POTATOES AT WASHINGTON SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

The Washington State Potato Conference (WSPC) has long been a supporter of the Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA). While USDA tried to regulate the amount of potatoes that could be served, these wonderful people wanted to serve more, and we love them for that. They know the importance of potatoes, the health benefits, and that they can keep the kids fuller for longer. This year’s WSNA Conference was held in Tacoma, Washington and this was the first conference post Covid that attained normal attendance numbers.

Three hundred School Nutrition Directors and staff from around the state gathered for sessions and a trade show where, you guessed it, the WSPC is a crowd favorite! We partnered with Chef Brenda Wattles, RDN, who is well known around the nation in the School Nutrition Association. She has created multiple school recipes for us in the past that meet all the USDA requirements, and this year she hit it out of the park with three amazing new ones. A Spicy Thai Waffle Fry because the Asian flavors have been very popular in the schools, a tasty Bacon and Egg Tachos dish for a savory breakfast alternative, and a garlic parmesan French fry as a homage to the Mariners garlic fries. As WSNA is preparing to cut sugar levels down we will see more potatoes on the breakfast menus. Chef Brenda also taught two classes at the event for the directors and staff to earn CEU on Weights and Measures and demoed her garlic parmesan fries to those in attendance.

Many people made it to our booth to swipe the new recipes. Over the years we have created a Resource Guide for our friends that attend the WSNA Conference full of USDA approved recipes and information on potatoes, and where they can purchase the products made for schools. We have them readily available to all the attendees there as well as the always popular potato peeler and additional information on why Washington potatoes are the best and to remind them to continue to shop locally. We also continue to collaborate with Chef Brenda and update our school nutrition page on our website as a reference guide they can use all year long.

To check it out visit WSNA Info (potatoes.com).