5 FSDs named school nutrition heroes

The philanthropic arm of the School Nutrition Association has recognized five K-12 foodservice directors with national honors, awarding the operators for addressing top-of-mind issues such as community food insecurity, student homelessness and sustainability. 

The peer-nominated School Nutrition Heroes include:

Programs established by the directors are creating a lasting impact on their communities at large, according to the School Nutrition Foundation. Schwake has helped make nutritious food more accessible with a backpack program, school gardens and a mobile food pantry, while Blakey Sharpe opened a temporary housing development for homeless families in her community. Simonds has formed a wellness committee and partnerships with local dentists to help provide kids with dental care. Leveraging her mercantile store, Whidden supplies the community with locally sourced options and donates items to the homeless. Wiggins started a transition school for individuals with disabilities, which help produce 20,000 pounds of produce for schools and charities.

Related:10 U.S. high schools with the healthiest foods

The recipients will be celebrated at the SNA’s annual legislative conference in April.