Dear SNAM Members,

It is with great excitement, gratitude, and humility that I introduce myself as your new President of the School Nutrition Association of Michigan. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead this incredible association and to serve the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly every day to nourish the students in our K-12 schools across this state.

First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you. Our association is only as strong as its members, and I am continually inspired by the passion, commitment, and hard work you bring to school nutrition. I am equally grateful to our SNAM Board and area reps, whose leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve help move our association forward. I look forward to working alongside this team and building on the strong foundation that has been established before me.

While I come from a large school district, I want every member to know that I represent all school districts across Michigan, regardless of size. Whether you serve a large urban district, a small rural community, or anything in between, your voice matters. Our challenges may look different from one district to another, but our mission is the same: to provide nutritious meals, support student success, and make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. I am committed to making sure our association continues to recognize, support, and advocate for districts of all sizes.

I also recognize that we have a challenging road ahead. School nutrition is facing tremendous pressures, from financial constraints and rising costs to staffing challenges, looming regulation changes, infrastructure needs, and the ever-changing expectations placed on our programs. Some days, it can feel like we are fighting battles on every front. But I firmly believe that we are stronger together. When we share our experiences, listen to one another, stand united, and work toward common goals, there is so much we can accomplish.

Our association has an important role to play in advocating for our programs, educating our communities and legislators, supporting our members, and making sure the voices of school nutrition professionals are heard—not just here in Michigan, but in Washington, D.C., as well. We cannot be afraid to speak up for the programs we work so hard to operate and the students who depend on them every day.

As we move forward, I hope we embrace collaboration over competition, communication over division, and progress over the comfort of doing things the way they have always been done. We may not always agree on every issue, but we can always come together around the work that matters most.

I am excited for what lies ahead, grateful for the opportunity to serve, and committed to doing my part to make our association stronger. I encourage you to stay involved, share your ideas, lend your voice, and remember that this association belongs to all of us.

Thank you for the work you do, the passion you bring, and the difference you make in the lives of Michigan's students every single day. It is an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to the journey ahead.

Together, we can accomplish great things!

With gratitude and excitement,

Mandy Sosnowski, Your SNAM President