These dedicated individuals do so much more than meet USDA meal standards; they meet students where they are — with empathy, creativity, and relentless commitment to their well- being.” “
Read more stories of school nutrition heroes
These stories are not the exception. In Indiana’s Scott County School District 2, a manager started “Dad’s Blessings,” a fund named in honor of her late father, to provide second servings or extra food to students who are still hungry after their first meal. It’s funded entirely by community donations — and fueled by compassion. As one hunger hero nominee said “I never realized the impact you could have on a child’s life with only seeing them for 30 minutes a day, but wow! Not only do you impact their life, but they also impact yours. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else that I could love as much as I love this job and all the wonderful kids I have gotten to know and cared for over the years. Very proud to be a lunch lady!” Across the country, school nutrition teams serve as frontline caregivers — often the first to notice when a student is struggling and are always ready to act. They spark joy with fun menus, celebrate cultural diversity through food, and turn cafeterias into safe, welcoming places. Thanks to the Hunger Heroes campaign, we get to hear and honor these stories — and the people behind them — who nourish more than bodies. They nourish school communities. To read more stories of school nutrition heroes, vis- it www.tysonfoodservice.com/who-we-serve/k-12/ hunger-heroes.
At Buchanan County Public Schools in Virginia, a caf- eteria manager became the heart and soul of the com- munity by stepping up when disaster struck. Taking to social media to spread the word on where to find hot meals and supplies while also working closely with first responders and volunteers to organize the local middle school as a relief station and also delivering food, water and essential supplies for those in need. In Wisconsin at Wauwatosa School District the assis- tant director helped create a student run nutrition pro- gram teaching students the value of healthy nutrition and cooking from scratch. His efforts with a group of high school boys helped teach them everyday skills of math, economics, science, marketing, history, foodser- vice and safety as they learn to plan and prepare meals within the school as well as earning internship credit for the work they are doing in the kitchens.
Leslie Reeves | Tyson K-12 Customer Engagement & Marketing Manager Leslie has more than 20 years of marketing experience, with the last 10 as the Tyson Foodservice K-12 Customer Engagement and Marketing Manager. She has led the strategic development and implementation of targeted marketing activities for Tyson K-12, enhancing brand recognition and fosters industry partnerships while analyzes market trends to create impactful menu solutions and promotional materials that support K-12 operators in their mission to feed the future.
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