Alecia Sanders, Project and Partnerships Manager
North Carolina Alliance for Health
When we think about what helps students succeed in school, we often point to teachers, curriculum, or resources in the classroom. But there’s another group of professionals who shape the school day in powerful and often overlooked ways: school nutrition staff.
For some students, school meals are a lifeline and may be the only meals they receive in a day. But the cafeteria is more than just a place to eat. It’s where they are greeted by a familiar face, where someone notices when they’re having a hard day, and where they receive endless smiles and care. School nutrition professionals do far more than prepare and serve food. They help create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.
Growing up, I knew them simply as the “lunch ladies.” They greeted students with a smile, made sure everyone had what they needed, and brought a sense of familiarity to the school day. It wasn’t until I was an adult and working in the public health space that I understood the significance of their role. What felt routine at the time was actually a critical part of supporting students’ wellbeing and readiness to learn.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, school nutrition staff are managing tight budgets, meeting demanding federal nutrition standards, and adapting to constantly changing needs, all while serving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of meals each day. But they don’t just do the bare minimum; they do their job with intention. They remember students’ preferences, build relationships over time, and create a welcoming space that becomes part of a student’s daily routine.
Elizabeth Santamour, 2022 Sandhills Regional Teacher of the Year, said it best, “I can teach a child with no pen or paper, easily. But I can not teach a hungry child.” This just proves that without the hard work of school nutrition staff ensuring students are fed, the entire school day would be off balance.
Going Above and Beyond
What stands out most isn’t just the work itself, but how often school nutrition staff go above and beyond what’s required.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a Farm to School luncheon in Craven County, and it was a powerful example of what this work looks like at its best. Under the leadership of Lauren Weyland, School Nutrition Director, the school nutrition team goes far beyond what’s required. During Farm to School week, students aren’t just served meals; they’re engaged in the process. From cooking competitions to opportunities to meet local farmers, there’s a clear effort to help students understand where their food comes from and feel connected to it.
The intention behind every detail really struck me. Each meal served that week was made entirely from North Carolina-grown products. We had the opportunity to experience the same meals students were eating, and they were not only flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, but also fully aligned with federal nutrition standards. It was a clear reminder that with the right support and dedication, school meals can be both nutritious and something students genuinely enjoy.
Why It Matters
Access to school meals is about more than food. It’s about stability for students and families, focus and readiness to learn, and the relationships that help students feel supported throughout the day. School nutrition staff are at the center of all of it. They are the ones creating a welcoming and inclusive space and ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day.
For them to do this work fully, the system around them has to support it. When access to meals is inconsistent or tied to applications and eligibility requirements, it adds layers of administrative work that pull staff away from where they’re needed most—serving students. Time spent processing paperwork, managing meal accounts, and navigating eligibility is time taken away from preparing meals, connecting with students, and continuing to improve the quality of the food they serve.
Expanding access to no-cost school meals helps remove those barriers. It creates consistency for students and families, while also giving school nutrition professionals more time and flexibility to focus on what they do best: providing high-quality meals and building meaningful connections with the students they serve.
A Moment to Say Thank You
On School Lunch Hero Day, we recognize the dedication, compassion, and hard work of school nutrition professionals across North Carolina and beyond. They are not just serving meals. They are supporting students, strengthening communities, and making a meaningful difference every single day.
To every school nutrition professional: thank you for the early mornings, the care you bring to your work, and the role you play in helping students learn, grow, and thrive. What you do matters far beyond the school meal tray!