West Michigan Food Service Directors Meeting Gabby Cooney, MSU Dietetic Intern Jenison and Hudsonville Public Schools 2/3/26 Foodservice Directors from all over West Michigan gathered at West Ottawa High School to discuss the development and improvement of school meal programs. Healthcare Procurement Solutions (HPS) a group purchasing organization, presented on a recently updated system to assist schools with getting new products. The Contract Analysis Tool (CAT), is an on

Burnt Ends By Mandy Sosnowski SNAM President Elect Food Service Director, Utica Community Schools The cold, boring part of the year is upon us. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about new food items for the next school year. But what do they want? What will they eat? What is even out there!? Sounds like it’s time to do some food sampling! For those of you that may have never done this before, it may be daunting. A great place to start may be remembering those items you

By Mary Darnton, SNS Food Service Director Jenison & Hudsonville Public Schools On November 10-13, 2025 the annual MDE-SNAM Conference and Exhibit Show was held in Battle Creek, Michigan at the newly-renovated Battle Creek Doubletree and Kellogg Arena. This conference welcomes Child Nutrition professionals, State Agency staff, and Industry Partners together for 3 days of networking, knowledge, and fun. Thursday November 6: Pre-Conference Day Pre-Conference Sessions offer