Red Lake School District's Mary Jo Lange Named 2020-2021 President of Minnesota School Nutrition Association

RED LAKE, Minn. (August 4, 2020) – Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) has installed Red Lake School District Food Service Coordinator Mary Jo Lange as its president for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. MSNA is celebrating their new 2020-21 slate of state leaders virtually this year due to a canceled Annual Conference because of COVID-19.

Coming from a district of roughly 1,500 students, Lange will now steer an organization representing roughly 3,000 school nutrition professionals statewide. She will pull from her 16 years of experience in school nutrition to continue to advance MSNA as a source of information for its members, providing them with assistance, training and fellowship. Lange described MSNA as a pathway to certification and credentialing, which can lead to promotions and wage increases for its members. She believes getting involved with the association helped her excel in her career path, making her feel more supported in the world of Minnesota school nutrition.

"I have served on the board under six different presidents and have observed many different styles of presidency," said Lange. "I know the ins and outs of finance, marketing, education, by-laws, policy and procedures, conferences, legislative, membership and all else MSNA does. My hope is to be a president that MSNA and its members are proud of, and I am excited to step up and serve to the best of my abilities."

As of July, Lange started her eighth year as foodservice coordinator at Red Lake School District in Red Lake. Prior to that, she worked at Blackduck School District for nine years, the last seven of which were as foodservice director. She was elected to two terms as MSNA secretary/finance chair and serves on various committees, including the Annual Conference, Industry Conference, Marketing and Executive Committees, as well as the Policy & Procedure Committee and By-Law Committee. She has also served as president of MSNA's Paul Bunyan Chapter 34.

"I have always enjoyed a challenge, and I believe that this year will be a huge challenge for MSNA and its members," said Lange. "I am looking forward to developing new ways to meet the needs of our members and helping to identify innovative methods for training and conferences. I also want the members to know that our dedication to support for them won't change under any circumstances. MSNA is here for them and will continue to be here for them, always."

Lange is also an SNA-credentialed School Nutrition Specialist (SNS), holds an SNA Level 4 certificate, and is a licensed National Restaurant Association ServSafe instructor and exam proctor.

"Each presidency brings about a new feeling of exciting possibilities and ideas," said Sharon Maus, Executive Director of MSNA. "In a year when we are expecting a number of challenges, we are in good hands with Jo Lange at the helm. Her extensive background in all things MSNA and child nutrition will carry us far during this unprecedented school year."

About the Minnesota School Nutrition Association

The Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA), founded in 1956, is a statewide association with local chapters across the state and is a non-profit association of over 3,000 members who are committed to advancing school meal programs through education and advocacy. For more information about MSNA and upcoming events, please visit http://www.mnsna.org.