Vanessa Bonfim

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-SNIC 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 13 years

Students Served: 6,900

School Nutrition Association first- time attendee scholarship

“For me, school nutrition is far more than a job—it is a mission to create meaningful change.”

Why School Nutrition? 

To create menu items that students are excited about.  I believe that our students are the ones who will lead us into tomorrow, and as school professionals, it is our responsibility to nurture these “mini leaders” in every way possible. I am deeply passionate not just about the food on the tray, but about the whole child and their total well-being. A child needs a strong foundation to become a successful adult, and there is no better way to build that foundation than by fueling their bodies to fuel their minds. My goal is to ensure that every student who enters my cafeteria feels supported, nourished, and ready to learn.

Bringing It Back to My District

The value of this conference extended far beyond the classroom sessions. It provided a unique space to bridge the gap between operations and supply. I truly appreciated the chance to not only network with fellow school nutrition staff but to also cultivate deeper relationships with our vendors and industry leaders. Strengthening these partnerships is essential, as it ensures we are working hand-in-hand with our providers to find the best solutions for our students.

The Impact of This Scholarship

This scholarship is vital to my professional journey because it provided me with the high-level training and industry connections needed to turn this passion into action. By attending the School Nutrition Industry Conference, I brought back innovative strategies to my district that go beyond simple meal service, focusing instead on holistic wellness and excellence. Your support allows me to better serve the students who are the heartbeat of our community.