“…create synergies, create partnerships with the athletic department, with the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, the culinary classes, the teachers, and bring them together to show them all the great things that you’re doing within your department, and then how you can create different kinds of programs, initiatives, festivals, and come together to really bring the whole school district together and include nutrition services as one of the pillars of the school.”

“Some advice I would offer districts looking to make changes would be to start with doing a little bit of research and really reaching out and connecting with different organizations who may be able to provide you with some support. So for me, Action for Healthy Kids, Chef Ann Foundation, some other local organizations within Colorado really helped support our changes.”

“Sometimes the scariest part is change and doing something new and just not knowing how it’s going to go over. Be willing just to pause, take the time to let students try new things – your students will be your best source of data and give you all the information that you need to know, as far as changes that you need to make.”

“Know that this process doesn’t happen overnight. You want to get buy-in from your staff. You want your cafeteria managers and your cafeteria workers to understand why…. Get those kids involved. Let them know that their voice really matters… And that’s how you’ll have success…It’s going to take time and it’s going to take buy-in, but we can do it, and we are doing it, and we are so grateful for the HMI grant for allowing us the opportunity.”

“One of the best things about passion is it’s contagious. Your energy and enthusiasm affect those around you. Let’s be real, not every day do you wake up exhilarated. This gift needs to be nurtured. Share your stories, the good, the bad, the ugly. We grow bigger from our failures…Celebrate every small win on your journey. Celebrate the greatness that’s you.”