Urban School Food Alliance

10/19/2026

‼️ IMPORTANT

School meal programs are facing a financial crisis. Meal revenue, including federal reimbursements, paid meals, and a la carte sales, covers just 81% of what it costs to run them. That comes from USDA’s own studies.
 
In a joint letter, SNA joined educators, anti-hunger advocates, health organizations, child-serving nonprofits, and food and agriculture partners on a joint letter urging USDA and OMB to use existing Section 32 funds for emergency financial relief.
 
These funds already exist. This doesn’t take new funding from Congress.
 
13 organizations. One ask. Thank you to every partner who signed: eatrightPRO AASA, The School Superintendents Association American Heart Association The Association of School Business Officials International Chef Ann Foundation Food Research & Action Center FoodCorps National Education Association Natl Farm to School Network National PTA No Kid Hungry Urban School Food Alliance
 
💬 Help us amplify this request: Comment if you’re support schools meals

10/13/2026

📨 Did you know we have a quarterly email communication - The Urban Update? 📨 Just once every three months you'll get updated news, initiative updates, and access to FREE resources from The Alliance! Sign up today - our next release comes out soon!

🔗 Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/3QBxgkD

10/12/2026

Happy National School Lunch Week! 🍎🥗 From October 12–16, we’re celebrating the incredible school nutrition professionals who work tirelessly every day to nourish our students with wholesome, delicious meals. Across the United States, this vital program serves millions of children the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

This week alone, The Urban School Food Alliance’s 19-member districts will serve approximately 18 million meals — a powerful contribution to the staggering total provided nationwide. Stay tuned to hear more from our members’ activities this week!

Thank you to every cafeteria hero, nutrition director, and support staff member who makes it all possible. Here’s to another week of feeding futures!

10/09/2026

🔦 Today we are shining the spotlight on our member district, FCPS Food & Nutrition Services - our incredible hosts for our school site visit while in Alexandria. Our tour took us from the Food Service Center Warehouse to an FCPS High School and Elementary School before ending at the central office for an incredible lunch! A variety of real-life FCPS school lunch options were dished up including: Beef Bulgogi on Rice with Kimchi, Fiesta Vegan Chili, Roasted Apple and Banana Parfaits, and an example of their fresh fruit and vegetable bars in school cafeterias across the district!

Thank you so much Fairfax County Public Schools for being an incredible host! The work you do is essential and we are so proud to have you as members.



Fairfax County Public Schools

10/07/2026

Today we are highlighting our awesome industry partners that were showcased at our Fall Member Meeting in Virginia.

🏆 Special recognition goes to our Vendor Innovation Award Winner: Saavor! 🏆 Saavor is an AI-powered platform built for K-12, collegiate, and institutional food service — from tray to transaction. What makes them special? The AI software and hardware they use can recognize if a student has selected all the components needed to make a reimbursable meal! Now that is a smart use of technology!

A huge thank you to all our industry partners:
Chobani - Chobani
Equalis
Gold Creek Foods - Gold Creek Foods
High Liner Foodservice
Imaginate Your Space - Imaginate Your Space
Ingredion
Novolex - Novolex
National Pork Board - National Pork Board
Red Gold
Sprout CNP - Sprout CNP
Tasty Pizza

Is your K-12 specific company Interested in attending one of our member meetings and showcasing your most innovative products? Space is limited each meeting and is by invite only - get in touch with the USFA team through our website if you'd like to talk with our procurement specialist, Jill Kidd.

10/06/2026

This week, we’re excited to reflect on the memorable moments from our Fall Member Meeting held in Alexandria. A significant highlight was the celebration of our esteemed Executive Director, Dr. Katie Wilson, as she approaches her retirement after four decades of unwavering commitment to the School Nutrition Industry. Dr. Wilson has made an indelible mark, and as she prepares to embrace the great outdoors and cherish time with her grandchildren, we couldn't be happier for her.

The Alliance and its members honored her legacy with a heartfelt gathering filled with touching speeches, thoughtful gifts, and cherished memories, complemented by some delightful photos from her extensive career. Dr. Wilson's passion and dedication have profoundly shaped the landscape of school nutrition, and her spirited voice will certainly be missed.

As Dr. Wilson transitions into this new chapter of life, we wish her nothing but the best. If you'd like to express your well wishes, she will continue in her role as Executive Director until the end of December. Feel free to send a card, note, or favorite memory to our office in Washington, DC:

Dr. Katie Wilson
Urban School Food Alliance
1612 K Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006

Let’s send her off with the love and appreciation she truly deserves!

10/02/2026

What an energizing 2026 Fall Member Meeting! Hosted in Alexandria, VA, alongside our member district Fairfax County Public Schools, school nutrition leaders from across the country came together for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

From AI in school food programs and legislative updates to GPO partnerships, new national business plans for procurement, success stories in summer meals, reducing single-use plastics, and so much more — the conversations were rich and the ideas were flowing.

Special thanks to Fairfax County Public Schools and to every presenter and attendee who made this gathering so valuable.

Watch the 1-minute recap video to relive the highlights and stay tuned for even more highlights from the week!

09/24/2026

Today marked the first full day of the USFA Fall Meeting in Virginia, and it was a great experience! Our members ventured out to Fairfax County Public Schools, where we toured four outstanding district sites: the Food Services Center - Warehouse Storage, Falls Church High School, Annandale Terrace Elementary School, and the Food & Nutrition Services Offices. Each location showcased the innovative practices and commitment to excellence within the district's food service program. 🍽️ We concluded our tour with a delicious lunch that included a selection of FCPS menu items - prepared and provided by the Food and Nutrition Services team. 👏 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts for their hospitality and commitment to supporting our mission! FCPS Food & Nutrition Services Fairfax County Public Schools

09/22/2026

Our Fall Member Meeting is kicking off tonight! We are excited to be in Alexandria, VA with our host district, FCPS Food & Nutrition Services and all of our 19 member districts across the country! Our members show up with new ideas to share and minds open and ready to learn about innovation in K12 food service and they leave reenergized to lead their programs with excellence. Our districts are proud to be members of The Alliance - and we are proud of their dedication to our nation’s children!

09/15/2026

As another school year begins, we’re thrilled to see our outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Katie Wilson, recognized as a Newmanitarian® by Newman's Own Foundation!

Katie’s journey began 40 years ago as a School Nutrition Director. Over the last four decades, she’s become one of the leading experts in school nutrition, serving as Urban School Food Alliance’s Executive Director since 2019. Under her leadership, Urban School Food Alliances has taken on challenges to transform the school food system from Plastic Free Lunch Days, to piloting No Antibiotic Ever chicken in schools, to spearheading a 3-year cooperative agreement on paving the way for better procurement in school districts of all sizes.. and so much more!

👏 Join us in celebrating Dr. Wilson’s extraordinary career! https://bit.ly/46vx4rp

Dr. Katie Wilson has spent 40 years fighting for school nutrition, stronger food systems, and better outcomes for children nationwide.