--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections (7) description: (7) --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## [Donate today to help districts feed students during school closures #FeedKidsNow](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/feedkidsnow) By [Jeremy Loch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/jeremy-loch) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/SNF%20Blog%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/feedkidsnow)   [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/feedkidsnow) ## [Heartland resources for managing operations during school closures](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/heartland-resources-for-managing-operations-during-school-closures) By [Jeremy Loch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/jeremy-loch) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Despite the vast number of school closures across the country, many of you continue to serve your communities by finding alternative ways to feed students while also fielding questions from parents. In challenging times like these, we are so grateful for people like you, and we couldn't be more honored to partner with your district. As you work to navigate this new landscape, we want to do all that we can to help. Below are a few resources that will hopefully provide some assistance to you and your staff: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/heartland-resources-for-managing-operations-during-school-closures) ## [Communicating Emergency Feeding Site Locations with your MealViewer Web Menus](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/communicating-emergency-feeding-site-locations-with-your-mealviewer-web-menus) By [Claire Whelen](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-whelen) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/MV-COVID-LP-locations.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/communicating-emergency-feeding-site-locations-with-your-mealviewer-web-menus) With many schools needing to close or extend breaks, we want to help you get the word out to your community about emergency feeding site locations or important COVID-19 updates. For districts using MealViewer, here are a few features that might be able help: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/communicating-emergency-feeding-site-locations-with-your-mealviewer-web-menus) ## [Collect Orders for Emergency Meals Online with MySchoolBucks](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/collect-orders-for-emergency-meals-online-with-myschoolbucks) By [Claire Whelen](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-whelen) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Header_MSB-emergency-meals.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/collect-orders-for-emergency-meals-online-with-myschoolbucks) We know that many of you are working hard to feed children in need while schools remain closed during this difficult time. To aid in this effort, we're providing a free service that allows you and your staff to more easily manage and collect meal requests for all your emergency feeding sites. Here's how it works: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/collect-orders-for-emergency-meals-online-with-myschoolbucks) ## [Here to support you | A message from Jeremy Loch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/here-to-support-you-a-message-from-jeremy-loch) By [Jeremy Loch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/jeremy-loch) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With so much uncertainty in the country right now, I wanted to let you know our Heartland family is here for you and your school community. We know our district partners have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and many have had to extend breaks or close their schools altogether. Here are some of the steps we’ve taken to continue to serve you, while providing a safe work environment for our staff: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/here-to-support-you-a-message-from-jeremy-loch) ## [Top 10 Most Popular Blog Posts From 2019](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/top-10-most-popular-blog-posts-from-2019) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/2019-top-10.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/top-10-most-popular-blog-posts-from-2019)                 Throughout the year, we shared many helpful tips and hints to help you get the most from your program. Here's just some of our favorites from 2019: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/top-10-most-popular-blog-posts-from-2019) ## [6 reasons you need to be at Connect 2020 (+ Early Bird Price Extended!)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-reasons-you-need-to-be-at-connect-2020-early-bird-price-extended) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/connect-2020.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-reasons-you-need-to-be-at-connect-2020-early-bird-price-extended) Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Connect 2020 training conference in Durham, NC. [**Learn More \>**](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-cancelled) With over 150 nutrition professionals and 70+ software training classes - there are a lot of reasons you won't want to miss [Connect 2020](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect)! So if you've already booked your travel or if you're just reviewing the [session catalog](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-agenda), checkout these **6 reasons you and your staff need to be at Connect next year**: --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-reasons-you-need-to-be-at-connect-2020-early-bird-price-extended) ## [3 Ways to Add More Vegetarian Options to Your School Menus](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) By [Nate Winans](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/nate-winans) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Vegetarian%20Meals.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) In the [2018 School Nutrition Operations Report](https://my.schoolnutrition.org/productcatalog/product.aspx?ID=12140), 56.5% of districts surveyed offered or planned to serve vegetarian meal options. For many districts, this might include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or meatless pizza. While this may be simple and familiar, there is an opportunity to incorporate more vegetarian meals that meet student's ever-changing taste preferences and provide a wider variety of nutritional value. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) ## [Registration Is Open! Grab Your Seat for Connect 2020](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-is-open-grab-your-seat-for-connect-2020) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/connect-2020.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-is-open-grab-your-seat-for-connect-2020) Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Connect 2020 training conference in Durham, NC. [**Learn More \>**](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-cancelled) Have you heard? Registration for [**Connect 2020**](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) is open! Join us this spring **in Durham, NC from March 31 - April 2, 2020** for our biggest training event of the year. Register before November 1 to save your seat (and some money!) From in-depth software training to powerful open-forum discussions, Connect 2020 is your chance to *connect* with schools nationwide to share ideas on how to tackle the challenges facing our industry and build a network of forward-thinking food service directors and staff. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-is-open-grab-your-seat-for-connect-2020) ## [Cracking the iGen Code: Why Heartland is Launching a New Communications Platform](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/cracking-the-igen-code-why-heartland-is-launching-a-new-communications-platform) By [Erica Prismantas](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/erica-prismantas) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Cracking_the_iGen_code.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/cracking-the-igen-code-why-heartland-is-launching-a-new-communications-platform) Today’s generation of students - aptly dubbed “iGen” - are more digitally connected and technically savvy than any other group on the planet. They grew up with the internet and never knew a time where information, a photo, or a status, couldn’t be shared in seconds with the swipe of a finger or click of a button. The manner in which iGens consume information is vastly different than the students that came before them. Most iGen teens are multi-screen users and are accustomed to consuming large amounts of media from multiple touch points all at once. With smartphones in the hands of [95% of teens](https://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/) and the ubiquity of photo, video, and information sharing apps like [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/en/), [SnapChat](https://www.snapchat.com/), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/HPYSchoolSolutions), the way that today’s students communicate and engage with one another has drastically evolved.  So isn’t it time that we adapt the way we communicate and engage with them? [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/cracking-the-igen-code-why-heartland-is-launching-a-new-communications-platform) [**\< Previous**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/page/6) [**Next \>**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/page/8) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - 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[Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced) - [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing) - [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting) - [In-Person Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-anywhere) - [Meal Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/meals) ### Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) ### Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) ### About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) ### Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - 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