Alexandra Vasquez

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-LAC 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 18 years

Students Served: 13,300

Frank and Erinn Massabni first-time attendee scholarship

“This was an experience to remember. I often struggle with my value and being heard. Am I important in this whole operation. The answer is- yes! by being able to attend this conference I was able to see my value to school nutrition- had I not been able to attend I might have just continued on… in the mundane of everyday duties- however because I was able to see the bigger picture my perspective on my part has changed. I am just as important as the one preparing and serving our students daily. I am not just a paper pusher but a resource to our families. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to go to Capital Hill.”

Why School Nutrition?

What do I love about my job??? Feeding kids- even thought I am not in the kitchen any longer I can still do this by being able to help families get the resources they need, as well as helping my co-workers to have the tools they need to do their job.

Key Takeaways

One key takeaway for me… is that we need to stay informed on the things going on in Legislation- to see the big picture. It is not just putting the food on the tray and following the guidelines that our RDNs and Directors tell us to follow- It is important to know where they come from and how they impact what we do everyday- FEED KIDS. This is so much bigger than us and we get to be a part.

The Impact of This Scholarship

This scholarship opened up a whole other door for me in so many areas professionally and personally. Professionally by giving me more meaning to what I do for the district. I struggle when people ask me what I do for the district because to me I am just a paper pusher but to our families what I do is more than processing a form or submitting a reimbursement claim- it is insuring that their students get to a healthy breakfast and lunch. This is two less meals parents have to worry about.