Crystal Jo Bruns

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-Professional Development 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 12 years

Students Served: 300

Scholarship Award: SNA Professional Development Scholarship

“What I love most about my job is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships across our entire community; with our students, our staff, and our community.”

Why School Nutrition?

For me, school nutrition is about so much more than just serving meals; it is a vital touchpoint for making a real difference in a child’s day. I love creating a welcoming cafeteria where students feel seen and supported.  I love knowing that these daily connections contribute to a child’s sense of belonging and academic success is easily the most rewarding part of what I do.

My background in school nutrition began 12 years ago when I took a job as a cook at my sons’ school, driven by a lifelong passion for cooking and working with kids. Today, as a Kitchen Manager and Bus Driver, my work centers on building deep, meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and local families. Serving this tight-knit, rural community, I see daily how vital a welcoming cafeteria, a safe ride, and a nutritious meal are to a child’s academic success and sense of belonging.

Investing in My Future

What inspired me to apply for this scholarship is my journey to continue my higher education and my deep desire to get more involved in leadership within the School Nutrition Association (SNA) so I can actively bring our vital rural perspectives to the organization. Having already completed my Associate’s degree in Business Management, I am now pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. My ultimate goal is to earn my School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential, become a Food Service Director, and step into national SNA leadership roles. This scholarship will provide the tools I need to strengthen my management capabilities, advocate effectively for practical rural solutions, and make a lifelong difference for our country’s youth.

School/University: Colorado State University Global

Program of Study: Organizational Leadership

Graduation Date: 2027