| 93 | | Adrienne Muniz | Middle School Principal | amuniz@npd117.net | 17082334500 | Pamela Boyd | Food Service Director | Conrady | North Palos School District 117 | pboyd@npd117.net | 708-233-4514 | 7950 W 97th St; Hickory Hills, IL 60457 | Pam has been serving Conrady students' needs since 2018. She has worked for multiple companies that have serviced Conrady's needs. | Pam is exceptional at her job. She recognizes and anticipates the needs of our students. The disposition and eagerness to assist students, staff, and the community are second to none in Pam's repertoire of skills. She is fiscally responsible while maintaining the quantity and quality of products. Currently, Conrady is using OrganicLife as our food service provider. Pam's team chooses food that the students actively choose over bringing a lunch to school. The implementation of the sharing table has created a way for our students of need to get the nutrition they need to be successful at school. We are very grateful for Pam's ongoing service. She maintains an excellent environment for her staff and our students. | Yes | 4/5/2023 8:56 AM |
| 94 | | Rita Tarullo | Assistant Superintendent /CFO | RTarullo@cicd99.edu | 773-966-8651 | Janice Wolff | Director of Food Services | District employee - Unity Jr. High | | JWolff@cicd99.edu | 708-863-7856 | 5110 W. 24th Street, Cicero, IL 60804 | | Janice goes above and beyond every day. This year was especially challenging with taking on a new food service vendor for approximately 10,000 students. It went off without a hitch due to her dedication that extended well beyond her work hours. So much work was done behind the scenes on her end to ensure that students that count on us to eat, being in a low income community, received a quality breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. | Yes | 4/5/2023 10:31 AM |
| 95 | | Kahiwalani Goetsch | Principal | kgoetsch@asasaints.com | 618-526-4323 | Lauren Melton | Head Cafeteria Manager | All Saints Academy | Diocese of Belleville | lmelton@asasaints.com | 618-526-4323 | 295 N Clinton St | This is Lauren's first year in this role; however, she worked in the cafeteria for a couple of years before this. She has all the continued education to promote and ensure well-balanced and tasty meals for the students, faculty, and staff of All Saints Academy. | Lauren has wholly turned our School Nutrition Program around. She has brought new and creative meal ideas. She goes out of her way to ensure the students have a variety of fresh fruit available regularly instead of opting for the "easy out" of canned or frozen fruit. Our meal counts have increased since Lauren has taken over our program. | Yes | 4/6/2023 9:26 AM |
| 96 | | Erin Sellers | Director Of Wellness | esellers@paris95schools.org | 2172649308 | Erin Sellers | Director of Wellness / Food service Manager | Memorial Elementary, Wenz Elementary, Mayo Middle School, Paris High School | Paris district 95 | esellers@paris95schools.org | 2172649308 | 509 east newton | Start date of November 28th 2022 | I am writing to nominate myself for the School Nutrition Champion award. As food services manager in Paris district 95, I have been passionate about promoting healthy and nutritious meals for our students.
In my role, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality and availability of healthy food options in our schools. I have worked closely with school administrators, food service staff, parents, and students to develop menus that are not only nutritious but also delicious and appealing to young palates. I have also been proactive in educating our students about the importance of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits.
I have been a strong advocate for equity and access in school nutrition. I believe that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background, deserve access to healthy and nutritious meals. I have worked to ensure that our school district implements policies and programs that support food security and address food insecurity among our student population.
I am excited about the progress we have made so far, and I am eager to continue working towards our goal of providing the best possible nutrition for our students. I believe that I am an exceptional candidate for the School Nutrition Champion award, and I am confident that I can make a meaningful contribution to the field of school nutrition.
Thank you for considering my nomination.
Regenerate response | Yes | 4/10/2023 8:20 AM |
| 97 | | Amanda Wellenkamp | Board Office Secretary | wellenkampa@beardstown.com | 2173233099 | Julie Towery | Head Cook | Beardstown | 15 | toweryj@beardstown.com | 2173233099 | 500 E 15th St. Beardstown, IL 62618 | | Julie does research and has continued to keep meals free for all students with grant submissions. She also knows her stuff extremely well as there is little waste and no child goes without a meal. | Yes | 4/10/2023 3:15 PM |
| 98 | | Brittney K Kunz | Business Manager | bkunz@dakota201.com | 18446325682 | Pam Fluegel | Food Service Manager | Dakota CUSD 201 | Dakota CUSD 201 | pfluegel@dakota201.com | 18446325682 | 300 Campus Dr. Dakota, IL 61018 | Pam has committed 22 years to Dakota CUSD 201 in the area of food service. She started her career as a food server, then in 2006 moved into the High School Head Cook position. In 2021 she became the Food Service Manager. She also works in the summer assisting the custodian team with various tasks and cooking for the onsite daycare. Pam not only works full time in our district but also works at a grocery store in the bakery. In her free time she does catering and makes candy baskets. | Pam is an extremely hard worker, always going above and beyond for the students and her coworkers. I have never heard anyone more passionate talking about why we are all here, which is for the students. She takes pride in making sure that the meals that are produced are appealing and appetizing for the students. The kids are excited to see her when they go to lunch. Her staff respect her and thoroughly enjoy working with her. In the summertime when she is not assisting the custodians you will find her in the kitchen cooking for the onsite daycare. She makes fun foods that encouraged all of the daycare kids to want to eat including things like mini fruit pizzas, parfaits, and on special occasions dirt dessert or mini ice cream treats. She is the kind of person who always has a smile on her face and you feel better after talking to her. I am nominating Pam for this award because she is the hardest worker I know, she is kind and respectful to all, and she is here for the most important reason...the students. | Yes | 4/11/2023 9:24 AM |
| 99 | | Brian Kaye | Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Planning | bkaye@sd25.org | 8477584910 | Sandra Voss | Director of Food & Nutrition Services | Dunton Administration Building | Arlington Heights School District 25 | svoss@sd25.org | 8477584900 | 1200 S. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 | Sandy currently serves as the Director of Food & Nutrition Services in Arlington Heights School District 25. Previously she served Arlington Heights School District 25 as the Assistant Director of Food Services/District Dietitian (2006-2008) and we are thrilled to have her back in this leadership position. Previously she served as the Director of Food & Nutrition Services for Marquardt School District 15 (2008-2021). CERTIFICATIONSNORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Non-Degree School Business Administration Certification Program Chief School Business Official (CSBO) Certification Professional Educator License 2020 SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Certification 2008 ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY Coordinated Didactic Program Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) 2006 NATIONAL REGISTRY OF FOOD SAFETY PROFESSIONALS Certified Food Safety Manager HONORS School Nutrition Champion Award Illinois State Board of Education 2018 The FAME Silver Achievement Award School Nutrition Association 2015 The President's Award Illinois School Nutrition Association 2015 Thelma Flanagan Gold Award of Service School Nutrition Association 2014 AREAS OF EXPERTISE - Managerial/Operations Leadership Financial Management Regulatory Compliance Procurement - Menu Writing & Nutritional Analysis Equipment & Facility Management Staff Training & Development Program Marketing and Communications - Community Engagement and Collaboration Personnel Management EDUCATION: ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY, MASTER'S OF SCIENCE Coordinated Dietetics Program Family & Consumer Sciences 2006; ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY, BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE, Family & Consumer Sciences 2004 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS - SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION |Member| 2006 – Present - LEAD Advisory Committee | 2019-Present - National Leadership Committee, Midwest Regional Representative| 2018-2020 Resolutions & Bylaws Committee, Midwest Regional Representative| 2017-2018 - -Nutrition & Research | Sandra is an attentive and passionate food and nutrition director with 15+ years of experience in school nutrition programs and personnel management experiences. She exemplifies leadership qualities and professionalism, backed by a consistent and verifiable record of collaboration and teamwork. We knew she had the capacity to be a Director and we are blessed to be given the opportunity to bring her back when the position opened due to retirement.
She has already streamlined the food service staffing process, engaged with all of her food service employees, and continues to find ways to support the schools and community with sustainable growth opportunities. She has a giving spirit and organized a giving tree at our District Office to adopt-a-family around the holidays in the community. She planned and organized an activity for our leadership team collaborating with the local Arlington Heights Memorial Library using their recently opened Maker Space. She is a connector, collaborator, and giver. Her most recent endeavor is the collaboration with a school principal, classroom teacher and students with special education needs to grow their own lettuce in 21-26 days using a process where they grow the lettuce in the classroom. She has big goals for this project and is managing this with care to ensure its successful implementation at Windsor Elementary School. She is a gift to Arlington Heights School District 25. | Yes | 4/17/2023 1:57 AM |
| 100 | | Gail Weglarz | Nutritional Services Manager | nsbms@vvsd.org | 1-630-679-3857 | Denise Simpson | Executive Secretary | Valley View School | District 365U | simpsonl@vvsd.org | 1-630-771-2933 ext 2933 | 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 | Started at VVSD in the NS Dept in November 2008 as the Nutrition Services Tech. She quickly advanced into the Professional Secretary job category and then promoted into her current position as an Executive Secretary. Denise is the "go to" for all things point of sale from nutritional input/analysis of menu items to uploading ISBE monthly claim numbers. She is also our department's HR liaison, coordinating HR matters for our 150 NS employees. | Denise has 18 schools in the District & those 17 managers rely on her for all the answers, relating to running a successful kitchen. This year we have incorporated Supper Meals which means more reports and monthly claims. Denise is a go getter! She truly does at least 25 or more different tasks all day and whatever comes her way. | Yes | 4/18/2023 9:44 AM |
| 101 | | Gail Weglarz | Nutritional Services Manager | nsbms@vvsd.org | 1-630-679-3857 | Maria Nateras | Executive Secretary | Bolingbrook High School | Valley View School District 365U | naterasmd@vvsd.org | 1-630-771-2931 | 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 | Started at VVSD in September 2003. Maria is fluent in English and Spanish , is an expert Household Meal Application administrator, completes over $250K of billing each month and facilitates all kitchen equipment and facility work orders. | Every year has it's twists and turns and Maria is on top of it year after year, especially when it comes to Household Meal Applications. Maria is an outstanding person, great communications with parents. Dedicated to the position she holds. | Yes | 4/18/2023 11:53 AM |
| 102 | | Latrice Johnson | Principal | Msjohnson@sd1525.org | 8155491079 | Roberta Brown | Food service manager | Jesse white Learning Academy | Hazelcrest School District 152 2/2 | rbrown@sd1525.org | 7088252190 | 16910 western ave Hazelcrest Il | Ms Brown has worked in food service for 10 plus years, she has served our schools when they were divided and then continued as the consolidated. | During the pandemic and Brown not only served lunches for students to come in and pick them up but she would also personally deliver food to homes that were not able to come up due to transportation. Ms. Brown always makes sure every student has a nutritious meal she also supported a cooking class after school to help students learn to make healthy meals and taught them about the safety precautions of the kitchen. Ms. Brown knows almost every student by name and greets them each day. She has been and is an asset to our school food service dept and our students. There is nothings. Brown doesn’t do to ensure our student’s food needs are met. | Yes | 4/19/2023 6:33 AM |
| 103 | | Jennifer Kenney | Principal | Jkenney@coalcityschools.org | 815-634-2396 ext 1703 | Erin Christopher | Food Service Manager | Coal City High School | Coal City School District #1 | echristopher@coalcityschools.org | 815-207-0495 | 550 Trotter Dr Coal City, IL. 60416 | Erin Christopher has been in the district for several years. She began her career as a cafeteria server and cook in a 3 hour position. She became the head cook for then worked her way up to be the District’s Food Service Manager. Erin had served 9 years in the cafeteria prior to her promotion to the District’s Food Service Manager. Erin has been in that position for 3 years now. | Erin has gone above and beyond, especially during the COVID pandemic. During that time she ensured that all students had access to breakfast and lunch. She continued to provide quality nutrition for students even with the restrictions that were in place. Now that restrictions have been removed, Erin has been able to bring in a salad bar at Coal City High School with hopes of expanding to the other schools in the District. One specific characteristic of Erin Christopher is that she makes sure all students with allergies have a nutritional lunch, no matter the cost and the extra work that the cafeteria must put in. However, the most important characteristic of Erin is her ability to connect with students. She is constantly walking around the lunchrooms talking to students. If Mrs. Christopher notices that any student is having a bad day or needs additional assistance, she is one to contact Student Services for the mental and emotional wellness of her students.
Mrs. Christopher is not only an amazing leader for the cafeteria employees, she is a leader that is focused on the students. She cares about the nutritional value of their meals and also for their mental and emotional health. She is a diamond in the rough and I would not hesitate to recommend her for this award. Mrs. Christopher deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to her District and students. | Yes | 4/19/2023 8:29 AM |
| 104 | | Stuart L Parks | Superintendent | STUARTP@GP6.ORG | 6182496289 | Sarah Wininger | Food Service Director, Head Cook, Dishwasher | Grand Prairie Elementary School | GRAND PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 | swininger@gp6.org | 618-249-6289 | 21462 N RICHVIEW LANE | Mrs. Wininger joined the Grand Prairie School District pre-COVID. She had previous experience with the Mt. Vernon School District. She came through the daily requirements of the pandemic and never complained. She was just pleased to help provide meals to our children.
Her previous awards are simple, yet true; awards that come from the daily smiles and praise of the students she serves. Each day, Mrs. Wininger is greeted with countless smiles and hugs, as the children cannot wait to see what on is on the menu. Mrs. Wininger is loved by the Grand Prairie School family! | Mrs. Wininger is one of the best cooks I have worked with during my educational career. She is a one stop system, as she creates a monthly menu, places the orders, maintains inventory, cooks the meal, serves the meal and washes the dishes! She provides a nutritious meal each day, with a special emphasis on the presentation and the quality. She is very cautious with her budget, and finds creative ways to make her commodity materials stretch further. For example, she is well known for her "homemade mashed potatoes" (frozen/cubed commodity potatoes as the base and instant potatoes as the secondary) and her "homemade granola bars" (commodity oats and honey as the base). If this in not enticing enough, check out her green beans if you ever have a chance to visit our school.
In summary, Mrs. Sarah Winnger is worthy of any gratitude that would be extended to her. I am thrilled she is a part of the Grand Prairie Family. | Yes | 4/19/2023 12:08 PM |
| 105 | | Carol Rosentreter | Special Education Teacher | crosentreter@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | Donnette Etter | Head Cook | North Mac Elementary School | North Mac District #34 | detter@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | W. Fortune St., Virden, IL 62690 | Donnette was working in the cafeteria at North Mac Elementary prior to me starting at this school 10 years ago. | Donnette knows each and every child by name when they come through line. Donnette greets each student by name. Donnette goes above and beyond in making sure that my special education students with special diets have exactly what they need and like to eat which meets the dietary guidelines. Many days, I will find Donnette making something entirely different for one of my students to ensure that it is what he can and will eat. Donnette is always willing to jump in and help in any way. I have worked in education for 30 years and Donnette Etter is by far the best head cook I have ever worked with. She is very deserving of this award. | Yes | 4/20/2023 7:45 AM |
| 106 | | Rob Horn | Assistant Principal | rhorn@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | Donnette Etter | Head Cook | North Mac Elementary School | North Mac CUSD #34 | DEtter@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | 755 W. Fortune Virden, IL 62690 | She has been the head cook here at North Mac the entire time I have worked here. | She goes above and beyond for her students and staff. She makes additional fun items for snacks during holiday seasons and assists the staff in any special occasions here in our building. She loves her job and makes everyone smile as they come through the breakfast and lunch line. She is one of a kind. | Yes | 4/20/2023 9:00 AM |
| 107 | | Shelly Clover-Hill | Superintendent | sclover-hill@shawneedistrict84.com | 6188335709 | Katie Ford | HeadCook | Shawnee CUSD #84 (we have one kitchen that serves our district) | Shawnee CUSD #84 | kford@shawneedistrict84.com | 6188334795 | 3365 State Route 3 North, Wolf Lake, IL 62998 | Katie was hired as an assistant cook in May 2017. She immediately had a positive impact on our cafeteria environment with her beautiful smile, welcoming demeanor and hard work. Katie quickly learned the school cafeteria operations and the names of every student and staff member. The rapport she took the time to build is still evident today as Katie is well-liked by everyone and the kitchen is a favorite gathering spot. Katie is also a graduate of Shawnee High School and we are thrilled to have her back as an employee of our school family.
Our head cook position came open in 2020 due to a retirement. Katie applied for the position. It was evident through the interview process that her proven skills and excitement to improve our nutrition program would make her the right fit for the position. This is Katie's sixth year working as a cook for the district and her third year as head cook.
This year Katie wrote and was awarded a School Lunch Rocks grant from the Jackson County Health Department. She utilized these funds to purchase items to improve our meal program. | When Katie took over as head cook in 2020, she made it her mission to improve our school meals and that is still true today. She actively seeks the input of the students and staff in the development of the menus. Katie takes great pride in offering meals that will be eaten and not thrown in the garbage. She is also a master at getting the students to try new foods and adds those menu items when the vast majority of students ask for it again. Katie has a very calming personality that makes her easy to approach. The students and staff feel very comfortable talking with her and sharing ideas. They know Katie provides a safe space for listening and understanding.
Katie has been instrumental in the upgrade of our exterior walk-in cooler and freezer. For decades, we could not afford new units. Luckily, this year we were able to purchase a walk-in cooler and freezer with Katie's assistance. She made sure the new units would fit our needs now and in the future.
Katie takes ownership of our kitchen and thrives on keeping it clean and sanitary. The kitchen often receives perfect scores from the county health department which is due to her direct efforts to ensure all requirements are being met.
Katie's next mission? Offering a salad bar for students and staff. With grant funding, Katie purchased a salad bar station and hopefully will have it up and running for the 2023-2024 school year. Katie is always thinking of ways to improve our nutrition program.
Katie and the two assistant cooks can also be counted on to participate in all of the fun school activities as well -Halloween, Homecoming Week, FFA Week, etc...They are known to randomly dress up or make meals to go along with a theme- green eggs and ham for Dr. Seuss Week for example.
Katie creates positive relationships with so many by doing little things to make everyone feel special. Her positivity is infectious and very much appreciated. Shawnee CUSD #84 is lucky to have her as part of our school family! | Yes | 4/20/2023 10:47 AM |
| 108 | | Carrie Buchanan | EC Teacher | cbuchanan@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | Donnette Etter | Head Cook at Elementary | North Mac Elementary | North Mac #34 | detter@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | 755 w Fortune st | Donnette has been with the Elementary Cook staff for probably 15 or more years. She started as a general cook and then was promoted to Head Cook. Donnette rarely is absent and comes in extra early or stay late to prepare daily as well as special things for staff and students throughout the year. | Donnette leads an amazing staff who are always willing to go above and beyond for students and staff. They are excellent at preparing menus and meals that meet USDA standards as well as being enjoyable and appealing to children. They monitor the kitchen and cafeteria area for safety and cleanliness constantly. They go above and beyond to monitor the allergy needs of a large student population and many different allergy needs. It is especially needed as our students are grade 2 and younger so many are not aware of the details of their allergies. Donnette and her staff are always available when teachers have classroom cooking projects they are doing. I do cooking with my preschool students quite often and she is always willing to bake for us. Donnette and her staff also spoil the staff. They have the lunch menu prepared for us and kept in warmers so we can grab at our lunch time. They also have an amazing salad bar available for staff. Donnette has a positive personality and is so friendly and interactive with the children and staff. I do not think there is a more deserving person to receive recognition than Ms. Donnette!!! | Yes | 4/20/2023 11:00 AM |
| 109 | | Jodi Clark | Kindergarten Teacher | jclark@northmacschools.org | 2173437114 | Donette Etter and staff | Nutrition and Cafeteria staff | North Mac Elementary | District 34 | DEtter@northmacschools.org | 2179655424 | Virden, Il | From 1990 to present, she has worked for Virden/North Mac School. She has worked in the cafeteria since 2001. Before that she was a bus aide, classroom aide. | Not only do they provide delicious and nutritional food that students will eat, they go beyond for the staff by offering many healthy alternatives. Many weeks we have salad, chicken salad, tuna salads, and soups to pick from besides the scheduled school lunch for that day. Our salad bar is always filled with fresh cut veggies and fruits! They do a lot of extras for our littles also. They dress up and decorate the cafeteria each month and every holiday. They decorate trays and bags for the kids, make special treats and always greet us with smiles! They are great when it comes to special diets and allergies. They know our littles by name and know which ones need special foods or alternatives. They make a point to make sure no one is ever left out do to allergies, health concerns or religious preferences. Every little gets a treat on holidays- and not just at lunch but for our classroom parties also! | Yes | 4/20/2023 6:45 PM |
| 110 | | Debbie Poffinbarger | Principal | dpoffinbarger@northmacschools.org | 2173130774 | Donette Etter | Head Cook | North Mac Elementary | North Mac Elementary | detter@northmacschools.org | 2179655425 | 755 W. Fortune St., Virden, IL | Donette has been with our district as a head cook for 12 and as a cook for another 11. Her work performance is outstanding. Her service to our students and staff is unmatched by any other I have ever been associated with in my 35 years in education. As far as awards and accolades, Donette has been recognize by the local dairy association and has even taken the time to write multiple grants that have been awarded to our school. | Donette's character is simply charming! Her kindness and thoughtfulness is so welcoming to all students and staff. She wears a smile 24/7 and always greets you with a personable message.
Donnette provides wonderful events for our students and ensures students' health and well-being is cared for when they visit the cafeteria. Donnette knows each and every student that has special dietary needs and she provides a substitute. She knows every one of these students by name and greets them daily. On holidays students enjoy decorations and special treats on their trays. She assists in hosting a manners meal for our K-2 students, inviting high school students over to assist in waiting on students. Students dress up for the occasion as they enjoy music playing in the background and gander at the menu.
Donette also treats our staff incredibly well. Every week, there is a homemade treat she makes and has available. This month she planned and prepared a huge charcuterie board for the staff. Celebrations are always taken into account with a treat from Donette's kitchen. This morning, just because, pasterys and fruit were available for staff, simply to note another week has past and it was a Friday celebration.
Multiple other stories and events could be mentioned that Donette orchestrated. Without going on and on, this opportunity to nominate her is exciting as she makes the culture and climate in this building such a great place to work. It is my hope we can recognize her for her good deeds through the School Nutrition Champion Award. She is more than a champion to us here at North Mac Elementary!
Thank you for your consideration! | Yes | 4/21/2023 9:30 AM |
| 111 | | Becky Hampton | School Counselor | bhampton@northmacschools.org | 217-965-5424 | Donnette Etter | Head Cook | North Mac Elementary | North Mac #34 | detter@northmacschools.org | 217-965-5424 | 755 W. Fortune St., Virden, IL 62690 | Donette has been part of our school since 2019. She has been a bus monitor aide and a substitute for the kitchen. In 2001, she became the head cook and has done an amazing job every day since then! Before she came to our district she worked for SASED as an aide.
While working as an aide, she became attached to a student that was in need of someone like Donette and her family. Donette and her husband opened their hearts and their home to her for several years. That is the kind of person she is. | Donette and her staff are always ready to jump in. She does treats for our students on holidays. On sack lunch days, she adds a cute sticker to the bag for an extra smile. She makes coming to the cafeteria fun and inviting. On special days, she and staff decorate and dress up for the occasion. She is very aware of allergies and constantly monitors the ingredients in food. She takes sanitation very seriously and her kitchen shines. Following the healthy foods guidelines is a responsibility she takes very seriously.
During the challenging years of COVID, Donette packed and handed out nutritious lunches to our students. She also assisted with handing out Panther Packs to our families that need some extra nutrition over the weekends. Our school is extremely blessed to have her on our team. | Yes | 4/21/2023 2:38 PM |
| 112 | | Cassie Burgess | Asst. Supt./Curriculum Coordinator | cassie.burgess@herrinschools.org | 618-942-6544 | Jeannine Coffey | Herrin CUSD No. 4 Food Service Director | Herrin CUSD No. 4 | Herrin CUSD No. 4 | jeannine.coffey@herrinschools.org | 618-942-6544 | 500 N. 10th Street Herrin, IL 62948 | Jeannine Coffey, Food Service Director with Herrin CUSD No. 4 has been with the district for four years. Growing up she had prior food service experience working with her family’s renown business, Nester’s Polar Whip in Herrin, Illinois.
Jeannine has participated as a presenter for the local School Lunch Rocks, Wellness Policy Workshop where she provided insights for how the district develops the Local School Wellness Policy and her expertise from being a member of the Southern Illinois Food Buying Cooperative. | Jeannine strives to provide our all students with a nutritious, healthy, and delicious meals. She works tirelessly with the cooks throughout the district to develop student friendly meals while following dietary guidance and recommendations.
As the district has a low income level of over 60%, she feels it is her responsibility to provide students with the best meal possible because for some students it may be the only nutritious meal they receive. All schools in the district are Offer vs. Serve sites and Jeannine provides in-service and support to the schools in the district to help implement this practice and to decrease the amount of food waste. Jeannine is often seen in the cafeteria talking to students, asking them how they enjoyed their breakfast or lunch, and she creates opportunities for students to try new foods by offering taste-tasting. Her work in the cafeteria with students has also helped to create a positive culture around healthy eating and trying new foods.
Jeannine has written and secured ISBE’s Nutrition Equipment Grants and Southern Illinois Healthcare Grants to help supply schools with updated equipment, materials, and resources. Jeannine’s dedication to elevate the district’s food service program has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of students in the district. | Yes | 4/21/2023 4:58 PM |