ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Minnesota School Nutrition Association’s (MSNA) 68th Annual Conference began Sunday at Rochester’s Mayo Civic Center. According to the organization, this is the largest school nutrition event in Minnesota, which will take place until Wednesday.
“The MSNA Annual Conference provides an excellent opportunity for school nutrition professionals to share best practices and connect with industry partners who support our programs,” MSNA President Emily Malone said. “These collaborations are essential as we prepare for the new school year.”
MSNA expected a total of more than 500 school nutrition professionals to gather at the conference. Malone said the event is an educational opportunity for the professionals to help strategize healthy meals for children’s growth and well-being.
“We believe and we know that hungry kids cannot learn,” she said. “Children are often eating their most healthy meals with us twice a day. We have free meals for kids in Minnesota, so we do a free breakfast for all students and a free lunch for all students.”
With Minnesota being an agricultural state, Malone explained many school districts have robust farm-to-school programs. She said, “We are bringing food right from our local farmers and serving them to students. We really believe that it is important to teach kids where foods come from and help them be adventurous eaters so that they can have lifelong healthy-eating habits.”
On Tuesday, the conference will feature the largest school nutrition exhibit show in the Midwest. This event will have 160 vendors, including Minnesota-based K-12 food manufacturers and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Attendees will sample low-sodium entrées, plant-based and lean protein options, whole-grain items, and creative recipes designed to increase fruit and vegetable intake.
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