In celebration of School Lunch Hero Day on May 6, the School Nutrition Association (SNA) recognized the widespread efforts of school nutrition professionals across the country who ensure all students have access to healthy meals.
School Lunch Hero Day (SLHD) is a chance to stop and recognize the year-round efforts of school nutrition professionals. Whether creating special menu items and decorating the cafeteria for spirit days or increasing opportunities for children to be nourished and being a supportive, friendly face in the lunch line, these women and men go above and beyond.
“Supply chain issues and staffing shortages have presented persistent challenges for school nutrition professionals, but it does not stop them from having a positive impact on their students and ensuring all who go through their cafeteria lines get a nutritious meal,” said SNA President Beth Wallace, MBA, SNS. “The dedication shown by these school lunch heroes during the last two years of the pandemic has been astounding and inspiring.”
As part of the celebration, school nutrition employees, managers and directors were nominated for awards at the state level, and those winners were considered for awards within seven regions across the country.
Of those regional winners announced on May 3, our own Lori Dyson, school nutrition director at Estacada School District, was awarded SNA’s 2022 Northwest Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Lori! Well-deserved recognition!