(2026 Summer School Nutrition Summit Attendees)
Markita Lewis, MS, RD
The National Peanut Board hosted the 2026 Summer School Nutrition Summit from June 24-26 in San Antonio, bringing together school nutrition leaders for focused discussions, education and hands-on problem-solving around safely and successfully serving peanuts in school meals.
Hosted at the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus, the event brought together leaders in school nutrition, including school nutrition directors, chefs, menu planners and peanut industry partners from across the country. The summit’s theme, Putting Students at the Center of the Plate, guided sessions exploring the key components needed to make that possible, including student engagement, agriculture, culinary innovation, allergen management, nutrition and practical implementation at the district and school levels.
A highlight of the summit was a presentation by National Peanut Board alternate member Alan Atkins of Mississippi and his wife, Lindy, on the life cycle of peanuts from seed to harvest and the connection between peanuts, the classroom and the community. Many attendees were unfamiliar with the agricultural story behind peanuts and had questions about peanut production and sustainability. By the end of the presentation, several attendees requested agriculture-focused resources to support a peanut-themed Harvest of the Month promotion in their districts. The response demonstrated that peanuts have a compelling story that others want to share and be part of.
NPB Mississippi board member Alan Atkins and wife, Lindy
A common thread throughout the summit was inspiration. School nutrition leaders were inspired by testimonials from districts that had successfully brought peanuts back to their menus after a ban and learned there were resources available to help. Culinary demonstrations highlighted how peanuts can make scratch cooking more accessible while creating flavors students enjoy in school meals. The competitive market basket challenge also encouraged attendees to think creatively about school nutrition while fostering collaboration and relationship-building.
Overall, the event provided an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and better understand where districts are in their peanut journey and how NPB can continue supporting them as they move from interest and consideration to adoption, expansion and advocacy for peanuts in schools.
