WASHINGTON POTATOES SHINE ONCE AGAIN AT WSNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Always an attendee favorite, the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) made a significant impact at the Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA) Annual Conference, showcasing the versatility and nutritional value of Washington-grown potatoes. This year, WSPC's presence was marked by a fun and vibrant booth at the trade show, where they engaged with WSNA Foodservice Directors from across the state.

At the booth, WSPC provided essential information on how to order Washington potato products, offering foodservice recipes specifically tailored for schools. These efforts aimed to ensure that Washington potatoes continue to be a staple in school meal programs, providing students with nutritious and locally-sourced options.

The culinary highlights of the event were new recipe creations by the renowned Chef Brenda Wattles, RDN. Chef Brenda, well-known and respected in the industry, crafted a range of innovative dishes that captivated attendees. Her creations included a hearty breakfast hash, flavorful Asian Street Fries, and three unique seasonings and sauces designed to enhance the potato products used in schools. These recipes not only showcased the versatility of potatoes but also provided school foodservice directors with fresh ideas to incorporate into their menus.

In addition to the booth and culinary offerings, the conference featured insightful presentations by Erin Green, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, from Erin Green Racing & Nutrition. Erin delivered two compelling presentations titled "Powering Champions: The Potato Advantage in School Meals for Student Athletes." Her sessions highlighted the nutritional benefits of potatoes in supporting athletic performance among students. Following each presentation, participants had the opportunity to taste Chef Brenda's Asian Street Fries, which quickly became a favorite among attendees.

Overall, WSPC's participation in the WSNA Annual Conference was a resounding success, reinforcing the role of Washington potatoes in school nutrition and demonstrating the Commission's commitment to promoting healthy and delicious meal options for students.