Taylor Takes the Plate 2019-03-03 In recognition for his unwavering dedication to school nutrition, Rodney Taylor has been awarded the top honor in the K-12 foodservice segment as part of the 2019 Silver Plate Awards from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Taylor, Food and Nutrition Services director at Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the country with over 185,000 students, won the award in the Elementary & Secondary Schools category. “I was surprised and delighted,” recounts Taylor of learning the news. “I hope that I was recommended for over 45 years of service in the foodservice industry, and 30 years of service in K-12 schools as a foodservice director.” This prestigious award, instituted in 1954, honors the nation’s top talent of foodservice operators in a variety of industries—restaurants, hotels and lodging, colleges, healthcare and more. Silver Plate award winners are nominated by IFMA members and industry leaders. Winners are selected by a jury panel which include national trade press, foodservice experts and past Gold & Silver Plate award winners. Taylor will be honored at IFMA’s annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration later this year. At the celebration, one of the Silver Plate winners will receive the coveted Gold Plate Award. All of us at SNA are incredibly proud of Taylor’s accomplishments and applaud this honor, which demonstrates his commitment to excellence in the K-12 foodservice industry. Congratulations, Rodney!