SNEB 2026 brought more than 500 nutrition educators together in Washington, D.C., July 29–31, 2026, for three days of learning, collaboration, advocacy, and celebration. With a program focused on the latest developments in nutrition education, the conference provided opportunities for attendees to share research and ideas, explore emerging issues, connect with colleagues, and advance the field of nutrition education.

The conference kicked off with the ASNNA-SNEB Joint Hill Day, bringing more than 80 nutrition education leaders together to meet with congressional offices. Participants shared how nutrition education improves health, strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and helps Americans make informed food choices. The event provided an important opportunity for SNEB members and partners to advocate for the role of nutrition education in advancing public health.

The first official day of the conference featured the thought-provoking Bee Marks Communication Symposium, engaging concurrent sessions, and a JNEB Rapid Reviews session highlighting timely research. Later in the day. attendees gathered for the opening and poster reception, providing an opportunity to connect with colleagues and explore the latest research and work being done across the field.

Day two kicked off with an original poem, “Ode to SNAP-Ed” written and performed by Leah Brown. The morning continued with “A State of the Science on Nutrition Policy,” a timely discussion covering key nutrition policy actions from 2025–2026. The rest of the day featured more than 15 concurrent sessions exploring a wide range of topics, including nutrition policy, systems change, food justice, digital innovation, and community health.

The final day began with the SNEB Business Meeting, followed by additional sessions covering topics including GLP-1 receptor agonists, nutrition policy, community engagement, food systems, health equity, SNAP-Ed, and lifelong nutrition education. The conference concluded with the SNEB 2026 Awards Ceremony and Presidential Address, where the Society celebrated the achievements and contributions of its members, reflected on the accomplishments of the past year, and welcomed incoming SNEB President Adrienne Markworth.

Congratulations to our award recipients:

• SNEB Program Impact Award – Lynn Fredericks, FamilyCook Productions
• SNEB Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award – Katie Kraus, Utah State University
• SNEB Early Career Achievement Award – Jessica Soldavini, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• SNEB Helen Denning Ullrich Award for Lifetime Excellence in Nutrition Education – Pamela Koch, Teachers College – Columbia University
• JNEB Great Educational Material (GEM)
  • Winner: Brody, R. , Cunningham, A., Stevens, J. (2025). Prairietown Regional Medical Center: An AI-driven simulation for teaching leadership and change management to nutrition graduate students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(2), 145–151.
  • Finalist: Garner, J. A., Shrodes, J. C., Garrity, K., Zhao, S., Aboagye-Mensah, E., Williams, A., Brock, G., Hefner, J., Walker, D. M., & Joseph, J. J. (2025). Cooking Matters for Diabetes: A curriculum to support diabetes self-management among individuals facing food insecurity. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(5), 460-466.
• JNEB Best Research Brief
  • Winner: Short E, Li J, Selig JP, Bounds K, Rowland B, et al. (2025). Medically tailored grocery delivery for food pantry clients with diabetes. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Advance online publication.
  • Finalist: Sundermeir, S. M., Matsuzaki, M., Zhang, A., Obi, J. C., Gittelsohn, J., & Winkler, M. R. (2025). Characterizing the unhealthy consumer food environment of dollar stores and exploring differences by neighborhood racial composition. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(10), 972-979.
• JNEB Best Research Article
  • Winner: Faul, C. B., Jilcott Pitts, S., Calloway, E. E., Seligman, H. K., Reis, H., Cherry, C. W., et al. (2025). A meta-ethnography to determine critical constructs of nutrition security. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(3), 167–184.
  • Finalist: Cohen, J. F. W., Zuercher, M. D., Orta-Aleman, D., Chapman, L. E., Hecht, C. A., Hecht, K., Ohri-Vachaspati, P., Olarte, D. A., Patel, A. I., Polacsek, M., Schwartz, M. B., Ritchie, L. D., & Gosliner, W. (2025). Impact of deimplementing universal free school meals: School food authority perspectives. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(10), 902-908.

Thank you to everyone who helped make SNEB 2026 possible, including our conference planners, volunteers, presenters, poster authors, speakers, sponors, exhibitors, and attendees. Your contributions made this year’s conference a valuable opportunity to flourish through change and celebrate the impact of nutrition education.

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrienne Markworth, MA as its new President. The transition of leadership was formally recognized during the SNEB 2026 annual conference held in Washington, D.C., from July 29 to July 31.

Markworth succeeds Susan Stephenson-Martin, MS, who served as president during the 2025-2026 term. In her new role, Markworth will help guide SNEB through a period of significant change in the field of nutrition education and behavior. Her priorities include strengthening SNEB’s role as a professional home for members working at the intersection of emerging nutrition science, policy, technology, and community-based practice; fostering international collaboration; and supporting a strong and resilient future for the Society.

“I am honored to serve as President of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior,” said Markworth. “Our field is experiencing profound change, and SNEB is uniquely positioned to help our members navigate these challenges and turn emerging opportunities into meaningful action. I look forward to working alongside our members, volunteers, and staff as we strengthen our community and flourish through change together.”

Adrienne Markworth, MA is currently the Founder and Executive Director of Leah’s Pantry in San Diego, California.

The SNEB 2026 International Conference gathered over 500 nutrition education professionals to flourish through change.

For more information about the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior or to learn more about the leadership team, visit https://sneb.org/about/leadership.

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Journalists interested in further comment or setting up an interview can reach out to SNEB Executive Director Melissa Heeke at mheeke@sneb.org or Marketing and Communications Manager Andrew de Bie at adebie@sneb.org.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is an international organization of nutrition education professionals who are dedicated to advancing food and nutrition education research, practice, and policy that promote equity, and support public and planetary health. To learn more, visit sneb.dev.mod9multimedia.com/.

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is pleased to announce that Melissa Heeke, CAE, assumed the role of Executive Director on August 1, 2026. In this role, Melissa will lead SNEB’s strategic and operational efforts, strengthen member and volunteer engagement, and advance the Society’s continued growth and impact in the field of nutrition education and behavior.

Since joining SNEB in 2025 as Associate Executive Director, Melissa has worked closely with the Board of Directors, committees, division leaders, members, and staff to strengthen the Society and advance its mission. Her deep understanding of SNEB, combined with more than 20 years of association leadership experience, positions her well to guide the organization into its next chapter.

Melissa expressed her excitement in her new role: “I have always believed in the power of a small group of committed people to create meaningful change. I am honored to serve as SNEB’s Executive Director alongside an incredibly talented team of association professionals and an engaged and committed Board of Directors. Together, we have an opportunity to build on SNEB’s strong history and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities around the world.”

Along with Melissa, SNEB welcomed Adrienne Markworth, MA, as its new president on August 1, 2026. “SNEB, like many professional associations, has navigated real fiscal pressures in recent years. Your Board of Directors takes that seriously, and we’re committed to a responsible, resilient financial strategy. We will keep SNEB structurally sound so we can show up for this field for years to come. The stakes are high, and so is my confidence in this community.”

Melissa brings more than 20 years of association leadership experience, with extensive expertise in association strategy, organizational leadership, membership growth, volunteer engagement, and governance. Throughout her career, she has developed and strengthened association programs that engage diverse professional communities, create meaningful member value, expand organizational reach, and build lasting connections between members and their professional societies.

An active volunteer leader herself, Melissa has served in leadership roles with the Indiana Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives. Her professional and volunteer experience reflects a longstanding commitment to helping associations thrive by connecting strategy to action, strengthening relationships with volunteer leaders, and creating meaningful experiences for members.

Connect on LinkedIn   Email Melissa

Buying food continues to be challenging for shoppers…

Surveillance pricing and dynamic pricing are in the news. Dynamic pricing has caught the attention of legislators as Maryland becomes the first state to ban it. Surveillance pricing is NOT the same as dynamic pricing. How can shoppers avoid surveillance pricing? Electronic shelf labels are fast becoming widespread. Read about one shopper’s very different experience with them at Whole Foods and Aldi. If shoppers are looking for protein powder they may find shortages and increased prices. Inflation is hitting food but rewards too? Customers complain online about reward inflation, shrinkinflation and high prices, and the Chipotle CEO says customers can ask for more…does he also say you’ll be charged for it? As AI chatbots continue to show up in many parts of our lives, including food buying, learn how they build your profile.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

In other news, will SNAP recipients be able to buy hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits? Dietitians weigh in on the latest trend: sardinemaxxing. Ordering with kiosks and other devices are all the rage…and they lead to more buying according to restaurant reports. Other trends to watch: breakfast trends that are actually healthy and where plant-based foods may be going.

Notable Datapoints

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Come this fall, grocers offering SNAP items will have to stock shelves differently as USDA finalizes the rule
• U.S. states defining ultraprocessed foods
• U.S. beef prices aren’t coming down soon – how increased costs in the supply chain feed into high prices
• Ag stats about farmers and farming
• U.S. has more spas and gyms than retail stores
• Some states drop Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs
• SNAP participation drops…a lot
• About 40% of yogurt products in US have ‘high protein’ labels, you’ll pay $2 more for 1 high protein ice cream

A New Book & New Products that Caught My Eye…

CLICK HERE

• Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America’s Favorite Breakfast Food
  Marion Nestle, Lisa Sutherland, publication date – Sept. 8, 2026
• Liquid salads…for adults
• Capri Sun juice pouch w/electrolytes…for kids

Much is happening with groceries and food prices…

Current events – war, artificial dyes and surveillance pricing – is driving many stories about food and nutrition. Will we see a promised government definition of ultraprocessed food? Target and McDonald’s are lowering prices this spring. Protein, it’s EVERYWHERE. A food industry expert has an interesting perspective on protein options at McDonald’s and read about a few eye-catching examples of protein-forward grocery items. GLP-1s are in the news with new research about how genes affect efficacy. Also, what to know about online health fallacies and an analysis of AI generated teen meal plans.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The Impact of Current Events on Food

As we see the impact of current events on gas prices, there are impacts on the food we buy now and in the future, such as fertilizer from The Supermarket Guru and shares more about what he calls ‘the grocery storm’. Manufacturers are removing artificial food dyes, but this change opens the door to food fraud around ‘natural dyes.’ Safety concerns delay the approval of 2 natural dyes. The EPA proposes testing water for microplastics. Much attention has been focused on surveillance pricing. Listen to the March 31 episode of the Connections podcast or listen to it online. Federal and state lawmakers are addressing surveillance pricing (1) (2), and yet Walmart continues with rollout plans for digital shelf labels amid concerns and the Food Marketing Institute says electronic shelf labels won’t be used for surveillance pricing. The government has promised an April definition of ultraprocessed food. Two foods get certified for no ultraprocessing. As food prices continue to be an issue, Target is lowering prices this spring and McDonald’s McValue menu, starting April 21, has 10 items under $3. What’s a price block? One grocer is using it to lower prices. The DGAs may be in our rear-view mirror, but you can compare them to the American Heart Association’s new dietary guidance. Front-of-package labeling has long been in the crosshairs of government, and a new study identifies a winning design. Finally, federal legislation takes a toll in Arizona – nearly half of the state’s SNAP participants lost benefits.

We Have to Talk About Protein…

Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru has an interesting take on McDonald’s protein items: is it a way to downsize portions and not lose money? As I shop for groceries it seems I cannot escape the word ‘protein’ on food packages. Here are some of the more eye-popping products I have seen on shelves: Kraft high protein cheese strips…for a higher price; Protein Pop Tarts…dietitian review: much like the old Pop Tarts but with protein; Power Mac w/ fiber and protein; protein ranch dressing; Nature’s Own protein bread ; Cup of Noodles Protein.

GLP-1s…

Still in the news, new research looks at how genes interact with weight loss drugs’ efficacy. Nutritionists share their take on the meaning of ‘GLP-1 friendly’ when it appears on a food package. GLP-1s are not a passing trend; they are structurally reshaping the food industry yet the proliferation of protein-forward foods may lead to consumer protein fatigue. GLP-1s are reshaping fast food as they ramp up marketing to users and share nutrition data of food options w/customers.

Online…stay safe out there with some tips & new analysis…

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Trending health fallacies 
• Asking ChatGPT health questions: adapt these for nutrition
• AI meal plans for teens fall short
  

Just for fun?…eye-opening products that are real!…

CLICK HERE FOR PRODUCTS

• Mission MightyMe (toddler trail mix w/dissolvable nut puffs)
• Nutrient infused ice cubes (4 for $9.99) @ Sprouts
• Plant-based sliced milk is headed our way

Much is happening with groceries and food prices…

Conflicting forecasts of what inflation might bring this year and BNPL appearing on credit reports (a heads up for those using it to pay for food). SNAP sees more states receiving waivers and new retailer stocking standards. Walmart is in the news as they serve a record-breaking 190 million Americans each month. In AI news, a study finds higher spending w/Walmart’s shopping assistant and Target tests ads in their ChatGPT (one vendor is a food company). Almost 2 months since the DGAs release: read reactions from experts and dietitians. Learn more about Dr. Helen Zoe Veit’s new book ‘Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History’. All this and so much more!

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

Groceries/food prices…

 In overall food prices we saw the highest rise in December since 2022 (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/02/whats-happening-with-prices-at-the-grocery-store/).  USDA’s forecast for grocery prices in 2026: an increase of 2.5% (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/food-at-home-prices-increase-2026-usda/813359/) but Phil Lempert, Supermarket Guru predicts they will increase between 5% & 8% (https://www.wflx.com/2026/02/27/wholesale-inflation-rises-more-than-expected-expert-warns-food-prices-could-climb-up-8/). Is Walmart the cheapest U.S. grocery store? Nope, a comparison of food prices in 2025 found that it was Costco. And the most expensive grocery? Whole Foods. (https://www.tastingtable.com/2111659/cheapest-grocery-store-us-costco/).  A deep dive into how tariffs impacted food prices and the reality of higher food prices: once food prices go up they are NOT likely to go down (https://phillempert.substack.com/p/three-things-you-should-know-about). A new study finds that state regulations around banned ingredients or new labeling could increase food items (https://www.nationalreview.com/news/state-level-maha-regulations-will-lead-to-spike-in-grocery-prices-study-finds/). The high cost of fast food news…remember when Wendy’s sold hefty baked potatoes for $.99? Not anymore (https://www.tastingtable.com/2106295/wendys-baked-potato-underrated-overpriced/). And higher Subway prices are getting feedback from customers (https://www.tastingtable.com/2110506/sandwich-chain-costs-too-much-subway/).

SNAP…

Four more states receive SNAP waivers, now at 22  (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/usda-approves-4-more-state-snap-waivers/813886/). SNAP retailer stocking standards call for more healthy items to be stocked (https://www.thepacker.com/news/grocery-stores-face-new-usda-nutrition-requirements-accept-snap). How are candy and soda companies sizing up SNAP restrictions in 18 states? (https://www.fooddive.com/news/snap-restrictions-candy-soda-hershey-keurig-drpepper-earnings/813215/). 

Walmart in the news…

Walmart hit a new record: serving over 190 million Americans monthly (https://storebrands.com/walmarts-grocery-penetration-rate-sets-new-record). By the end of this year, all Walmarts will have digital shelf labels (https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-expands-digital-shelf-labels-all-us-stores/813654/). 

AI & groceries…

And if you saw this headline – Target to test ads in ChatGPT – and thought it didn’t mean much, think again, because Mars Wrigley, a snack company is one of the vendors involved (https://www.marketingdive.com/news/target-to-test-contextual-ads-in-chatgpt-including-through-roundel/811927/). Higher spending occurs w/Walmart’s AI shopping assistant (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/walmart-grocery-ecommerce-growth-fourth-quarter-fiscal-2026/812568/). Shoppers and educators need to understand AI-enabled algorithmic pricing (sometimes referred to as dynamic pricing) which allows companies to quickly change prices using electronic price tags in stores or online. The article notes that significant food price increases were not seen when dynamic pricing was introduced yet its use needs monitoring (https://www.grocerydive.com/news/promise-peril-artificial-intelligence-driven-pricing-retailers/812037/).

Roundup of grocery-related news…

• Heads up: BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) will start appearing on credit history reports and those that use it to buy groceries need to know this
• Delivery options continue to expand as Dollar General expands rural same-day delivery
• Target will stop selling cereal with certified synthetic dyes the end of May
• Meat sales up in 2025 even amid strong inflation…who is buying?

The DGAs: experts react, school lunch challenges…

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• The food industry view of the DGAs
• 3 T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health faculty members served on the DGA committee & share their views on the final DGAs
• How the new graphic might be interpreted, University of Arizona
• Colorado RDN reacts to the new pyramid, what consumers are asking about it
• The challenges schools face meeting the new DGAs

Health in the news…

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• General Mills removes synthetic dyes from school foods
• Food recalls increasing/a look at the state of FDA today
• Novo Nordisk to cut prices for injectable & pills January 2027
• ShopRite’s wellness kits for those on GLP-1s link groceries, pharmacies and dietitians
• State-by-state comparison: How much more expensive is it to eat healthy food Alternative data sources: US obesity rates higher than surveys
• Just how much of U.S. baby food may be ultra-processed?

On the history of children as picky eaters…

Listen/watch/read a book excerpt: Dr. Helen Zoe Veit, Associate Professor of History, Michigan State University, on her new book – Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History

Click for online content w/ Dr. Veit

• KQED’s Forum podcast (54 minutes) 
• The Connection w/Marty Moss-Coane (50 minutes) 
• Family Action Network (58 minutes)
• Book excerpt 
• Dr. Veit opinion piece

It’s a Busy Time for Nutrition. What’s Happening

A current labeling change and possible future changes as well as FDA plans regarding botulism in baby formulas. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released a little over a month ago and schools brace for how to address reducing ultraprocessed food. As nutrition educators who teach in schools take note of Pilot Light’s (https://pilotlightchefs.org/) release of food education standards in K12 (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/02/weekend-reading-food-education-standards/). GLP-1s continue to be ‘in the news’ with a look at the use of them with teens and in food insecure households. In food news, Doritos and other snacks’ prices are to be cut up to 15% and a grocery item available for 80 years will disappear in April. I continue to be amazed at some products on shelves and I share a few that caught my eye including frozen pops w/electrolytes and an instant meal ready in…3 minutes! Lastly, a ‘just for fun’ section with mostly fun items and 2 nutrition terms you might want to be aware of.

A CURATED LIST OF MUST-READ CONTENT

The FDA gets Busy…

FDA says TV ads for new obesity pill has ‘false or misleading claims’ (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/09/fda-novo-nordisk-wegovy-tv-ad.html). The FDA is working on several fronts as they loosen the rule on the declaration of no artificial colors (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-loosens-rules-no-artificial-colors-label/811488/). Gluten is on FDA’s radar as they focus on gluten disclosure in food as part of their focus on ingredient transparency (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-food-label-policy-gluten-disclosure/810261/) and seek comments (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods).The FDA is also seeking feedback about front-of-package labeling by May 16th (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2025/01/fdas-front-of-package-nutrtion-label-open-for-public-comment/) and some may find Canada’s new warning label of interest (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/canadas-new-food-warning-label/). In addition, the FDA intends to test baby formula ingredients for botulism (https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/02/fda-official-says-agency-will-test-infant-formula-ingredients-for-botulism/). Lastly, FDA turns its attention to sugar in food that may include labeling claims, low calorie sweeteners and more (https://www.fooddive.com/news/fda-maha-sugar-food-policy-agenda/810491/).

The Dietary Guidelines and School Meals…

The inclusion of reducing ultraprocessed foods in the DGAs has enormous impact on school meals and the Chef Ann Foundation shares some of the pressure points involved (https://www.npr.org/2026/02/05/nx-s1-5691598/school-lunch-food-pyramid-usda-dietary-guidelines). A recent conference session at a School Nutrition Association conference shares what is known at this time ahead of the rulemaking process (https://www.foodservicedirector.com/k-12-schools/usda-to-begin-rulemaking-process-to-update-school-nutrition-standards-following-the-release-of-the-2025-2030-dietary-guidelines-for-americans). The School Nutrition Association also shares their perspective (https://www.foodservicedirector.com/k-12-schools/moving-the-needle-on-ultra-processed-foods-in-schools-could-take-years) and you can read relevant statistics (https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/school-meal-statistics/). Lastly, Dr. Marion Nestle’s British Medical Journal editorial in the DGAs is available (https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/01/my-latest-publication-bmj-editorial-on-the-dietary-guidelines/).

GLP-1s…

As GLP-1s increase in use see a focus on different groups. Teens are one example as the balance between hope and long-term health issues is explored (https://www.smartbrief.com/original/experts-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-for-adolescents-raise-hopes-and-worries). This is particularly important as we still don’t know much about long-term use (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/its-2026-and-we-still-dont-know-much-about-long-term-glp-use-2026a10001up). Interviews with caregivers of obese children in food insecure homes explore what goes into decision making around GLP-1s (https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/themes-identified-for-using-glp-1-ras-to-manage-obesity-in-food-insecure-children). Other articles on GLP-1s include a pill form of Wegovy now available, how Ozempic works, future obesity medications and more.

Related News

• Weight returns 4 times faster after stopping Wegovy, Ozempic; faster than diet and exercise alone
• Wegovy pill now available at pharmacies & telehealth
• How does Ozempic work?
• Anti-obesity drugs in the future
• Anti-obesity medications: Will the food industry be the biggest losers?

Food…

Some snack price cuts are coming and a frozen juice around for 80 years will disappear this April. If you’ve seen Zero Sugar Oreos on the shelf, you’ll find a comparison to regular Oreos very interesting. And some new items on grocery shelves include (coming this April) frozen pops…with electrolytes, Pepsi with…prebiotics and instant dishes in…3 minutes!

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• Doritos, other snacks prices to be cut up to 15%
• Minute Maid to discontinue frozen OJ, other frozen juices this April
• Comparing regular Oreos to new Zero Sugar Oreos
• Pops w/electrolytes
• Pepsi Prebiotic 
• Simple So Rice dishes: ready to eat in 3 minutes!

Just for fun & new terms to know…

Food is everywhere and now you can buy a pie at some Ace Hardware locations. Some fun new terms: swangy, swicy, ‘heavy’ soda and seriously, nutritional dark matter (the future of food science) and a related term, foodomics.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED NEWS

• In the ‘double take’ department…some Ace Hardware stores are selling pies
• Swangy & swicy 
• ‘Heavy’ soda
• Nutritional dark matter and foodomics