Welcome back MSNA members! I invite you to join me this 2009-2010 school year to commit to being a change agent. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.  Concentrate and focus on things that truly matter and surround yourself with people that inspire you. Many of you have continued to motivate me with your outstanding programs and innovative ideas. I will always be grateful for this opportunity to serve MSNA and you as champions for children in Mississippi.

My career now spans thirty-four years in education with seventeen years in nutrition and each morning I continue to wake up refreshed and thankful with a purpose to improve our conditions and encourage others to give their best. That is why our 2009 conference theme “Making a world of difference, one meal at a time” reminds us of the importance of what we do.  Whether we are serving nutritious meals to our kindergarten babies or to our anxious graduating seniors, it should be done with the goal of perfection because we know that each meal truly does make a difference to each child and to every staff member involved in preparing and serving that meal.

Our association affords us many opportunities to come together to be engaged with current challenges facing our programs and to find solutions to these pressing issues. The expertise willingly shared by members through networking, equips us to improve and grow our programs for the betterment of our communities. Have you ever thought of the void our careers would have without MSNA? Wouldn’t that be a tragedy? I am so proud of our members and the strong leadership we exhibit as we unite to strengthen our programs!

We are currently challenged by stretched budgets, increasing food/supply cost, implementing new nutritional standards, special needs restrictions, declining or increasing enrollments, aging equipment/facilities, obesity issues and championing the causes of health and wellness throughout our communities. Let us be constantly reminded to remain focused on nourishing children’s bodies and minds. Over the last two decades, rates of obesity have tripled in children and adolescents. Diseases that use to be seen only in adults are now occurring in children. We have our work cut out for us……but what an awesome and noble work it is! Continue telling your stories of how child nutrition programs help children thrive and attain academic success. Our programs must be strengthened-not diminished- to continue to provide a strong future for our children. Through MSNA, we are enriching lives.   Let’s keep stepping together, becoming that change we want to see in our world. “Making a difference in the world, one meal at a time!”

Sincerely,
Stephanie Hoze, MSNA President 2009-2010