Advocacy and Legislative Initiatives

Welcome to the Advocacy and Legislative page of the Alabama School Nutrition Association (ASNA). We are dedicated to championing the cause of school nutrition and advocating for policies that promote the health and well-being of Alabama's students. Through our legislative initiatives, we strive to create positive changes that impact school nutrition programs across the state.

Our Mission

At ASNA, our mission is to be the leading voice for school nutrition professionals in Alabama. We actively engage in advocacy efforts to influence legislation and policies that support the delivery of nutritious meals to students, fostering an environment where they can thrive both academically and physically.

Legislative Priorities

1. Nutrition Standards:

We advocate for and support legislation that establishes and maintains high nutrition standards for school meals. These standards ensure that students have access to wholesome, balanced meals that contribute to their overall health and well-being.

2. Funding for School Nutrition Programs:

ASNA actively works towards securing adequate funding for school nutrition programs. Adequate financial support is essential to providing quality meals, innovative programs, and professional development opportunities for our dedicated school nutrition professionals.

3. Access to Healthy Food:

We strive to eliminate barriers to accessing healthy food for all students. This includes advocating for policies that address food insecurity, promote farm-to-school programs, and encourage community partnerships to enhance nutrition education.

Get Involved

Your support is crucial in advancing our advocacy and legislative initiatives. Here's how you can get involved:

Legislative Updates

Stay informed about the latest legislative developments related to school nutrition in Alabama. We provide regular updates on proposed bills, policy changes, and other legislative matters that impact our mission.

For specific details on our current legislative priorities, ongoing initiatives, and how you can make a difference, please contact our Public Policy and Legislative Chair Shan Burkhardt at [email protected].

Thank you for joining us in advocating for the health and well-being of Alabama's students through school nutrition.

Built by School Breakfast

Every school day in Alabama, school breakfast fuels learning, supports achievement, and strengthens communities. The Alabama School Nutrition Association is proud to champion Built by School Breakfast — a statewide initiative celebrating the vital role school breakfast plays in building strong students, strong schools, and a strong Alabama.

Thanks to the continued support of Alabama legislators and the $7.3 million in state funding dedicated to school breakfast, more students are starting their day nourished and ready to succeed. On March 4th, we pause to celebrate the impact of school breakfast and recognize those who help make it possible.


Wake Up Wednesday – March 4

March 4th is Wake Up Wednesday — a day dedicated to celebrating school breakfast across Alabama! Invite your local legislators, government officials, Alabama State School Board members and local school board members for school breakfast. Use the invite linked here.

Hats Off for School Breakfast

Students are encouraged to wear their favorite hat to school on Wednesday, March 4th as a fun way to:

  • Celebrate the importance of school breakfast

  • Show appreciation for Alabama legislators who support school nutrition funding

  • Recognize the incredible work of school nutrition professionals

When students wear their hats, they are making a statement: School Breakfast Builds Alabama.

Download the Wake Up Wednesday Student Flyer to share with your schools and families.


Social Media Toolkit

Help us spread the message that Alabama students are Built by School Breakfast.

Our downloadable Social Media Graphics make it easy for districts and schools to:

  • Promote Wake Up Wednesday

  • Highlight the benefits of school breakfast

  • Thank Alabama legislators for their investment

  • Showcase your local breakfast programs

Use the hashtag #BamaIsBuiltBySchoolBreakfast and tag your local legislators to amplify the message statewide.

 Built By School Breakfast Graphics