California School Nutrition Association

What California School Nutrition Association does

California School Nutrition Association (CSNA, DBA CalSNA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered at PO Box 11376, Burbank, California. It serves school nutrition professionals — directors, supervisors, managers, and staff working in California K-12 public and private school food service — through continuing education, SNS credentialing preparation, scholarships, a mentor program, and a network of 25+ chapters organized across 8 geographic areas (Northern, Central, and Southern California). The association is the California state affiliate of the national School Nutrition Association (SNA), and maintains a parallel Industry Member segment (manufacturers, equipment companies, distributors, brokers, consultants) that gains access to school nutrition decision-makers through sponsorships and conference trade shows.

CSNA's product surface is event- and program-led rather than software-led. Its three annual flagshhips are the Annual Conference (the 74th edition scheduled for November 11-14, 2026 in Long Beach, expected to draw 1,000+ attendees), the Legislative Action Conference (April 4-6, 2027 at Hyatt Regency Sacramento, focused on direct legislator engagement), and the Child Nutrition and Industry Summit (May 3-5, 2026 at JW Marriott Desert Springs). Supporting offerings include a PoppySeeds quarterly newsletter, an online Industry Marketplace directory with 72+ vendors, a job board, a Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) school-club program for K-12 students, and resources for nutrition standards, recipes, Farm to School, and marketing. The underlying technology stack is a conventional association management platform with a member-only portal, online registration, and the third-party Quorum platform powering legislative action. No proprietary software, AI/ML products, patents, or APIs are disclosed.

Revenue is generated across four streams documented in the input: recurring membership dues (regular members and industry members, priced as a subscription-style annual fee), conference and summit registration fees priced by membership status, tier, and timing (Annual Conference tickets range $475-$625, Legislative Action Conference $299-$499), corporate sponsorships and advertising (President's Party, conference, and PoppySeeds packages — General Mills, Kellanova, GoldStar Foods, Producers Dairy, Don Lee Farms, Ardella's, Buena Vista Foods, and others are recurring sponsors), and scholarship/award program administration. Governance is by an elected volunteer Board of Directors (President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, plus directors and 8 Area Coordinators) supported by a small paid staff led by an Executive Director (CAE credentialed).

Name

California School Nutrition Association

Legal name

California School Nutrition Association

Website

https://calsna.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

California School Nutrition Association (CalSNA) is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association serving California's K-12 school nutrition workforce through conferences, credentialing, advocacy, and a 25+ chapter network under the national School Nutrition Association.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Meal Program Compliance & Administration (NSLP/SBP, Reimbursements) (EDAEAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

School Feeding & Child Nutrition Programs (BPADAJAD), Food & Nutrition Assistance Programs (BPAIAKAF), School Feeding & Social Protection Partnerships (Conditional Cash Transfers, etc.) (EDADALAL), Food Services Administration (Meal Eligibility, POS, Nutrition Compliance) (EDAJAHAJ)

Keywords

• Professional association services
• School nutrition programs
• Membership association
• Continuing education credentialing
• Legislative advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Burbank

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from regular members (school nutrition professionals) and industry members (vendors, suppliers, service providers to school food service)
2. Conference Registration: Registration fees for Annual Conference, Legislative Action Conference, and Industry Summit events. Pricing varies by membership status and early-bird timing.
3. Sponsorships and Advertising: Corporate sponsorships at conferences and trade shows, advertising in PoppySeeds newsletter, and NAC sponsorship opportunities.
4. Scholarships and Awards: Various scholarship programs including Josephine P. Morris Scholarship, Audrey Melikian Scholarship, and Graduating High School Senior Scholarship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels15 records

Core offering

California School Nutrition Association is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association that delivers member services to California school nutrition professionals and industry partners. Its core offerings include annual conferences and advocacy events, continuing education and credentialing support (SNS), scholarships and awards, a mentor program, a regional chapter network, a vendor marketplace directory, a job board, and nutrition/Farm to School resources.

Product overview

California School Nutrition Association (CalSNA) operates as a professional membership organization offering a suite of member services rather than a software product. The core offerings include annual conferences and events (74th Annual Conference, Legislative Action Conference, Child Nutrition and Industry Summit), professional development programs with CEU credits, a mentor program connecting experienced directors with new leaders, scholarship and award programs, a job board for the school nutrition profession, and the Industry Marketplace directory connecting members with vendors. The association also provides resources including nutrition guidance, marketing tools, farm-to-school support, standardized recipes, and a Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) student program. Regional chapters across California facilitate local networking and professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Annual Conference Annual professional conference bringing together 1,000+ school nutrition professionals for educational sessions, networking, exhibits, trade show, and awards. Scheduled for November 11-14, 2026 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
• Legislative Action Conference Annual advocacy conference in Sacramento where members meet with California legislators to influence child nutrition policy and funding. Scheduled for April 4-6, 2027 at Hyatt Regency Sacramento.
• Child Nutrition and Industry Summit Annual summit facilitating collaboration between industry members and child nutrition leaders on topics of mutual interest. Scheduled for May 3-5, 2026 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, CA.
• Continuing Education (CEU) Programs Professional development programs offering continuing education units through in-person courses, online classes, webinars, and chapter meeting attendance. Includes credentialing preparation for SNS through School Nutrition Association.
• Mentor Program Partnership program pairing experienced food service leaders with new directors for guidance, support, and leadership development.
• Industry Marketplace Directory Online searchable directory of 72+ industry suppliers and service providers categorized by equipment, food supplies, and products/services to help members find vendors for school nutrition programs.
• Job Board Online job posting service for directors, supervisors, managers, staff, and other positions in school nutrition programs.
• PoppySeeds Newsletter Quarterly digital newsletter published by CSNA providing updates on association activities, legislative news, and industry information to members.
• Regional Chapters Network Network of 25+ affiliate chapters organized by 8 geographic areas across California providing local networking, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) School-based student clubs that bring K-12 students together to learn about nutrition and promote healthy eating, with annual conferences, art contests, and leadership activities.
• Farm To School Program Subcommittee initiative advancing farm-to-school efforts connecting students, schools, and communities through local food systems, including school garden resources, nutrition education, and regional farm partnerships.
• Scholarships and Awards Member benefit programs including Josephine P. Morris Scholarship, Audrey Melikian Scholarship, Graduating High School Senior Scholarship, Director of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Manager of the Year awards.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1000+ school nutrition professionals at Annual Conference
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• School Nutrition Association (SNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational affiliation with School Nutrition Association, the professional organization for school nutrition at the federal level. CSNA members have access to SNA resources including credentialing programs (SNS), certification, national conferences, Tuesday Morning legislative updates, and advocacy tools.
• California Department of Education (CDE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDE is a key partner providing updates on nutrition programs, competitive foods guidance (SNP-04-2025, SNP-05-2025, SNP-06-2025), Farm to School resources, and Child Nutrition Programs Course Catalog. CDE representatives speak at CSNA conferences.
• Long Beach Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for the 74th Annual Conference (November 11-14, 2026) at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
• Hyatt Regency SacramentocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConference hotel for 2027 Legislative Action Conference (April 4-6, 2027) at 1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Conference rate: Single/Double $239/night + tax
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & SpacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue and hotel partner for 2026 Child Nutrition and Industry Summit (May 3-5, 2026) at 74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Rate: $289/night + $20 resort fee
• Ardella'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Buena Vista FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Don Lee FarmsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Food Safety SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• General MillsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• GoldStar FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Integrated Food ServiceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• KellanovaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Los CabosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• ProReps WestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Producers DairyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• WawonaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• Wild Mike's Ultimate PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident's Party Sponsor - provides sponsorship support for CSNA events
• CA Beef CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConference Co-Sponsor for 74th Annual Conference 2026
• California Department of EducationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConference State Sponsor for 74th Annual Conference 2026
• Shehadey FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMentor Program lead Patrick Kelly affiliated with Shehadey Foods
• National Farm To School NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting Farm to School initiatives and resources shared with CSNA members
• USDA Team NutritioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA program providing Farm to School resources, garden resources, and grant programs referenced by CSNA Farm To School subcommittee
• CA Farm to School Incubator Grant ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture program providing grant opportunities for Farm to School initiatives
• Dairy Council of CaliforniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides nutrition education resources including dairy agriculture literacy programs referenced at CSNA events
• CA Beef CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides K-12 nutrition education resources and support for school meal programs

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Heart Association: Major national advocacy organization with school nutrition and child wellness programs. Competes for advocacy attention and corporate sponsorship dollars in the school nutrition policy space.
• School Nutrition Association: The national-level professional association for school nutrition, of which CSNA is a state affiliate. Directly comparable in mission, membership model, and advocacy focus, but operates at federal level with broader scope.
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Larger professional association for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) — a credential held by several CSNA board members. Adjacent in audience and serves overlapping professional development needs.

Emerging players

• Action for Healthy Kids: National nonprofit focused on school wellness and nutrition education. Comparable in serving the K-12 nutrition ecosystem with overlapping stakeholder base of school nutrition professionals.
• Chef Ann Foundation: National nonprofit focused on scratch-cooking and healthy school meals. Operates programs serving the same school nutrition professional audience with grant-funded training and resources.
• National Farm to School Network: Existing CSNA partner organization that advances farm-to-school initiatives nationally. Compares to CSNA's Farm to School subcommittee and represents a peer ecosystem player with overlapping audience.

Direct peers

• New York State School Nutrition Association: Another state-level SNA affiliate with comparable membership, conference, and advocacy model serving New York school nutrition professionals. Direct structural parallel to CSNA.
• Texas School Nutrition Association: State-level peer association serving school nutrition professionals in Texas with a similar structure of chapters, annual conferences, and advocacy programs. Closest direct comparable in mission and operating model.

Regional players

• Dairy Council of California: California-specific nutrition education partner that provides resources to schools. Existing CSNA collaborator with similar geographic focus and overlapping audience of school nutrition decision-makers.

Others

• USDA Team Nutrition: Federal government program providing school nutrition training, resources, and grants — an existing CSNA content partner. Adjacent rather than competitive, but shapes the same member audience's resource consumption.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CaliforniaSNA
• Facebookfacebook.com/CalSNA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/california-school-nutrition-association-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/calsna

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about California School Nutrition Association