Principals are champions for students, and many are leading the way to address childhood hunger in schools across Tennessee. That’s why we’re celebrating National Principals Month by recognizing the incredible school leaders who ensure students have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
New research from No Kid Hungry’s Back to School Report highlights just how critical school meals are for families across the country. Surveying over 1,200 parents, the report reveals that many households are struggling to put food on the table, especially during the summer months when school is out. The return to school and access to reliable school meals provide vital relief. According to the report, 40% of parents worry that food will run out before the end of the month and rising food prices are their top concern. However, most parents surveyed view school meals as a valuable program, with over 80% noting that children perform better in school when they eat there.
In the report, parents shared stories of how school meals reduce financial stress and help their kids stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. One Georgia father put it simply:
“When you are on a tight budget, a meal from a school helps you pass through that difficult phase.”
School meals are more than just food – they’re fuel for learning and lifelines for families. They activate student learning, improve attendance, and reduce stress at home. That’s why principals who prioritize school nutrition programs are also helping build stronger communities.
This October, we heard from communities across Tennessee about principals who go the extra mile to support school meals, especially during breakfast time. With innovative breakfast models, like Breakfast After the Bell, common barriers to breakfast access (such as transportation schedules, stigma, or late arrivals) were removed by making it a seamless part of the school day. This approach has proven to boost school breakfast participation and support better outcomes for kids.
- Bradley Pounders, Hardeman County Schools, Middleton Elementary School
- Amy Glass, Hawkins County School District, Mt. Carmel Elementary
- Tammy Rushing, Milan Special School District, Milan Elementary
- Scott Calahan, Morgan County Schools, Oakdale Schools
- Dustin Morrow, Newport City School System, Newport Grammar School
- Ashley Billingsley, Oneida Special School District, Oneida Elementary
- Salena Mayberry, Oneida Special School District, Oneida Middle School
Bradley Pounders connects deeply with students, parents, and staff—bringing fun and enthusiasm to the cafeteria. Whether it’s dressing as a pirate to celebrate National School Lunch Week in 2024 or serving meals, his support for school nutrition is felt in every corner of the building.
Nominated by Annette Grote
Amy Glass is a champion for child nutrition—promoting meals over morning announcements and ensuring every student has access to the grab & go breakfast options, no matter when they arrive. Amy created a lunch count Google form requiring all teachers to record student meal needs, ensuring that each child receives what they need to be successful. She works closely with the cafeteria team to make every mealtime special and inclusive.
Nominated by Denisa Harper
Tammy Rushing is a dedicated partner to her cafeteria team, supporting both day-to-day operations and large-scale summer meal distributions. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, she operates a level 5 school while working closely with the cafeteria team to maintain the food safety inspection score of 100. With Tammy’s support, the school provides thousands of rural non-congregate summer meals to kids in need. Her leadership helps maintain high standards and a warm, welcoming environment where every child is cared for.
Nominated by Denise Jones
Though new to Oakdale Schools, Scott Calahan has transformed the cafeteria experience into a joyful, welcoming space. From sitting with students to encourage healthy eating to delivering summer meals, he’s set a powerful example of leadership through service.
Nominated by Peggy Hamby
Dustin Morrow is a hands-on leader who joins students daily for a meal in the cafeteria and helps wherever needed—from serving food to taking out the trash. He’s deeply involved in the planning and coordination of food distribution efforts and brings compassion and energy to every meal served.
Nominated by Christina Leas
Ashley Billingsley is a passionate advocate for school meals and is always present in the cafeteria, making sure students are eating and feeling cared for. She actively involves cafeteria staff in school activities and firmly believes that no child should ever go hungry.
Nominated by Cathy Buttram
Selena Mayberry goes the extra mile to support her nutrition team—keeping them informed about school events, encouraging students to try new foods, and even offering volunteers for summer programs. Her constant communication and positivity make a big difference.
Nominated by Cathy Buttram
Principals like these are helping lead the charge in making sure no child starts their day hungry. Thank you to the school nutrition leaders across the state who took the time to highlight local leaders in your district.
Want to learn how to build stronger relationships with principals and teachers around breakfast implementation? Watch our webinar, Gaining Teacher and Principal Buy-in for Breakfast After the Bell, where nutrition leaders share proven strategies for initiating engagement, providing training, and maintaining ongoing communication with school staff to ensure the success of Breakfast After the Bell programs. Watch now!
