Kendall Stokes

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-LAC 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 10 years

Students Served: 7,000

J.T.M Food Group, “Jack Maas, Jr.” first-time attendee scholarship

“This opportunity reminded me that the work we do in school nutrition reaches far beyond the cafeteria. Being able to learn more about advocacy and connect with other professionals who share the same passion for serving children was both inspiring and affirming. It strengthened my commitment to continue being a voice for students who depend on school meals. My hope for the future is to continue growing as a leader in school nutrition and to remain actively engaged in efforts that support and protect programs that nourish children”

Why School Nutrition?

I love getting to be apart of every child’s favorite subject in school…lunch! It brings me so much joy to see kids excited to get their favorite lunches.

Key Takeaways

We are all fighting for a common goal: healthy meals for kids. We need to figure out how to get there together.

The Impact of This Scholarship

The SNF Conference Scholarship made it possible for me to go to LAC for the first time. It allowed me to show the importance of this conference to my district admin and colleagues. I got to meet so many amazing people from directors, dietitians, and B&I who were all working together to achieve healthy meals for students. I hope to use these connections I made in LAC to help support my role as a Food Service Director.