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,

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.

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