SNF Launches LEAD to Succeed™ Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner

703-576-7526

media@schoolnutrition.org

SNF Launches LEAD to Succeed™ Initiative

2021-02-17

USDA-funded training provided free to all school nutrition professionals 

ARLINGTON, VA – The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has launched the LEAD to Succeed^TM Initiative, a professional development program made possible through a $2 million grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service. SNF developed the training program working with a team from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and other partners. 

The initiative addresses critical workforce development needs, helping school nutrition professionals Learn, Educate, Advance and Develop. Online trainings and resources will be available to all school nutrition professionals free of charge through the SNA Training Zone. The training will consist of two series, designed for both virtual and in-person use: 

• Series 1: Communication for Impact (4 modules, 12 training hours) 
• Series 2: Leadership Growth (3 modules, 9 training hours, to be released in 2022) 

Participants can register today for “LEARN to Master Difficult Conversations,” the first of four self-paced training modules in the Communications for Impact Series. This module is led by Georgetown University professor and communications expert Jeanine Turner, Ph.D. and includes animated case studies to engage participants. Additional modules will be released throughout the year and will include in-person training, training for trainers and peer-sharing, as pandemic restrictions are lifted. LEAD to Succeed^TM participants can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to count toward USDA’s annual Professional Standards requirements for school nutrition personnel.  

“The LEAD to Succeed^TM initiative will give school nutrition professionals across the country the opportunity to build their communication and leadership skills, improve their programs and strengthen their school nutrition teams,” said SNA/SNF CEO Patricia Montague, CAE. “SNF is proud to have led this partnership to support school nutrition professionals to the benefit of the students they serve each day.” 

LEAD to Succeed^TM partners include Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business,Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE), National Dairy Council (NDC) and School Nutrition Association (SNA).  

The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is an independent 501(c) (3) and the charitable arm of the non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA). Since1964, SNF has supported school nutrition professionals nationwide through scholarships, research and professional development programs.