National School Lunch Hero Day was May 5th! In 2013, the School Nutrition Association and Lunch Ladies author Jarrett J. Krosoczka established National School Lunch Hero day to celebrate school nutrition staff and all they do each day to serve their communities. This year, No Kid Hungry Tennessee celebrated school nutrition professionals across the state for the important work they do to feed students healthy meals at school.  

School nutrition programs are critical for student well-being and success, and these programs could not function without the passion, dedication, and hard work of school nutrition professionals. In Tennessee, 1 in 6 children face food insecurity. School nutrition professionals are the frontline of battling food insecurity, feeding students and offering them safety and stability. While preparing food, adhering to meal standards and regulations, and bringing joy to students, school nutrition professionals show us that not all heroes wear capes — some wear aprons.

Tennessee School Nutrition Heroes Celebrated on a National Stage

In Tennessee and across the country, even as they face numerous challenges, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, school nutrition staff have adapted to ensure kids continue to get healthy meals during the school day and beyond. Here in Tennessee, there were two Lunch Heroes that stood out amongst the crowd. 

On May 2nd, School Nutrition Association (SNA) announced their annual school nutrition professional awards from across the country. This year two of those recognized were from Tennessee: 2023 National School Nutrition Director of the Year, Patsi Gregory from Robertson County and 2023 Southeast Regional School Nutrition Manager of the Year, Chantal Parker from Franklin Special School District. These two ladies are examples of why we’re also celebrating National School Lunch Hero Day by recognizing School Lunch Heroes across the state and uplifting the work they do to feed students. Read more from the SNA webpage about our winners.

For No Kid Hungry, School Lunch Hero Day isn’t just one day — we’re grateful for the commitment and compassion the school nutrition staff across Tennessee demonstrate each and every day. Thank you!