Norfolk Public Schools Nutrition Director Receives Regional Award

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Lisa Winter, SNS, Senior Director of School Nutrition for Norfolk Public Schools, Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic region Director of the Year. The award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of school nutrition directors who manage effective school meal programs providing healthy, appetizing meals to students.

Lisa Winter's hard work and tenacity have helped her achieve her goal of expanding access to nutritious meals for Norfolk students. The program now participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district-wide, allowing students to receive free breakfasts and lunches, no matter their financial situation. Winter has increased the district’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program with 23 schools able to provide locally grown fruit and vegetable snacks to students at no cost. Nearly all of the district's schools offer after-school snack and dinner programs under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Winter also runs a successful summer program, with 24 schools offering summer meals and partnerships forged with libraries, recreation centers, the police department and camps to ensure access across the community.

The child nutrition department now owns a food truck and uses it to support those in local food deserts and provide memorable experiences for children in the community. Winter spearheaded efforts for district schools to grow fresh produce, including micro garden and tower garden hydroponic systems.

Winter works to be connected to other programs in the district. She shares ideas to help students and families be more nutritionally sound. The nutrition department participated in a community event to provide vision correction and a vaccination clinic for underprivileged students. By teaming up with the local department of health, they were also able to provide dental hygiene resources and sports physicals ahead of the start of the school year.

In an effort to teach healthy eating habits, Winter partnered with FeastVA to host a summer cooking camp for students to learn to read labels and recipes, try different foods and understand healthier food options. Camp attendees were taught kitchen safety and received free kitchen utensils.

Recognizing the need to fill vacant jobs, Winter got involved with the Career & Technical Education program to explore pathways for current students to work with the nutrition department. They will receive paid, on-the-job training and access to endless opportunities and mentors. Winter also works with student support services to place graduates with special needs in jobs within the nutrition department.

“Lisa Winter puts the nutritional needs of students first, finding ways to make sure her department can reach those in need. She shows true dedication to her staff and profession,” said SNA President Lori Adkins MS, SNS, CHE.

Winter has been an SNA member for more than two decades, becoming a certified trainer in 2006 and serving as the state president from 2012-2013. She remains active on the local, state and national levels and encourages her team members to participate in the professional organization. Winter proves her dedication and volunteers annually at the state conference, serving as chair of the food expo. Since becoming senior director, Winter has increased SNA memberships and certifications by at least 50%.

The Director of the Year Award was created to recognize school nutrition directors who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to their school meal programs. The directors are responsible for maintaining the quality of the program through student interaction, menu planning and a commitment to serving nutritious, tasty and well-balanced school meals. Through effective oversight of all aspects of food service operations, including budgeting, staffing, training, marketing and community outreach, school nutrition directors ensure the overall success of school meal programs.

Winter was announced as the Mid-Atlantic region Director of the Year during an online awards ceremony on May 2 in advance of School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 5, 2023, to honor all of America’s dedicated school nutrition professionals. The accomplishments of Winter and all SNA award winners will also be highlighted in a special 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.