LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE DESK S chool nutrition is about more than menus, meal counts, and compliance. It is about people. It is about the people who serve the next BY DONETTE WORTHY
generation. It is about the people who show up every day behind the scenes, often without accolades or recognition. It is a hidden gem within the school system that many do not fully realize exists. It is the team behind the curtain; the team a school simply could not function without. Every day, school nutrition professionals across the country show up early, stay late, adapt quickly, and serve meals with care. They do this while navigating staffing shortages, tight budgets, changing regulations, and crowded cafeterias. To handle all of this day after day, a capable team must be built first. But building an effective team does not end when the right people are hired. That is only the beginning. Effective teams are molded, supported, and developed over time. This work requires intentional, consistent leadership. It takes leaders who are willing to pour into their team day in and day out. At times, this level of commitment can feel daunting and exhausting. Supporting people well takes effort, patience, and presence. But in the end, it is always worth it.
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