The newest version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released last week, prompting many to ask how it may impact school nutrition programs. A highlighted recommendation of the new guidelines is an increased emphasis on the consumption of ‘real food’ and a reduction in processed, especially ultra-processed, foods that contain refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives. Long before the release of these guidelines, we b

School nutrition does not exist in a vacuum. It lives at the intersection of family habits, school culture, access, timing, and trust. In a recent episode of the NutriSmart SNAX podcast, host Maureen Pisanick sat down with board certified pediatrician Dr. Sara Adams to talk about what really helps children build healthy relationships with food and movement, both at home and at school.

Why Leadership and Connection Matter Just as Much as the Menu At Pisanick Partners, we love professional development that is hands on, practical, and immediately useful. We love culinary trainings. We love writing recipes, building cycle menus, and helping schools navigate USDA approved software systems. We love the nuts and bolts of school nutrition. But here is the truth. A menu cannot succeed without the people behind it. This post explores why school nutrition professiona

School nutrition is more than meals, it’s a movement rooted in community, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves access to wholesome, nourishing food. Maureen sat down with long-time partner and local food systems leader Dave Sokoll , Executive Director of the Forest City Food Collective , to explore how passion, purpose, and people continue shaping local food in schools and beyond. Honoring the OG of Local Food Systems From the moment Dave joins the conversation,

School breakfast programs are facing new challenges - from reducing added sugars to meeting rising student expectations for meals that feel fresh, fun, and familiar. In a recent conversation on the NutriSmart Snax  podcast, Maureen Pisanick sat down with Jan Diamond from the American Dairy Association Mideast to explore how dairy continues to play a powerful, evolving role in nourishing students and supporting school nutrition teams. For more than two decades, Maureen and Jan

Live from the ASBA Capital Conference At the ASBA Capital Conference in Columbus, we spent two days surrounded by school district leaders - superintendents, treasurers, board members, and so many familiar faces. It felt less like a conference and more like a family reunion. Our shared goal? Supporting the people who make schools work. For this special edition of the NutriSmart SNAX Podcast , we sat down with two of my favorite collaborators and longtime colleagues - Phil Herm

Episode 12 of the NutriSmart SNAX Podcast  featured a lively conversation between our co-founder, Maureen Pisanick, RDN, LD , and Marisa Seitz , RDN, LD Education Specialist at Gordon Food Service (GFS) —and a former school food service director herself. Together, they explored how collaboration, communication, and creativity drive success in school nutrition programs. From the Director’s Seat to the Distributor’s Side Marisa’s story comes full circle. “I always said I wasn’

At Pisanick Partners, our mission is simple but powerful: Wholesome Meals Fueling Healthy Lives. Behind every school menu item, there’s a process—one that blends creativity, compliance, and collaboration. In a recent conversation with our team’s newest partner, Alana Hansen, we explored exactly how a recipe goes from a spark of inspiration to a meal enjoyed by students.

Whether you're a devoted fan of The Bear or not, as child nutrition leaders we often look to fast casual or “food away from home” trends to spark new ideas in our school cafeterias. But just like behind the scenes of The Bear, it’s not all roses and sunshine behind those back-of-house doors.

When it comes to wholesome meals fueling healthy lives, local food  plays a big role. In a recent conversation with Ali Guzik , Program Manager for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and leader of Feed Our Future , we explored how her team connects schools, farmers, and communities to put fresh, local food on students’ trays. What Is Feed Our Future? Feed Our Future is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring young minds to make mindful choices about what they eat. They connect sc

Get ready to “Taste the World” during National School Lunch Week 2025! From October 13–17, schools can turn their cafeterias into global gateways—complete with student passports, international menus, and cultural celebrations. This fun, educational week helps students explore new cuisines, embrace diversity, and discover how school meals bring the world to their plates.

At Pisanick Partners’ Nutritious Smart Snacks  podcast, we’re all about connecting passion with purpose - and this episode is a shining example. Host Maureen Pisanick sat down with two inspiring women - Terry Thomsen from The Pizza Bagel Lady Company  and Megan McDonald from DoughGo’s - to talk about how their locally made products are transforming school menus and inspiring healthier eating habits for students. From Retail to Purpose-Driven School Nutrition Terry’s journey

In the fast-paced world of school nutrition, menu planning requires more than just meeting regulations—it’s about creating meals students love, optimizing kitchen workflows, and staying within budget. At this year’s Innovation Academy , host Maureen Pisanick  sat down with long-time industry leaders Pam Reitz  and Phyllis Brannon  to talk about fresh product ideas, smart ingredient strategies, and ways to stretch resources without sacrificing quality. Fresh Ideas from the Sho

In the world of school nutrition, balancing flavor, creativity, and cost-effectiveness is no small feat. Recently, Maureen Pisanick sat down with two industry powerhouses— Lola Deer  of Simplot and Holly McGarry  of Acxion—to share practical tips, fresh ideas, and plenty of foodie inspiration for school meal programs. Meet Our Guests Lola Deer  blends Nigerian heritage with Midwestern roots, creating a culinary style she describes as hometown cooking with a West African spice

GFS experts Elena Buist & Chip Gregory share how schools can navigate clean label trends, Buy American compliance, and menu transparency with smart communication and technology.