NJ School Nutrition Association

🌱 Garden Plate Thursday 🌱

As more schools prepare to launch or expand breakfast programs, thoughtful planning can make all the difference. In her article, Alexandria Caruso walks through key considerations including serving models, staffing needs, menu planning, and required breakfast components.

From cafeteria service to breakfast in the classroom, hot meals to grab-and-go options, the piece offers practical reminders for creating a program that works for students, staff, and school communities.

🔗 Find out more in “Building a Successful School Breakfast Program” in The Garden Plate: https://publications.nyschoolnutrition.org/view/35283965/24/

What’s on the menu today? 🥗🥪 We want to see what’s being served in school cafeterias across New Jersey! 🍽️

📸 How to join in:

- Snap a photo of a school meal tray
- Include a short caption with your school or district name and what’s on the menu
- Email it to [email protected]

Simple, quick, and a great way to highlight your team’s work. We can’t wait to see what’s on your trays this Wednesday—and all year long.

🌟 Member Spotlight Mondays

We want to celebrate the people behind school nutrition across New Jersey!

Share a little about your experience, and the difference you’re making in your district or school community.

🔗 Take a minute to submit your info here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9YI23WjihaYAwBn_Ds77dRyouuMKAulK1gPkY6iOoGf0Fjg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106829872835890983087

📣 NJ Farm to School Procurement Initiative Participants – Important Grant Reminder

If your district participates in the NJ Farm to School Procurement Initiative, please note that the current grant period concludes on June 30, 2026.

If you do not plan to use your remaining funds, please notify NJDA as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].

By providing early notice, you help ensure that available grant dollars can be redirected to local farms and continue benefiting New Jersey students.

🌱 Garden Plate Thursday 🌱

Registration is officially open for the 2026 NJSNA Annual Conference!

This year’s conference theme, Seeds for Success: Rooted in the Community, brings school nutrition professionals together for learning, networking, fresh ideas, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re new to school nutrition or a seasoned professional, the Annual Conference is your opportunity to connect with peers, discover new strategies, explore the exhibit hall, earn CEUs, and grow together.

🔗 Read more in The Garden Plate: https://publications.nyschoolnutrition.org/view/35283965/8/

🔗 Register today: https://nejsna.memberclicks.net/2026-annual-conference

Your voice matters! Senate decisions being made now will impact school meal programs for years to come. Take two minutes to advocate for stronger investments in school nutrition, equipment grants, farm-to-school programs, and technical assistance. Personalize your message and help ensure policymakers hear from those who serve students every day.

Take action today!
https://schoolnutrition.quorum.us/campaign/163250/

📣 Share Your Story

We’re always looking for members to highlight in our Member Spotlight Mondays series!

Tell us about your role, your school nutrition journey, and the work you’re doing to support students in your community.

🔗 Submit your info here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9YI23WjihaYAwBn_Ds77dRyouuMKAulK1gPkY6iOoGf0Fjg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106829872835890983087

Registration is officially OPEN for the 2026 NJSNA Annual Conference! 🌱

Join us November 4-6, 2026 in Atlantic City, NJ for "Seeds for Success: Rooted in the Community" featuring keynote Joe Pettit. Registration is now open for all member types.

We can’t wait to gather with school nutrition professionals and industry partners from across New Jersey for learning, networking, and connection.

Register today!
https://nejsna.memberclicks.net/2026-annual-conference