Legislative Action Conference

Dawn Pully- Bendle Public Schools, SNAM Legislative Chair & Area 5 Representative

Kelly Bolton- Grass Lake Community Schools, SNAM Legislative Vice Chair

Advocating with Purpose: Our Experience at LAC

Attending the Legislative Action Conference (LAC) this year as Legislative Chair for the School Nutrition Association of Michigan was both inspiring and impactful. It was an opportunity to elevate the voices of Michigan’s students, families, and school nutrition professionals—and to remind lawmakers that school meals are essential to the success and well-being of our communities.

Our meetings with legislative aides were incredibly positive and productive. We came prepared not just with data, but with stories—real voices from across Michigan. One of our most meaningful efforts was compiling a booklet titled “Why Free Michigan School Meals are Important.” This collection included 188 entries from students, parents, teachers, and staff across the state. Each message reinforced a simple truth: school meals are not just about food—they are about equity, health, and opportunity.

In addition, we created a one-page advocacy piece called “Shining the Light on School Nutrition.” This highlighted a powerful statistic: 1,338,480 school meals are served daily in Michigan. That number represents more than meals—it represents children who are ready to learn, families who feel supported, and communities that are stronger because of access to nutrition.

To make our message even more memorable, we paired this one-pager with a symbolic and meaningful gift. Each legislative office received a beeswax candle, crafted from honey produced by school bee hives and beautifully etched by students in a technology class at Three Rivers Community Schools in Three Rivers, Michigan. This small but powerful gesture represented student innovation, local agriculture, and the bright future we are working to support.

A First-Time LAC Perspective

As my Legislative Vice Chair, Kelly Bolton, shared:

“Since becoming a member of SNA, I’ve seen how this organization can truly transform both a career and a school district. Attending LAC for the first time gave me the opportunity to advocate directly for the students and communities we serve every day.

Our focus was clear—making free school meals permanent and bringing back the 10 Cent Meal Initiative to support student health while strengthening Michigan’s local economy. More than 850 advocates came together, sharing ideas and challenges, all united by a common purpose.

Even with the challenges of a government shutdown, we continued meeting with legislative staff to ensure our message—and our students’ voices—were heard. Walking away, I felt energized, inspired, and confident that our efforts made a difference. I’m excited to continue this important work for our students.”

Every conversation we had reinforced the importance of continued investment in school nutrition programs. Lawmakers were engaged, receptive, and appreciative of both the data and the personal stories we shared.

As I reflect on this experience, one message stands above all:

School meals are more than a program. They are a promise—to Michigan students that they will be nourished, supported, and ready to succeed.