ANNUAL REPORT
2024
www.UrbanSchoolFoodAlliance.org
Leveraging our collective voice to impact our students, our schools, our communities, our industry - and beyond. In 2024, with the community of the Urban School Food Alliance, we opened many opportunities to impact the lives of people beyond the 4.2 million children served meals in our schools every day. - Dr. Katie Wilson, SNS, Executive Director
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION
www.UrbanSchoolFoodAlliance.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
contents
Section 1: whAT is THE ALLIANCE?
Letter from Our Leadership
4
About the Urban School Food Alliance
6
Membership Map
8
Board of Directors
10
New in 2024
11
Section 2: USFA in Action
Introduction & Table of Contents
12
Support: Meetings & Trainings
14
Build: Procurement & Progress
20
Influence: Events & Advocacy
26
Section 3: USFA financial RECAP
Our Partners & Supporters
34
Financial Summary
36
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE ALLIANCE?
Letter from our LEADERSHIP
DR. KATIE WILSON
Executive Director
The end of my letter in the 2023 Annual Report left readers with the message that we must act boldly if we want to make transformational change in school meals and throughout 2024 we have used the Power of the Alliance to act boldly and make those changes. I have been in thousands of conversations and focus groups over the years but 2024 was the year of action – bold action . No conversation, meeting, or focus group
was for the purpose of just another conversation. We wanted to make sure there was an action item that came out of every conversation. We tend to speak with like minded people but what can we DO to make a difference? With the community of the Urban School Food Alliance, we have opened many opportunities to impact the lives of people beyond the 4.2 million children
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LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
served meals in our schools every day. Together, we have found the courage to challenge the poultry supply chain for healthier chicken products produced by smaller, regional suppliers; engage in sustainable practices that guide us in reducing our use of plastics and reducing food waste in significant quantities throughout our food service facilities and rethinking the process and role of food procurement in institutional settings. Most procurement rules, including federal, state and local are not written for procuring food, and certainly not high quality, local food in an efficient and effective manner. We have long had the mindset in school food procurement that we have to buy food at the lowest price possible. This low- price perspective has been the sticking point in making real change. The sheer volume of food procured in school food service settings makes us the largest restaurant chain in the county and gives us the ability to create the market we desire rather than being subject to the market we have been given. The Alliance districts alone procure almost 1 billion dollars worth of goods annually – that can allow us the ability to be innovative and create change and, in many cases, the leadership of the Alliance districts trickles down to all school food operations across the United States. Improving the processes for school food procurement also comes with responsibility. As school food service operators, we must ask the questions: Would people want to do business with us? Are we good customers exhibiting good business practices? These are critical to the change we are looking
for. If we put out a solicitation, sign documents that we are agreeing to purchase goods and services and then go back on our agreement – we are not good customers. If we ask vendors to deliver goods and then do not pay them for 30-60 days – we are not good customers. Our responsibility in this business agreement is to understand the other side of the business and take care of the relationships that are made, not just demand the cheapest prices. If we can come together with all stakeholders in school food procurement and better understand the whole picture we can become much better customers, receive top quality services, and bring in fresh, high-quality foods, at a reasonable price, to our students nationwide. In 2024, the Alliance put in a lot of hard work to look at procurement systems and see what needs to be done to improve the overall. We have made progress with nationwide trainings, research surveys to find out what is occurring nationwide, and engaging with all stakeholders in the system. Sustainable and transformational change takes time, but we are willing to lead the work that it takes to get to the goal. One thing is for sure: there is a better, more efficient way to procure fresh, wholesome food for our students. If you would like to help us with these initiatives, please go to our website and donate at urbanschoolfoodalliance.org We need your support to keep this momentum going because 2025 – Here We Come – Leading the way to leverage our collective voice to transform school meals.
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LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
About USFA
The Urban School Food Alliance (USFA) is a data-driven nonprofit founded in 2012 by school nutrition professionals in large districts with a mission to change the landscape of child nutrition. For more than a decade, its members have worked to improve food quality, access, and sustainability in the United States. In recent years their accomplishments include leading plastic free lunch days - supporting our sustainability initiatives, remaining on the front-lines and continuing to serve meals during local and national emergencies - as featured in our award- winning effort, Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation, and supporting monumental change in procurement standards and methods across the industry. USFA leverages this expertise and experience to share evidence-informed practices, make high-quality ingredients available and affordable, and advocate for policies that support programs and students. Sustainable and transformational change takes time, but we are willing to lead the work that it takes to get to the goal. “
MISSION
VISION
To be the leading change agent for advancing high-quality school meals that foster student achievement.
Leveraging our collective voice to transform school meals
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ABOUT USFA
BY THE NUMBERS
MEMBER DISTRICTS 18
MILLION STUDENTS ENROLLED 4.2
SCHOOL SITES 6251
MILLION MEALS SERVED ANNUALLY 697
MILLION SPENT ON FOOD AND FOOD SUPPLIES $932
How it’s DONE
The Urban School Food Alliance operates under the leadership of an executive director and board of directors and is supported by a dedicated team of employees.
USFA STAFF
Dr. Katie Wilson, SNS
Jill Kidd, MS, RD, SNS
Lev Tmanov
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES
IT MANAGER
Jeremy West, MS, SNS
Abigail Okiji
Dottie Arnold, MS, FCSA COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATOR
CHIEF OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
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ABOUT USFA
Working Together:
Seattle Public Schools SEATTLE, WA Member since January 2021
WA
Chicago Public Schools CHICAGO, IL Founding member 2012
IL
WA
PORTLAND Public Schools PORTLAND, OR Member since January 2021
OR
OR
CA
Los Angeles Unified School District LOS ANGELES, CA Founding member 2012
CA
San Diego Unified School District
SAN DIEGO, CA Member since September 2021
TX
TX
Austin Independent School District
AUSTIN, TX Member since January 2021
Dallas Independent School District
DALLAS, TX Founding member 2012
CLICK HERE to learn more about our member districts
NORTH EAST Independent School District
SAN ANTONIO, TX Member since December 2023
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LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
OUR DISTRICTS
New York City Department of Education
NY
NEW YORK CITY, NY Founding member 2012
BOSTON Public Schools
MA
BOSTON, MA Member since December 2017
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA
PA
NY
MA
PHILADELPHIA, PA Member since October 2017
PA
Baltimore City Public Schools
MD
MD
IL
BALTIMORE, MD Member since October 2017
VA
fairfax County public Schools FALLS CHURCH, VA Member since December 2023
VA
TN
GA
GA
DeKalb County School District DEKALB COUNTY, GA Member since December 2019 GWINNETT County School District
SUWANEE, GA Member since July 2024
FL
Memphis-Shelby County Schools MEMPHIS, TN Member since September 2021
TN
The School District of Palm Beach County
PALM BEACH, FL Member since December 2019
FL
Miami-Dade County Public Schools MIAMI, FL Founding member 2012
Broward County Public Schools
Orange County Public Schools
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL Member since February 2017
ORLANDO, FL Founding member 2012
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LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is composed of school nutrition administrators in our member districts and interested professionals from outside organizations nationwide. Their leadership provides direction and oversight to Urban School Food Alliance programming and priorities, and their diverse locations and lived experience ensure that our work is guided by all members and relevant to districts of different sizes and settings.
directors at large
Michael Rosenberger Dallas Independent School District Chairperson
Eugene Bradford
Memphis-Shelby County Public Schools Board Director
Dr. Keith Thomas Ayoob, RD
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Director At Large
Stephen O’Brien
JASON MOJICA
New York City Department of Education Vice Chairperson
Chicago Public Schools Board Director
Troels Adrian
Greater Sacramento Economic Council Director At Large
Aaron Smith
Florence Simpson Los Angeles Unified School District Secretary
Seattle Public Schools Board Director
Dr. Paola Paez, RD
Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs Director At Large
Amy Virus
The School District of Philadelphia Treasurer
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
New in 2024
As the Urban School Food Alliance continues to grow its membership, we are also working to grow our organizational capacity to support members, expand partnerships, and transform the school food system. In 2024, USFA welcomed one new staff member to the Washington, DC office and two new member districts.
Abigail Okiji | Administrative Assistant NEW STAFF
Abigail is a dynamic professional with years of experience as an executive/ administrative assistant, demonstrating exceptional organizational and managerial skills. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a concentration in product and brand management from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of work, Abigail enjoys indulging her creativity, whether it’s through crafting, cooking, or finding new DIY projects. She also cherishes spending time with family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever she can.
NEW MEMBERS
Joined January 2024 Falls Church, VA 182,000 Students 198 campuses
CLICK HERE to read the full story
FCPS is the largest school system in Virginia and the 12th largest district in the United States, serving approximately 188,000 students on 198 campuses.
Joined July 2024 | Suwanee, GA 182,000 Students | 135 campuses
CLICK HERE to read the full story
GCPS is the largest school district in Georgia. GCPS School Nutrition serves 30 million meals each year across all programs, with an annual procurement budget of nearly $80 million.
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NEW IN 2024
USFA IN ACTION
School meals play a critical role in a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom and in the future. The Urban School Food Alliance uses the collective strength of its member districts to ensure that the quality and accessibility of school meals continues to trend upwards. USFA works to showcase the incredible work happening in its member districts, so districts everywhere can learn from one another and drive innovation nationwide. TOGETHER WE SUPPORT SCHOOL MEALS
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USFA IN ACTION
The Urban School Food Alliance and its members work diligently throughout the year to make a positive imapact in school food service. These efforts, while often unnoticed, impact communities, students and their families, and the urban cities they are a part of. Progress takes action, and action takes hard work - something that our members are not afraid of. This is USFA in action. WE ARE THE ALLIANCE
Support: Meetings & Trainings USFA Hosts
14 17 18
USFA Collaborates
USFA Attends
Build: Procurement & Progress
USFA Leads
20 23 24 25
USFA Promotes USFA Changes USFA Engages
Influence: Events & Advocacy
USFA Speaks
26 27 28 30 32
USFA Celebrates USFA Supports USFA Sustains Media Appearances
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SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPPORT: MEETINGS & TRAININGS USFA HOSTS An investment in your board is an investment in your organization! In January the Urban School Food Alliance held its first annual board training event in Chicago. During the week, board members gained new tools and skills to support the continued growth and sustainability of our work. Watch the recap below to hear from USFA leaders about the impact of this development on their ability to best serve the organization and mission.
USFA HOSTS: First Annual Board Training
https://youtu.be/1eXS5m0Og88?si=xsHujln47dX8eGNO
“Board training is an important part of leadership and gives the board the confidence to help lead the mission and vision of the organization.” - Dr. Katie Wilson -
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USFA HOSTS
USFA HOSTS: Two Member Meetings
WINTER MEMBER MEETING
The School District of Palm Beach County hosted our winter member meeting in February of 2024. Our members, staff, leadership, and partners experienced the difference Palm Beach is making by growing school gardens and elevating the student dining experience. These meetings are critical in bringing decision makers together to share and create new school food ideas.
https://youtu.be/TSPSEgjldFQ?si=bXWVQMM1XdCrHhDz
FALL MEMBER MEETING
In September of 2024 the Urban School Food Alliance hosted the fall membership meeting in Chicago, IL. Child nutrition legislative updates and food waste solutions were all part of the agenda. During the meeting we also celebrated the remarkable work of individuals and organizations committed to advancing nutrition and sustainability in school food. Rich Petrone, Regional Sales Manager for Huhtamaki, accepted a recognition award for their historic work with USFA to create and bring to market a compostable, round 5-compartment tray. We also recognized Michael Rosenberger (Dallas ISD) and Stephen O’Brien (New York City Public Schools) for their contributions as members and officers on the board of directors. Both retired from their districts in the fall of 2024. In addition, leadership presented two Innovation Awards - one for a USFA member and one to an industry member.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT GALLERY
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USFA HOSTS
USFA HOSTS: Second Annual Culinary Training
https://youtu.be/2SWURBLBcFw?si=tNrmoMLRsSVgJhex
In April, the Urban School Food Alliance convened a group of school food leaders at The Culinary Institute of America’s Texas Campus in San Antonio. During the week-long event, Alliance members participated in sessions led by top culinary trainers, centered on plant-based culinary recipes and skills. In addition to the sessions led by a chef and registered dietitian, the week was rich with best practice sharing and innovation among district staff. The group represented a diverse mix of school nutrition roles and responsibilities, including district chefs, dietitians, kitchen managers, and training staff. By leveraging their unique perspectives and expertise, attendees co-created solutions that not only produced healthy, delicious food for students, but also resulted in production and procurement strategies that center around sustainability, equity, efficiency, and waste reduction. At the end of the week attendees are equipped with the tools needed to return to their districts to train professional adult peers in their districts. We look forward to the continued growth of this program in the coming years.
VIEW THE IMPACT REPORT FROM THIS TRAINING
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT GALLERY
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USFA HOSTS
SUPPORT: MEETINGS & TRAININGS USFA COLLABORATES
Part of the cooperative agreement between USDA and the Urban School Food Alliance is hosting Team Up Procurement Trainings throughout the country for districts all sizes. Hear from attendees of recent trainings in these takeaway videos.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ W34t8SwzHZc?si=bCT3A9G- K4o0hYHVI
https://youtube.com/shorts/ BXgQ5VUWarQ?si=2k- 90SaW-JHtjV7i-
https://youtube.com/shorts/ m62YKwaG0eo?si=ooXEUb6h- f8b7C1Hz
ST. LOUIS (ACDA)
Utah
BOSTON (anc)
Minnesota
LOUISIANA
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USFA COLLABORATES
SUPPORT: MEETINGS & TRAININGS USFA ATTENDS
SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION: ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SERVING UP SCIENCE
MAY 2024: School nutrition personnel from members Seattle Public Schools and Dallas ISD attended the latest Serving Up Science: The Path to Safe Food in Schools at Kansas State University, led by Urban School Food Alliance Director at Large, Dr. Paola Paez. Staff from 32 districts, 17 state agencies, and UDSA participated in the session. JUNE 2024: Staff from USFA member districts, San Diego Unified School District, School District of Philadelphia, Dallas ISD, and North East Independent School District, attended the June Serving up Science session also held at Kansas State University for Urban School Food Alliance members. The program provides an opportunity for districts to learn from one another on all aspects of Food Safety and engage with experts through lectures, hands-on activities, and facility tours.
While at ANC: After multiple speaking sessions during pre-con, and housing a tour of Boston Public Schools, the USFA team enjoyed meeting and speaking with attendees in the partner pavilion
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT GALLERY
ASAE CONFERENCE
AUGUST 2024: Urban School Food Alliance’s Dr. Katie Wilson and Jeremy West, MS attended the ASAE (The Center for Association Leadership) Annual Meeting in Cleveland, OH to connect and learn from our association peers.
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USFA ATTENDS
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LIVE WEBINAR
Join SDUSD and Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, and a lead author of a ground- breaking study on the eating habits of more than 60,000 Americans. Learn why the study concluded that “schools are now the single healthiest place Americans are eating.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING
USDA PATRICK LEAHY FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM GRANTEE CONFERENCE
MEMBER MEETINGS: AUSTIN ISD
Each month USFA hosts member meetings to discuss news, legislative updates, and share Best Practices among districts.
Executive Director Dr. Katie Wilson and Cooperative Agreement Administrator Dottie Arnold, MS attended the conference and presented on value- based procurement and are enjoying speaking with attendees about their farm to school work!
We are highlighting Austin ISD’s “I love school lunch so much” campaign. This incredibly successful initiative encourages teachers and administrators to participate in school lunch with fun rewards!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
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USFA ATTENDS
BUILD: PROCUREMENT & PROGRESS USFA LEADS
A Pilot Project in K12 Transformational Procurement
Ready Set Launch Video
to Schools Across the USA! 955,550
Pounds of NAE Chicken Delivered
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BOOST THE ROOST
This Project Spanned 41 Months and Four Phases:
RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
READY, SET, LAUNCH
Access the full digital recap of the Boost the Roost Pilot project complete with videos, articles, and resources by clicking the image above. HUNGRY FOR MORE?
RESULTS & SUCCESSES
LOOKING AHEAD
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BOOST THE ROOST
USFA LEADS: USDA COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
YEAR ONE TECHNICAL REPORT: Procurement Practices In School Meals: Making Real Change Work For Healthier Meals This project seeks to improve procurement practices for districts of all sizes in urban and rural areas. As the first year of the Cooperative Agreement came to completion in 2024, all objectives were in progress. The deliverables highlighted in the report will demonstrate the complexity of this project, along with its many achievements during this first year.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE
USFA LEADS: K-12 SPECIFICATION GUIDE
The K-12 Specification Guide (previously Food Specification Catalog) was updated in December of 2024 for a brand new 2025 Edition Release. The K-12 Specification Guide is a resource for school nutrition professionals that includes sample specifications, shares the standards used by USFA, and provides free resources for writing specications for school districts of all sizes. “Specifications are essential to fair, open, and competitive procurement.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE
USFA LEADS: SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Fairfax County Public Schools: The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) team had always been committed to serving students nutritious meals. But alongside the meals, something else accumulated—plastic. Plastic-wrapped cutlery, plastic utensils, plastic waste. Determined to make a change, FNS made the bold decision to transition from plastic utensils to wooden alternatives. Since this implementation in March of 2024, the impact was clear— over 70,000 pounds of plastic saved. A small change in materials has led to a massive reduction in waste, reinforcing the district’s commitment to environmental responsibility. With each meal served, Fairfax County Public Schools continues to set an example, proving that even the smallest changes can lead to a lasting impact—one wooden fork at a time.
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USFA LEADS
BUILD: PROCUREMENT & PROGRESS USFA promotes HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS The Urban School Food Alliance supports serving healthy meals to all students as part of the school day. Good nutrition is just as important to academic success as a bus ride or a physical classroom or a computer! These meals are an investment in the future, giving all children an opportunity to concentrate on their studies instead of hunger. The stigma has long been associated with school meals and once we take that stigma away - we are a step forward in food justice!
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS:
NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
LEARN MORE ABOUT PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES IN THEIR 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Los Angeles unified public schools
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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USFA PROMOTES
BUILD: PROCUREMENT & PROGRESS USFA CHANGES
The Urban School Food Alliance is proud to foster an environment that supports and promotes change that pushes the needle of school nutrition forward. Changes in our districts create a ripple effect that have the potential to impact programs of all sizes.
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Over the past six years, USFA member New York City
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT In 2024, SDUSD made major tech and infrastructure improvements
Public Schools has made tremendous progress in advancing healthy, delicious, and sustainable school food ! Chris Tricarico, the Senior Executive Director at the Office of Food and Nutrition Services, shared his insights on this journey in amny, November 2024.
to modernize operations in their kitchens and cafes. Tech updates included: 200 iPads used as digital recipe books, 25 staff kiosks, 45 Combi Ovens connected to Wi-Fi for easy management, and 15+ digital menu boards.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE TO WATCH SDUSD’S ANNUAL REPORT RECAP
BALTIMORE CITY SCHOOLS
NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Baltimore City Schools expanded its Farm to School (F2S) team capacity by hiring three FoodCorps
North East Independent School District in San Antonio, TX hosted its first annual Summer Feast Resource Fair . The fair held in June
service members, allowing the full team to engage more than 9,000 students directly in programs both at and beyond Great Kids Farm– that represents a 56% increase from SY22! Read more about impact in Farm to School Annual Report SY23-24.
was established so the community could learn about the summer meal program and other community resources in a fun and engaging environment.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FNS ANNUAL REPORT
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USFA CHANGES
BUILD: PROCUREMENT & PROGRESS USFA ENGAGES
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA “As School Nutrition program operators, we wear many hats and often play a critical role in advocating for our meal programs, always seeking opportunities to give voice to our work. When the Science History Institute contacted us regarding a planned exhibit, “The History and Science of Food in US Schools,” we were absolutely thrilled to play a role in its development. The museum curator innocently asked about the logistics of how the food makes its way into our schools. I laughed and asked how far in the weeds he wanted me to go because I had just the thing to answer that question, but it happened to be a two-page flow chart mapping out the path and all the parties involved in the process. A few meetings later, this complex answer to an innocent question was made into a beautiful, simplified diagram digitally printed onto one of our school lunch tables to be showcased at the exhibit. The opportunity has allowed us to share what happens behind the scenes. It gives the public a better understanding of how we operate within the federal meal program while shedding light on the fact that there’s more to our program than just throwing food on a tray. ” - Elizabeth Keegan, MS, RD, LDN, SNS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GALLERY
STUDENT-LED MENUS INCREASE PARTICIPATION: Engaging students in the school food selection process is critical to ensuring menus are delicious, diverse, and representative of the student population. Our members consider this step of menu planning critical to their success and is a regular event throughout the majority of our districts.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JULY 2024
Students in member Chicago Public Schools tasted new recipes to help decide what ends up on the menu. Students tried jollof rice, a blueberry crisp, fruit parfait, cinnamon peaches, and more, and shared their favorites with Chicago Sun-Times.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
Los Angeles unified public schools
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Students in member LAUSD returned to new classes and updated school meals menus. Students and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho previewed options, including whole-grain cinnamon rolls and acai bowls, to pick their healthy and delicious favorites.
JULY 2024
JAN 2024
Member OCPS food show: students tasted potential new lunch recipes like arepas, veggie burgers, and lemongrass chicken chow mein and gave feedback.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
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USFA ENGAGES
INFLUENCE: EVENTS & ADVOCACY USFA SPEAKS
Our leadership team is honored to be a voice at events and conferences throughout the year. Speaking engagements ranged from topics of procurement, challenges and successes, to policy and advocacy for the school nutrition industry.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY FOODS ASSOCIATION Dr. Katie Wilson joined Alicia Powers (Auburn University Hunger Solutions Institute) and Will McIntee (The White House) for a deep dive session on how to reinforce the importance of healthy diets in policy development.
JAN 2024
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
ALASKA SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION Dr. Katie Wilson spoke in Anchorage for the Alaska School Nutrition Association’s 56th Annual Conference. She delivered the keynote address and encouraged members to take steps to improve their programs, reach out when facing challenges, and celebrate wins in the new era for school meals.
JAN 2024
Dr. Katie Wilson represented USFA on the Consumer Federation of America plenary panel in Washington, DC. to answer the questions: “What makes for an effective school meals program, and what can federal policymakers
VIRGINIA SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION
CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA
Dr. Wilson gave the keynote address at the Virginia State Conference following opening remarks from Congressman Bobby Scott.
learn from these success stories?”
APRIL 2024
MARCH 2024
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USFA SPEAKS
INFLUENCE: EVENTS & ADVOCACY USFA CELEBRATES
USFA WINS ASAE 2024 SUMMIT AWARD The Alliance was recognized by ASAE Power of Associations and selected to receive the 2024 Summit Award, the highest distinction for associations, in the Power of Community Support and Engagement category.
https://youtu.be/n6ALpUqpszU?si=S- Rz9QRb0hm6AADjL
https://youtu.be/bY0yfbLGXds?si=ywbvKevYZ- 9b0H-wX
HUNGER DOESN’T TAKE A VACATION AWARD SUBMISSION VIDEO
2024 USFA ASAE Summit Award AWARD PRESENTATION VIDEO
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PODCAST
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE TO READ LEARN MORE
Mallory Reeves, Senior Administrator for Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services, was featured on the NextUp podcast. Mallory shares the innovative practices that are helping Urban School Food Alliance member OCPS Food and Nutrition Services serve more than 250,000 school meals per day.
Seattle Public Schools Director of Culinary Services Aaron Smith recieved the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association - IFMA Silver Plate Award for elementary and secondary schools. The Urban School Food Alliance is proud to have Aaron and our board, membership, and industry are stronger with his passion and creativity.
Member NEISD received the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Turnip The Beet award for summer 2023. This award recognizes sponsors within the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option that go above and beyond program requirements to serve high- quality meals during the summer months, when many children lose access to critical nutrition.
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USFA CELEBRATES
INFLUENCE: EVENTS & ADVOCACY USFA SUPPORTS
SCHOOL LUNCH HEROES
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rosa Parks Elementary students created a beautiful banner thanking the food service team!
School meals are a critical part of our school and food systems, ensuring that every child has access to the nutrition they need to be ready for learning and life. Thank you to all the dedicated school nutrition professionals in our member districts and schools nationwide for their commitment to serving students and creating a healthy, happy environment every day.
NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
USFA celebrated National Nutrition Month with Los Angeles Unified School District at their Farm2School event! The initiative provides fresh food to LA students within 24-48 hours of harvesting. Cafe LA is dedicated to building equity in child nutrition, increasing student achievement, supporting small and BIPOC farmers, and improving the quality of life for all. Great testament to the power and purpose of local procurement!
MARCH 2024
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
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USFA SUPPORTS
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK
NATIONAL FARM TO SCHOOL MONTH
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=u7X4fRKQf2M
NEW YORK CITY DOE
BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Baltimore City Public Schools hosted a live- streamed, interactive tour of the district’s Great Kids Farm for a behind-the-scenes look at our food system. More than 900 students from schools around the world (including 200+ from City Schools!) tuned in. Experience the farm for yourself!
AUSTIN ISD
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GALLERY
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GREAT KIDS FARMS ANNUAL REPORT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2024 FOOD SERVICE UPDATE
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USFA SUPPORTS
INFLUENCE: EVENTS & ADVOCACY USFA sustains
PLASTIC FREE LUNCH DAY Here are a few of the ways that our members celebrated and are working towards a more sustainable school food system. Schools implementing the following strategies keep the momentum of Plastic Free Lunch Day going throughout the country:
Rather than individually wrapping or packaging items, servings are placed directly on students’ plates
Serving vegetables that students can eat with their hands, like cherry
Cutlery kits or utensil packets are kept out of sight at the POS and only offered them to students who ask for them
Planning ahead: Plastic Free Lunch Days are incorporated into school nutrition promotion cycles
tomatoes or carrot sticks
“The Urban School Food Alliance is excited to see the momentum behind PFLD and build on the success of the last two years. Our members are committed to creating a healthier future for students and the environment. The ideas and partnerships that come out of our PFLD events are making USFA districts’ procurement practices, products, and operations more sustainable.”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE BLOG
APRIL 2024
Member NYC Department of Education celebrated Plastic Free Lunch Day alongside Urban School Food Alliance districts and many more nationwide! The latest event built on a movement that started in New York City and has led to 750 NYC schools hosting PFLD every three weeks during the school year, as well as reduced waste and cost savings. NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
NOV 2024
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USFA SUSTAINS
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Member district, OCPS and their students are leading the way to create a more sustainable food system. By making incremental changes to reduce waste, we can have a tremendous impact on the environment.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
OCPS celebrated Earth Day 2024 with a look at the district’s ongoing pilot program to reduce food waste. As of the beginning of this school year, 21 schools participating in the program have composted more than 151,000 pounds of food! The compost is collected, and in return, schools with community gardens can use it to grow new fruits, vegetables and flowers. EARTH DAY 2024
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Member SDUSD has been making efforts to feed students, not landfills, since 2016, through the Love Food Not Waste program. Food and Nutrition Services is partnered with two high school sophomores, Henry Jiang and Kai Trees, to launch a compostable cutlery pilot. The pilot will test biodegradable spork alternatives, including birch, bamboo, and pressed bamboo, for student acceptability and future expansion.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
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USFA SUSTAINS
INFLUENCE: EVENTS & ADVOCACY MEDIA APPEARANCES
DALLAS INDEPENDENT
CLEAN-LABEL, NO ANTIBIOTIC EVER CHICKEN PILOT MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Guardian, February, 2024: She wanted to make a chicken sandwich with fewer chemicals for schoolkids. How hard could it be? Up against rising costs, supply chain issues, and regulatory restrictions, USFA set out to create a healthy, accessible product. Dr. Katie Wilson spoke with The Guardian to share the full story and our vision for the future of school food procurement.
D Magazine, August, 2024: The Hardest Working Cooks in Dallas D Magazine shared the stories and faces of school nutrition professionals in Dallas ISD. “We’re coming to work every day,” she says. “I see the faces of the kids, and we talk to them, and they come talk to me sometimes. I really enjoy that.” But the work isn’t always easy. “It takes energy and strength to get everything prepared. And you have to set up, clean up, and get ready for the next bunch.” - Lessie Dixon, Alex W. Spence Talented/Gifted Academy. Credit: Bethany Erickson, D Magazine
“
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
Food Service Director, April, 2024: How Executive Chef Trina Nelson is bringing culinary excellence to Dallas ISD “Where do I sign up?’ Her first job with the
district was a dual central kitchen manager and executive chef role where she managed production at the district’s 153,575 square-foot centralized kitchen.” - Chef Trina Nelson
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
32
MEDIA APPEARANCES
USFA SELECTED FOR NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION GRANT
The Urban School Food Alliance values this new partnership with Newman’s Own Foundation and is very grateful for their support. With this funding, we plan on introducing new relationships between local producers and school nutrition procurement personnel across the country, enabling even more fresh, local food to be served in schools.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE COVERAGE ON 4 WASHINGTON
Interested in featuring the Urban School Food Alliance, or one of our member districts, in your news outlet? Contact us at: press@UrbanSchoolFoodAlliance.org
Read more stories like these online at The USFA Resource Center - your source for best practices, bid standards, district meetings, professional development and so much more.
33
MEDIA APPEARANCES
USFA FINANCIAL RECAP
YOU FUEL OUR CONTINUED WORK
The work that we do is not possible without the support and expertise of organizations that share our mission. This year has brought continued challenges to school nutrition, as programs navigated regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and funding strains. Through the continued generosity of our funding partners, the Urban School Food Alliance has been on the front lines of these national issues.
34
FINANCIAL RECAP
GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
The Urban School Food Alliance is grateful to the following organizations for their generous contributions that help us drive transformative change in school cafeterias across the country:
Another thank you to the many individuals who have offered us support in important ways, including through direct donations. We appreciate you for championing school nutrition programs in your communities and across the country. Looking for new opportunities to give back this year? We invite you to explore the convenient, tax- deductible options and select a method of giving that best fits your needs. Any amount will help the Urban School Food Alliance create research and resources that transform food systems and change the lives of families nationwide!
CLICK HERE to donate today!
35
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
ASSETS
2023
2024*
Bank Assets
$1,017,263
$1,435,855
Accounts Receivable
$68,800
$96,745
Other Current Assets
$129,016
$128,268
Total Assets
$1,215,079
$1,660,868
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable and Accrued Interest
$36,734
$8,892
Deferred Revenue
$171,000
$171,000
Total Liabilities
$207,734
$179,892
EQUITY
Unrestricted Net Assets
$905,790
$1,054,421
Restricted Revenue
$101,555
$301,555
Total Equity
$1,007,345
$1,355,796
Total Equity and Liabilities
$1,215,079
$1,535,868
*unaudited
36
FINANCIAL POSITION
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
info@urbanschoolfoodalliance.org
Urban School Food Alliance
Urban School Food Alliance
@urbanschoolfoodalliance
@urbanschoolfood
@UrbanschoolfoodallianceOrg
37
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
www.UrbanSchoolFoodAlliance.org
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