15 Reasons Why School Food Professionals Do What They Do

“Access to good food is a basic human right and I chose this career to advocate for that, specifically in our younger generations.” 
- Alexandra Epstein-Solfield, Ellensburg School District (WA) Child Nutrition Director 

“I wanted to impact the children of my community regarding their relationship with food. The best place to do that is within school.” 
- Akasha Anderson-Nelms, KIPP NYC Associate Director of Programs (NY) & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow

“I came to this industry as a chef and wanted to serve our students restaurant-style meals that are locally sourced while being fresh and nutritious.” 
- Warren DeShields, former Bridgeton Public Schools (NJ) Director of Food Services

“As our staff puts it, food is an emotional transaction, and they take great pride in fulfilling our promise to serve nourishing meals made with love.” 
- Joaquina Cruz, Brownsville Independent School District (TX) Food & Nutrition Services Director

“Implementing freshly made foods delivered to our schools has reduced the amount of plastic we use in those schools dramatically and inspires me every day to keep trying to do more.” 
- RJ Lane, West Contra Costa School District (CA) District Chef & 2023 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow 

“I love what I do because it’s not just about treating diseases; it’s about prevention. School food is the nation’s largest prevention initiative, offering an incredible opportunity to impact students and prevent chronic diseases for decades.” 
- Shaun Sawko, Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services 

“The students of Acton-Boxborough are from many diverse backgrounds. In addition to their cultural diversity, the students also have a range of preferences when it comes to their dietary choices. I enjoy putting new recipes on the menu that appeal to the various tastes and dietary needs of the students.” 
- Bryanna Ippolito, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (MA) Nutrition Coordinator & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow

“It combines my passion for creating delicious recipes with public health nutrition. Plus, I think kids are really great!” 
- Maraiah Popeleski-Tilley, RDN, Mansfield Public Schools (CT) Food Service Director & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow 

“My goal is to serve our students the most nutritious food we can to fuel their bodies and brains and set them up for success.”
- Kelley Neville, Groton Central School District (NY) Food Service Director 

“One of my favorite moments was adding Mexican street corn to the menu. The students familiar with this dish were so excited to see it at school that they began showing their friends how to eat it. It became more than just a meal—it was a way for them to share a piece of their culture with their peers. This experience reinforced the importance of offering diverse dishes that resonate with students’ backgrounds while introducing new flavors to others.” 
- Yezica Hostetler, Queen Creek Unified School District (AZ) Director of Child Nutrition & Chef Ann Foundation Advisory Board member

“I chose to work in school food because it is fun! After working part-time, I found I truly enjoy working in school food and made it my full-time career. I love the flow of the day, and working with the students is rewarding.” 
-Chelsey Bennett, Monona Grove School District (WI) High School Cook & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow 

“The goals of this position are to leverage more small farm and local purveyor partnerships, to invest in the training and advancement of the team, and ultimately to serve students the best food we possibly can because that’s what they deserve.”
- Richie Wilim, Redwood City School District (CA) Director of Student Nutrition & 2023 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow

“When I started in school nutrition, my son was in elementary school, so the work schedule sounded great as a single mom. Once I got into it, I realized that this was my passion and wanted to keep excelling.”
- Toni Jackson, Trimble Country Public Schools (KY) School Nutrition Director & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow 

“I have seen the positive impact of good nutrition on my children’s development, and I want to share the benefits to all students in our school district.” 
- Judith Crumpler, Bear Valley Unified School District (CA) Child Nutrition Assistant & 2024 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow

“I never saw myself working in school food. I wanted a change from the hectic restaurant and catering schedule, and I applied to a school food position. From that moment forward, I never looked back— my passion grew from there.” 
- Jennifer Ruiz, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (CA) Nutrition Service Supervisor & 2024 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow