ABOUT US

Our Story

At SLA, our story starts with a simple belief: every student deserves fresh, nutritious meals that fuel both body and mind.

Who We Are

We partner with schools to design dining programs that fit their community. By keeping meals fresh, balanced, and student-focused, we make mealtime an important part of the school day.

Our Journey

For more than 20 years, SLA has supported charter and private schools with customized foodservice solutions. Today, we continue to grow by staying true to our mission. We serve high quality meals, build strong partnerships, and help students thrive.

Trusted by Schools Across the Country

The best way to understand SLA’s impact is through the voices of our school partners.

John P. Drag, Jr.

Vice President of Operations, Charter School Associates, Inc.

I have been in education for a LONG time (too long!). I have dealt with a number of food service companies. I can honestly say that SLA has been the BEST so far. Responsive, willing to make change, informative, professional, and well-run. I have conducted multiple RFPs for Food Service and have seen it all! We just changed from Preferred Meals (AKA A’viands) after over 10 years with them. Have not looked back since. SLA is “local” being based in Orlando. Their Regional Staff is SUPERIOR – these are the people that I deal with at my level. They oversee groups of schools (geography dictated).

Zachary Rossley

President and Chief Operating Officer, KIPP Jacksonville Schools

Overall, as someone who has worked in Memphis Schools and experienced the challenges of working directly with Shelby County, I would have switched to SLA in a heartbeat, knowing what I know about them now, after having worked with them for three years in Jacksonville. In fact, I can safely say that of the dozens of vendors I’ve worked with as an operations leader in the charter space during my career, SLA literally ranks #1 overall. They honestly are that good.

Gordan D. Ford

Executive Director: Lincoln Preparatory School

SLA has completely revitalized our food service program. Our students love the food and are running to the cafeteria at lunch time. On the business side, our food service program is now completely self-supporting financially. Working with SLA has allowed us to upgrade our cafeteria and add equipment without dipping into our general fund. SLA has been an absolute blessing to Lincoln Prep. I look forward to continuing to grow with them at our side.

Damitra Santiago

Executive Director of Operations at ReNEW Reinventing

We were SLA’s first account in New Orleans and we have transformed and built a hugely successful meal program that has been a win for the entire Renew community. The student participation in the meal program went from 65% to 95% since SLA took over. Our teaching and administrative staff members also purchase adult meals in our school cafeterias on a daily basis.

Dr. Sabrah Kingham

Director of Schools: Lake Charles Charter Schools

Our relationship with SLA is one of our most valued partnerships for many reasons. They customized our food program yielding a higher participation rate. They positively engaged all stakeholders to strategically and collaboratively enhance their services. They provide ongoing support to ensure the success of our school lunch program. The satisfaction rating for our food program by our students, staff and parents has never been so high!

Chris Reams

Assistant Principal Lake Wales High School: Lake Wales Charter Schools

SLA has been such a pleasure to work with. They have always responded to the needs of our 8 schools in professional manner and with the attitude and quickness that indicates that they are truly trying to not only meet our expectations, but to exceed them. The support that we receive from SLA is amazing and greatly appreciated. As an assistant principal in high school who is also tasked with directing the National School Lunch Program I have found that their knowledge base and insights of the program have decreased my work load tremendously. I can now focus on improving our programs at the schools instead of having to worry about compliance. We have been through two administrative reviews with SLA and during both of those reviews we have received high compliments from the inspectors for all our programs. I would recommend that any school seeking to hire a company to implement their nutrition program to seriously consider SLA. All companies will make promises during the bidding process, but SLA will stand behind those promises and deliver a service that, in my experiences, exceeds basic expectations.