12 Days of School Nutrition Gratitude - 2025

This holiday season, our gratitude list starts with school nutrition professionals. They’re up before dawn cooking from scratch, staying late to order from local producers, and even running to the store on their own time to get the ingredients kids love. 

They cook with heart. They serve with love. And they make the “impossible” happen every day.

Nutritious meals, delicious food, and thousands of full bellies each school day… all thanks to the incredible people who make it happen. We see you. We appreciate you. Thank you.

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1. Alex Nguyen, Food Service Director at Box Elder Schools on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation -

Alex is a true inspiration—to students, staff, and the entire school community. A kind soul and a seriously talented cook, Alex brings scratch cooking to life, incorporates more Indigenous meals, and opens students’ palates to cuisines from around the world—giving them delicious flavors and unforgettable food experiences. As Mollee Gemar, HS/MS Principal at Box Elder Schools, beautifully put it:

And yes… the students LOVE Alex. So much so that they took it upon themselves to create a short film called “What’s Your Favorite Thing About Alex?” Made entirely by students, just for Alex. This one’s straight from the heart.

And Alex isn’t slowing down—he’s reaching for the stars!

Newer to school nutrition, Alex could have easily kept his head down and focused on just getting through each day. But that’s not his style. Instead, he seeks out trainings, builds connections, and finds the support needed to take school food—and his kitchen—to the next level. From attending the Bison Land to Lunch training to working closely with Kate Huston from the Peer Education Expansion Program, Team Nutrition at MSU, Alex is always learning and growing. And it shows.

Here’s what Kate had to say:

Alex, it’s clear you’ve already made a lasting impact on the kids and teens at Box Elder Schools—and that speaks volumes about who you are. We could all use a few more Alexes in our lives. Thank you for being kind, a strong leader, a mentor to students, and a total inspiration when it comes to school meals. A path to a person's heart is through kindness and good food. 

2. New to School Nutrition & Already Making an Impact -

Being new in school nutrition isn’t easy — yet some people make it look effortless.

Please help us celebrate Linda Whiteclay, the Head Cook at Wyola School, who jumped in feet first with a positive outlook and an openness to new ways of doing things. Her willingness to learn, adapt, and lead with heart is already making a difference for students.

According to Patrice O’Loughlin, Peer Educator with Montana Team Nutrition: “Linda brings both expertise and genuine care to her work, making a lasting positive impact on students’ health.”

At the Bison Land to Lunch training event in Bozeman, Linda made it a priority to be there and was full of joy. She is a giving, caring, and beautiful person. We’re so grateful for Linda’s dedication and the care she brings to every meal.

3. Featuring Staci Skogas -

Let’s keep heading east until we land in Fairview, Montana. FAIR… WHO?! FAIRVIEW!!!

This school has more spirit than you can imagine—and it shows in the endless love and appreciation for their incredible Food Service Director, Staci Skogas.

With thanks to Principal Brandy Spitzer-Tjelde, here's a  SHORT VIDEO  of a teacher and many students to show their deepest gratitude for "Chef Staci."

Staci has completely transformed Fairview’s meal program, moving it to mostly scratch-cooked meals made with care (and heart!). She even teamed up with a local rancher to bring Montana beef straight to students’ plates—raised and processed right in the community.

That’s what hometown pride and school meals made with love look like.

4. Sandra (Sandy) Christenson – Cook & Food Service Director, & Dorothy Christenson – Assistant Cook -

A Kitchen That Feels Like Home

At Hays Lodgepole High School, school nutrition is led by Sandy — with her assistant cook, who also happens to be her mom, Dorothy. This mother-daughter duo serves meals the way you’d serve them at home: with care, intention, and love.

They go above and beyond every single day, making almost everything from scratch, balancing efficiency with flavor, and always centering what students love most. The result? Comforting, nourishing, seriously delicious meals.

Let’s Talk About the Menu  Because… WOW! Some highlights include:

• Homemade pancakes & French toast (yes — still from scratch!)

• Homemade hamburger and hot dog buns (how do they find the time to do this?)

• Beef stew with fry bread (both made from scratch)

• Enchiladas, Mexican rice & refried beans (yes, you guessed it... all made from scratch)

• Homemade chicken noodle soup (a forever favorite, especially in winter)

• Hearty hot breakfasts every day — bowls, burritos, sandwiches, pizza, cream of wheat, oatmeal, corned beef hash with eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast… you name it

• An incredible variety of fruit — plums, melons, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, kiwi, grapes (offered at breakfast too, not just lunch) plus a daily salad bar!

Yes. It’s both mouth-watering and impressive. We’re all wishing we went to school here.

More Than Meals

With Sandy’s leadership, this family team makes school feel like home — introducing students to new foods, offering an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and preparing as many meals from scratch as possible. They’re also thoughtfully working toward serving more Indigenous foods, taking the time to do it right and ensure students embrace them.

And the very best part? Sandy and Dorothy are two of the most caring, genuine, and dedicated people you’ll ever meet. Their commitment to feeding the teens of Hays Lodgepole fresh, high-quality food for good health never wavers.

Here's what Jessica Cochran, the Principal of Hays Lodgepole High School had to say 

“Dorothy and Sandy go above and beyond every single day to make Hays Lodgepole High School feel like home. From scratch-made meals, a fresh salad bar daily, and special treats whenever they can, their dedication to nutrition, care, and quality is unmatched. Getting to work at 5:30 AM every day is no small task, yet they make it look effortless. This mother-daughter duo is the heart of our kitchen, and the entire community knows what a special treat it is to eat here. Their passion, work ethic, and care for our students do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”

Thank you, Sandy and Dorothy, for feeding students with skill, heart, and home-cooked love. You are truly wonderful.

5. Meet Haven Murphy — the Heart of Greenfield School’s Lunch Program -

Every day, Haven brings more than just meals to our students — she brings warmth, joy, and a sense of home.

From greeting each child with a genuine smile to preparing healthy, delicious food with care, Haven pours her heart into making lunchtime a bright spot in every student’s day. The school community feels her love in every plate she serves.

 “Haven is the heart of our lunch program. She greets every child with a smile and a genuine welcome that makes Greenfield feel like home. Her dedication to providing healthy, delicious meals is unmatched, and the love she pours into her work is felt by students and staff every single day. Our food program is truly a point of pride in our community because of her dedication. We are incredibly blessed to have her at Greenfield!” — Jamie Sieler, Principal, Greenfield School District 75

Thank you, Haven, for all you do for our students and for the heart you bring to Greenfield every single day. 

6. Jody Reed (Head Cook), Krista Gonsalves (Assistant Cook), and Kathy Reynolds (Kitchen Assistant) -

This incredible trio goes above and beyond every single day. Although Savage is located in an area where access to healthy food is limited, you would never guess it by stepping into their cafeteria. Under Jody’s thoughtful leadership, nearly every meal is cooked from scratch and a wide variety of delicious, nourishing meals! Students enjoy a rotating 9-week menu cycle, a fresh salad bar, and freshly baked bread. The team is always dreaming up new menu ideas and working hard to bring even more locally sourced foods to their students.

What makes this team even more special? They’re family—literally! Jody and Krista are mother and daughter, sharing not only a kitchen but a passion for feeding their school community with love. That family feeling extends throughout the entire school, making every meal feel just a little more like home.

Savage School Superintendent Martha R. Potter shared heartfelt praise for the team and their lasting impact:

7. Andrea Cady, Head Cook at Harrison School -

Wait… what?! A school food service leader and a family physician? That’s right! Andrea is proof that superheroes don’t wear capes—they wear aprons (and sometimes stethoscopes). Like so many school nutrition professionals, Andrea wears more than one hat—but hers is especially unique. Whether she’s caring for patients or cooking up nourishing meals, Andrea’s heart is always focused on the health and well-being of the Harrison community.

In the cafeteria, Andrea takes the time to truly know her students—listening to their feedback, encouraging curiosity, and introducing new flavor profiles alongside a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. She knows healthy habits start early—and she’s making sure they stick.

Andrea’s impact reaches far beyond Harrison School. She partners with statewide organizations and shares her expertise by sharing her knowledge and experience at the Montana School Nutrition Association conference to support her fellow school nutrition staff across the state. 

And perhaps best of all, Andrea knows how to have fun. If wearing a hot dog costume makes kids laugh and lunch more joyful, she’s all in! Because for Andrea, joy is just as important an ingredient as nutrition. 

8. Marlo Spreng & Tanna Haley -

During the 12 Days of School Nutrition Gratitude, we pause to celebrate the people who pour their hearts into nourishing our students every single day. Some teams just work. Others lead with heart, lift everyone around them, and quietly change lives every single day. At Hardin School District, Marlo Spreng, Director of Nutrition & Tanna Haley, Assistant Director of Nutrition are that team—the dream team behind meals that matter and systems that work. Their leadership and teamwork are transforming what school meals can be. Together, Marlo and Tanna prove that even in larger districts, it is possible to cook the majority of meals from scratch while proudly serving local and Indigenous foods. They are trailblazers—setting the bar high, mentoring fellow school nutrition leaders, and leading the way for schools across Montana.

Marlo believes that how we feed students matters—and she proves it every day. She champions quality food, thoughtful service, and continuous learning, always pushing for better for the students they serve. Her dedication to bringing local and Indigenous foods into school meals has helped grow a Farm to School program rooted in care, culture, and community. Marlo’s impact reaches far beyond the kitchen—she’s nourishing students, strengthening connections, and setting a powerful standard for what school food can be.

Behind every smooth-running program is someone who quietly makes it all possible—and that person is Tanna. She is the steady force behind the scenes, handling the paperwork, filing, and management that keeps everything moving forward. Tanna’s organization, dedication, and attention to detail make everyone else’s jobs easier, allowing the whole team to shine. Truly, all would be lost without Tanna and the care and commitment she brings every day.

Together, Marlo and Tanna are the heart of the Hardin School District nutrition program—a dream team that leads with purpose and heart, grounded in the belief that students deserve food that is nourishing, thoughtful, and made with care. During the 12 Days of School Nutrition Gratitude, we celebrate them—and we are deeply thankful for all they give to our students and community. Thank you both for everything you do, today and always.

Marlo Spreng

Marlo’s impact can be felt across the entire district. She leads with heart, purpose, and a deep belief that our students deserve quality food and thoughtful service. Her passion for learning and her commitment to bringing local foods into school meals speak volumes about how much she cares.

Marlo has been instrumental in growing and supporting our Farm to School program, ensuring local and Indigenous foods are part of the meals that nourish our students. Her work feeds more than bodies—it strengthens connections, culture, and community.

-Elle Ross, Farm to School Coordinator, Executive Director, Helping Hands Food Bank

Tanna Haley

Behind every smooth-running program is someone who quietly makes it all possible—and that person is Tanna. She is the steady force behind the scenes, handling the paperwork, filing, and management that keeps everything moving forward. Tanna’s organization, dedication, and attention to detail make everyone else’s jobs easier, allowing the whole team to shine. Truly, we would be lost without her, and we are so grateful for the care and commitment she brings every day.

-Elle Ross, Farm to School Coordinator, Executive Director, Helping Hands Food Bank

9. Francis Brown -

The sky truly is the limit for Francis Brown, Head Cook at Nk̓ʷusm Salish Language School. A visionary in the kitchen and a leader in the community, Francis is helping pave the way for Indigenous foods to shine in school meals. The school menu is 100% Indigenous! From everyday lunches to special community gatherings, Francis cooks with purpose — and heart. In fact, former students come back just to eat lunch. That’s how good it is.

After finding inspiration at the Bison Land to Lunch training and connecting with Chef Lee Garman of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), Francis kept the momentum going. Their conversations sparked new ideas, bold flavors, and ultimately a fully Indigenous holiday meal offered to the entire school community (see below).

Francis leads by example. He’s a mentor to kids and teens, a role model in and out of the kitchen, and a proud dad cooking for his own family at home. Even with little downtime, he shows up every day with a big smile, deep care, and an undeniable passion for his craft. The flavors he creates are mouthwatering — and the love behind them is unmistakable.

Chef Lee, now one of Francis’s biggest fans, puts it best:

“Francis Brown’s work at Nkwusm goes far beyond the kitchen. His dedication to bringing Indigenous foods back into the school lunch program is an act of love, culture, and community. He reminds every student that their foodways matter — and so do they.”

Thank you, Francis, for blazing trails, making school nutrition look effortless, and nourishing students at Nkwusm with meals rooted in culture, history, and love — all packed with incredible flavor. 

10. Robert Worthy, Sodexo Manager for Helena Public Schools -

Robert is the heartbeat behind Helena’s school kitchens. Serving thousands of meals every single day, he’s up before dawn, working long hours at a pace most people couldn’t keep up with for a month — let alone 20 years. That’s right: Robert has been the Sodexo Manager for Helena Public Schools for two decades, and he’s still going strong.

Staffing challenges? Robert takes them in stride. With a satellite kitchen serving 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and more, there’s no such thing as “not my job.” If a driver calls in sick, Robert is behind the wheel at 2 a.m., making sure food gets where it needs to go so kids are fed. No hesitation. No excuses. Just heart.

And Robert doesn’t just go the extra mile — he reimagines the road. Last school year, he brought vending machines to Helena’s two high schools, decked out in Bruins and Bengals mascot logos and colors . These machines provide quick, fully reimbursable, healthy meals, available during and after school — all accessed with a student ID. Smart. Creative. Game-changing. How cool is that?! 

Through his leadership, Helena serves the most summer meals in the entire state — reaching a high of 90,000 meals 2 years ago — ensuring families have food even when school is out. While others slow down for summer, Robert and the Sodexo team shift gears, working with smaller crews and serving meals across the community through the Munchtana food truck (named and voted on by students, of course!).

And that’s not all Every year, Sodexo hosts the Future Chef Competition, giving students a chance to step into the spotlight and share their creativity. Kids submit their own recipes, and the top 12 are selected to compete for awards — with Robert and his team cheering them on every step of the way, offering guidance, encouragement, and plenty of kitchen wisdom. One standout student even gets the incredible opportunity to advance and compete at the national level.

Here’s Chef Robert in action — inspiring the next generation, one recipe at a time!

Despite the size of the job, Robert always makes time to show up — from School Board meetings to the District Wellness Committee to the Kids Nutrition Coalition. He values collaboration, welcomes new ideas, and is always ready to help. His goal is simple and powerful: do right by the school community and support Helena wherever possible.

And now, it’s time to celebrate with him . Helena voters passed a school bond that will bring a new commercial base kitchen — with the space, storage, and equipment needed to truly match the scale of this district. Robert, we’re thrilled that you’re helping plan and design this new space and can’t wait to see you show Helena what’s possible for school meals. 

So many people had incredible things to say about Robert — here are just a few:

“Robert is whip-cracking smart and dedicated.” — Ann Waickman, former co-founder and member, Kids Nutrition Coalition

“Robert is a wonderful leader. He cares so much about all the youth he serves, and he goes above and beyond to troubleshoot and discover new ways to offer more nutritious, unique, and scratch-cooked options. In a district the size of Helena Public Schools, that is no small feat!” — Rachelle Sartori, Director, MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program

“Robert must spend every day trying to feed more students more nutritious food at the lowest cost.” — Shannon McNamee, School Nurse, Helena Public Schools

“Robert is so passionate about feeding our whole youth community, we appreciate his dedication, flexibility and going above and beyond to make sure all children have adequate and healthy foods available to them.” — Cassie Drynan, Health and Nutrition Manager, Rocky Head Start

“Robert’s knowledge is a huge benefit for kids and he is not afraid to personally make deliveries to ensure that students are getting healthy and delicious meals or that events he caters run smoothly. Our students benefit from his knowledge, experience and desire to keep kids fed!” — Matthew Carey, Principal, Project for Alternative Learning, Helena Public Schools

“Robert has the perseverance to overcome challenges in the School Nutrition world!” — Amber Lewis, Farm to School Program Specialist, OPI School Nutrition Programs

“Robert is a stellar food service director who is especially creative and innovative when it comes to increasing participation in the school nutrition programs and bringing new ideas to the cafeterias of Helena schools. At the center of his work, you can tell he deeply cares about making sure students are fed.” — Sydney Dickinson, School Nutrition Program Specialist, OPI School Nutrition Programs

And the love doesn’t stop there So many community members who work closely with Robert shared the very first words that came to mind when they thought of him — and together, their reflections came together in this heartfelt word cloud, painting a powerful picture of who Robert truly is.

Robert, thank you for showing us what leadership, dedication, and love for community truly look like. You are truly WONDERFUL and the Helena community is lucky to have you.

11. The One, The Only… Cathy Campbell -

This holiday season, the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger is celebrating the school nutrition heroes who pour love, creativity, and care into every meal—and Cathy Campbell, Food Service Director at Choteau Public Schools is truly one of a kind.

If you’ve ever heard Cathy talk about her work, you’ve probably heard her say, “It’s all about the kids.” And she means it. Being a rancher, she knows the importance of cooking from scratch and eating locally grown food. Her teamwork has led to kids genuinely love eating at school. Through Cathy’s leadership, Choteau schools have served only Montana beef since 2018… now that’s something to be proud of! 

It doesn’t just end here, she spearheaded the Choteau School District offering free school meals available to ALL students starting this school year. And thanks to her resourcefulness and grant-writing superpowers, Cathy upgraded the school kitchen equipment, adding an outdoor freezer, and even bringing in a freeze dryer to preserve peak-season produce. (Yes, she’s also teaching kids how to use it for fundraisers!) 

But Cathy’s impact goes far beyond the kitchen. She’s a pillar of the school and community, always lending a hand at events, service projects, and new food adventures that students eagerly line up to try. According to Katie Adams, Vice Chair, School Board, Choteau Public Schools, & Director, Choteau Food Pantry, “Cathy’s kitchen is a great environment and enjoyable to visit because she just creates joy. She is always sourcing as much from local producers, and it shows in the quality of her food. In fact, a community member recently told me that two-thirds of the kids in Choteau have favorite meals from Cathy’s kitchen—a true testament to the love she puts into every plate. The kids and community members appreciate Cathy and her dedication to our children.”

Her kitchen is a joyful place, her meals are unforgettable, and her dedication shines through in every bite. Choteau is incredibly lucky and grateful to have Cathy—and the kids know it; the school knows it; the community knows it! Three cheers for Cathy Campbell!

12. Honoring Marsha Wartick -

If dependability had a name in the Ronan School District, it would be Marsha Wartick. For 25 incredible years, Marsha has been showing up, rolling up her sleeves, and making sure kids are fed well—no matter what the day (or decade!) throws her way.

As Food Service Director, Marsha is the definition of steady and strong. She is consistent, collaborative, and persistently focused on one thing: serving the best possible food to the students of Ronan. When school is in session, when it’s summer break, during holidays—and even during the challenges of the Covid shutdown—Marsha and her team make sure no student goes hungry. If the school doors are closed, Marsha is still thinking about how to get meals to kids who need them.

With unmatched knowledge and 25 years of experience, Marsha turns challenges into opportunities. Supply shortages? She gets creative. Obstacles? She finds solutions. Gimmicks? Not her style. Marsha stays true to what matters—sustainable, scratch-cooked, and locally inspired meals that truly nourish students.

As the longest-standing food service director on the Flathead Reservation, Marsha’s leadership has shaped not just meals, but a culture of care, professionalism, and heart. Her dedication to her staff and her students is felt every single day—and the Ronan School District is stronger because of her.

Marsha Wartick, thank you for 25 years of service, compassion, and quiet heroism. You are a true School Nutrition Hero, and we are so grateful for you during the 12 Days of School Nutrition Gratitude.

13. Powerhouse trio from Rocky Boy Schools on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation:

Lori Osgood, Food Service Director Loren Bacon, Head Cook Kellie Russette, Assistant Cook

Together, Lori, Loren, and Kellie are transforming school meals into meaningful experiences—bringing more Indigenous foods into the program and deepening students’ cultural and historical connections to food. Their commitment truly showed up at the Bison Land to Lunch training, where not one, not two, but all three attended. Now that’s teamwork! Lori’s leadership shines in the way she consistently advocates for her team to grow, learn, and take advantage of training opportunities. This trio is also known for being positive and fun-loving—but fair warning: introduce a little friendly competition and game on! During the “Magnicow” team challenge at The Producer Partnership during the Land to Lunch training, Loren and Kellie’s competitive streak came out in full force as they raced to victory—earning bragging rights at the very least (even if there wasn’t officially a title… though there definitely should be!).

And the excellence doesn’t stop there. The Rocky Boy school nutrition team consistently goes above and beyond:

• Trying new recipes with enthusiasm

• Getting creative with how meals are served to better meet students where they are

• Improving kitchen efficiency to do more with less

• Ensuring kids have access to good nutrition even during the summer months

What stands out most is the joy. This is a team that works hard, laughs often, supports one another, and genuinely loves what they do—and that energy is inspiring and contagious.

Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. From school leadership to statewide partners, praise is pouring in:

Thank you, Lori, Loren, Kellie, and the entire Rocky Boy School Nutrition team for your passion, creativity, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to nourishing your students and community. Your work matters—and it shows every single day.