Rochelle Winner

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-Professional Development 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 8.5 years

Students Served: 10,500

Scholarship Award: Schwan’s Food Service Scholarship

“The thing I love most about my job is the difference that it makes in the lives of the children in our district.”

Why School Nutrition?

I never knew the extent of child food insecurity until I began working in Student Nutrition.

My professional background contains twenty-three years of grocery retail experience where I learned food service safety and service as a manager to provide quality fresh products for sale to our customers.  I applied for a position in school food service after I had my daughter because I needed a position that I could use my skill set in while increasing my quality of life by having a set schedule.  I started as a head cook and once I adapted to the fast paced environment I fell in love with the job.  I felt accomplished by providing meals that were appreciated and the kids were so fun to talk to in the line.  I was promoted to a manager position served in that role for 5 years.  In August of 2024 I transitioned to a support role in Student Nutrition at the district office.  This allows me to interact and support our staff and students alike. The inspiration for my return to school and applying for this scholarship comes from the desire to learn as much as I can from different sources so I can better serve the people in my community.  I also want to show my own child that it is never to late to learn new things and change your direction to serve others.

Investing in My Future

This scholarship supports my professional development goals by helping to continue education degree path by alleviating some of the financial obligation that comes with higher education.  My hopes for the future is one day be the Student Nutrition Director for a school district.

School/University: The University of Alabama

Program of Study: Human Environmental Science Food and Nutrition

Graduation Date: 2029