Association NoKidHungry.org Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 45

CROISSANTS AVAILABLE IN BULK, 1 & 2
GRAIN EQUIVALENTS

Made fresh daily in our bakery

Our WG Croissants are
handcrafted, each Croissant

is curled by hand

Made with Ultra Grain Flour, giving
them superior taste, texture &
flavor

Please Contact: Jeri Thornton

[email protected]

WWW.HADLEYFARMS.COM

Page 46 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Maryland School Nutrition Association Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 47

Because your School Nutrition Program Let Gold Star
deserves a School Nutrition Service Provider Be Your Easy Button.

As the largest K12 School Nutrition Service Provider dedicated solely to K12, CALL TODAY.
Gold Star Foods has designed a service system that:
Beverly Looney
» Meets the complexities placed on » Forms true partnerships with Regional Sales Manager
food & nutrition programs schools to help them exceed
nutritional & customer expectations 540.353.8565
» Achieves compliance with a safe, [email protected]
and reliable supply experience
www.goldstarfoods.com
GOLDSTAR BY THE NUMBERS
@goldstarfoods

2400+ 3000+ 8500+
SKUs Eligible For
Commodity Discount School Districts Supported Schools Supplied Every Week

1.6 1.5 $285

BILLION MILLION MILLION

Lunches served annually Fruit & Veggie Meals Per Day Annual USDA Entitlement

083

Page 48 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association

Representing the highest quality food service
equipment and solutions in MD, DC and VA

phone: 703-242-9710
[email protected]

Visit our website: www.esinc.us

Follow us on Instagram: @equipment_solutions

For smallwares, please visit: Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 | Page 49
www.hospitalitysolutionsgroup.us

Maryland School Nutrition Association

Check out foodsafetysolutionsinc.com to learn more and contact
Tricia Fitzharris at 877-235-0177 or [email protected].

All rights reserved © 2020 SFSPac®

Page 50 | Serving Spoon, Winter 2022 Maryland School Nutrition Association