Jeff Caguioa, SNS

Please share a little of your K-12 school nutrition journey.

I never completed a K-12 rotation during my dietetic program, but I knew food service was in the cards for me. After becoming an RD, I wanted to learn how to eat well for life, and I thought a culinary background would complement my role so I attended The Culinary Institute of America. After I spent eight years as a consultant dietitian in long-term care, a college friend invited me to join a K-12 management company as an entry-level dietitian. It was a challenging transition, but I’m grateful I made the career change. Now I’m the Assistant Director of Student Nutrition and have been in my current district for six years.

Did you eat school lunch as a child?

Yes, I was always in the lunch line! At home, we mostly ate Filipino food and rarely went out to eat, so school lunch introduced me to new foods from different places. Some of my favorite school memories are connected to those meals. It was more than just the food; it was about the friends, the laughter and the excitement of racing to be first in line.

What’s your all-time favorite movie, TV show or video game?

Fortnite is my favorite video game. It’s a blast, but the real reason I enjoy it is that my daughter can school me and still chooses to let me play on her team—she picks me! We lose more than we win and probably yell more than we should, but I look forward to playing Fortnite with her every day.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

I’d tell my 18-year-old self to relax; nobody actually knows what they’re doing, they’re just pretending really well. Try new things, say yes to adventures and don’t stress about the plan (because it’s going to change a dozen times anyway). Also, learn to cook something besides instant noodles and boxed dinner mixes—future you will thank you.

If you had to listen to one artist forever, who would you choose?

Metallica.  IYKYK.

What fictional character would you most like to hang out with?

Izuku Midoriya (also known as Deku) from My Hero Academia, a Japanese manga series. Deku shows many of the same characteristics I admire, like his selfless drive to help others even at his own risk, his idealistic view of heroism and his deep empathy.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fresh Filipino lumpia or egg rolls with sweet chili sauce.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

It may sound a little dorky, but I enjoy grocery shopping when I’m not under pressure. That way I can choose quality produce and peruse the aisles to see what’s new, maybe pick up a few unexpected items for ‘research’. Then I would go home to experiment with a new recipe or technique that I’m rusty on and finish off the day by watching something with the family or playing video games.