At Pisanick Partners, we often say hosting interns is our way of paying it forward . Mentorship isn’t just something we do - it’s part of who we are. This month, we had the joy of sitting down with one of our standout interns, Emma Nemecek from Kent State University, to reflect on her experience in school nutrition. What unfolded was a powerful reminder of why investing in the next generation matters so much. Unexpected Paths: Discovering School Nutrition with an Internship L

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.

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