The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Luana Adams, Nutrition Business Manager for Hobbs Municipal Schools in Hobbs, New Mexico, the Southwest region Manager of the Year. The award recognizes the dedication, ingenuity and compassion shown by cafeteria managers who have excelled in providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students throughout the school year.
Luana Adams frequently visits cafeterias to interact with students and ensure things are running smoothly for them and for nutrition staff, even though her job duties are primarily behind the scenes. Adams is a critical member of the management team, handling all employee needs, catering billing and scheduling, office supplies and time-off requests. She is also quick to fill in for other staff members and performs a variety of tasks during staff shortages, no matter the size or scope of the job.
Adams is known to take a hands-on approach and was instrumental in the development of a free pantry for food insecure students. She communicated with school counselors and community stakeholders and shows care and compassion in helping students discreetly access free food in the pantry.
Overseeing after school feeding and the Supper Program for 13 school campuses, Adams interacts with parents and students regarding menu options, concerns and suggestions. She uses the school district’s social media platforms to publicize menu offerings and other program initiatives.
Adams plays a critical role in professional development for nutrition department staff and uses her knowledge and experience to train and mentor others. She familiarizes herself with the individual skill levels of employees and routinely leads and assists group training sessions. Her knowledge of sign language allows her to effectively communicate with a deaf staff member, helping them to feel engaged and supported.
“Luana is a true leader who performs a variety of tasks with expertise and efficiency,” said Chris Derico, SNS, School Nutrition Association President. “She recognizes the importance of getting to know students and creates an atmosphere in which teamwork is celebrated and staff professional development is encouraged.”
Adams is Level 4 certified and recently joined the New Mexico SNA board as region chairperson. She looks for ways to grow with the organization and volunteered to teach a class at state conference. She brings knowledge gained from state and national SNA conferences back to the staff and stresses the importance of involvement with SNA.
The Manager of the Year Award is given in honor of Louise Sublette, a leader in school nutrition in her state and the national School Nutrition Association. During her 43 years in the profession, Sublette worked in many areas of food service—public schools, colleges, hospitals and elderly feeding programs. Sublette dedicated her career to honoring school nutrition professionals and ensuring those who work in school cafeterias have access to professional development opportunities, empowering them to help their school meal programs flourish.
Adams was announced as the Southwest region Manager of the Year during an online awards ceremony on April 30 in advance of School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 3, 2024, to honor all of America’s dedicated school nutrition professionals. The accomplishments of Adams and all SNA award winners will also be highlighted in a special digital publication and promoted in SNA's annual Hero Day social media campaign on Facebook.com/TrayTalk and TrayTalk.org.
About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.