At Pisanick Partners, we’re always asking one big question: How do we move school meals from compliant… to compelling? On a recent episode of the NutriSmart SNAX Podcast, Maureen sat down with Chef Darren Layre from Gordon Food Service to talk about trends, tools, and taking smart culinary risks in K-12. Chef Darren brings 17 years of hospitality experience and a culinary degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology - but what we love most is his willingness to challenge th

February is Heart Health Month, and the meals served in school cafeterias play a bigger role in student heart health than many people realize. From limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to requirements for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, school meal standards closely align with the American Heart Association’s recommendations. By building heart-healthy habits early, school meals help lay the foundation for lifelong wellness.

How Global Flavors Are Transforming School Lunch Sometimes the most impactful ideas start small. In a recent episode of the NutriSmart SNAX podcast, host Maureen Pisanick sat down with longtime colleague and school nutrition innovator Lincoln Yee of International Food Solutions to talk about how one simple question - “Why can’t schools serve global flavors?” - turned into a national movement within child nutrition. Their story is a reminder that meaningful change in school