WARRIORS
School meals nourish more than just bodies - they support students’ physical, mental, and social well-be- ing. Research demonstrates how access to nutritious school meals contributes to the whole child: fuel- ing academic achievement, support- ing emotional regulation, fostering social connections, and building healthy relationships with food. Prioritizing School Nutrition Professional Wellness While championing student health, school nutrition professionals must also prioritize their own well-being. The Institute of Child Nutrition has developed a comprehensive well- ness poster series that addresses all aspects of personal health:
through these various dimensions of health, the entire program ben- efits through increased job satisfac - tion, enhanced team morale, and stronger program outcomes. School nutrition professionals truly embody the role of Wellness War- riors - championing health for both their students and themselves. Through their dedication to creating nurturing food environments, pro- viding nutritious meals, and mod- eling wellness behaviors, they build foundations for lifelong healthy hab- its that benefit entire school com - munities. As we look to the future, supporting all Wellness Warriors en- sures we continue to strengthen the physical, mental, and social well-be- ing of both students and staff.
Physical Wellness • Benefits of Physical Activity • Weekly Activity Guidelines • Importance of Eating Fruits and Vegetables Mental and Emotional Health • Stress Management • The Importance of Mental Health • Positive Attitudes at Work Work-Life Balance • Better Understanding Personal Beliefs and Values • All About Sleep These resources recognize that school nutrition professionals need support in maintaining their own health to effectively serve others. When staff wellness is prioritized
ICN Website
Shannon Fitzgerald, PhD, RDN | Institute of Child Nutrition Shannon FitzGerald is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who joined the Institute of Child Nutrition in 2020. She was a school nutrition director in a suburban Cleveland OH district for fifteen years. She is passionate about child nutrition, public health issues, food systems, and social justice, creating a healthy path for the next generation. Shannon has a bachelor of science degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She earned her PhD in health and kinesiology at the University of Mississippi.
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