School Nutrition Association • November/December 2022 • President’s Perspective

YOU’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ A LOT ABOUT DEI (DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION) AND DEIA (WHICH ADDS “ACCESS” TO THE PRINCIPLES) in the pages of this magazine. Articles such as the regular “DEI Matters” column (page 10) are intended to help raise awareness of issues that address how we relate to one another’s differences. DEIA is an important values model that is being explored by individuals and organizations alike. It’s a central part of SNA’s 2021-24 Strategic Plan!

Earlier this year, SNA conducted a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions to learn member perceptions of different DEIA concepts and behaviors as they affect engagement in the Association. In tandem, a DEIA member working group was formed, charged with leading SNA’s efforts in this area, including evaluating feedback, identifying top issues and considering recommendations for meaningful change at SNA.

DEIA also has become a priority for many school districts. As Child Nutrition Consultant for Oakland (Mich.) Schools, I help support DEIA initiatives by leading sessions on ways to create inclusive work environments in school kitchens. I introduce school nutrition professionals to DEIA principles through conversation, activities and YouTube videos (such as “Inclusion Begins with I” and “Talk About Inclusion”).

Participants are often surprised to learn the extent of the cultural diversity of district staff and students. Discovering that dozens of different languages are spoken in one district can be a helpful reminder that each colleague and customer comes to the cafeteria with different backgrounds and experiences. We also explore generational diversity. There may be up to five different generations working in school kitchens, each bringing unique values and perspectives! I ask participants to create a word-cloud together, selecting words that describe a change they would be willing to make at work to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to DEIA values. Words like “listen,” “ask questions,” “compassion” and “non-judgmental” frequently appear in this exercise! I ask participants to hang the completed word-cloud in the kitchen as a daily reminder of their pledge.

What does DEIA mean to you? SNA remains deeply committed to understanding your perspectives as we work to increase the representative diversity of our Board of Directors, national committees, conference presenters and so on to ensure that we reflect the diversity of our membership, including race/ ethnicity, age, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as professional position, district size, geographic location, economic demographics and so on. Let me be the first to acknowledge that as an organization, we have much learning to do, but we look forward to getting actionable insights from you, our members. Here’s to a bright and inclusive future for SNA!