Eric Span

Eric Span is the Director of Nutrition Services for Sweetwater Union High School District, where he has served for the past 12 years. He brings 19 years of experience in K–12 school nutrition and more than 30 years of experience in foodservice. A trained chef, Span graduated from culinary school 33 years ago and has extensive expertise in recipe development, procurement and leading large teams. His passion for serving great food guides his commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meals for Sweetwater students. He is also a strong advocate for the Farm to School movement and is working to strengthen the connection between school nutrition programs and classroom education.

Span served as Public Policy and Legislative Committee Chair for the California School Nutrition Association. He was named the 2023–24 Director of the Year by both the California School Nutrition Association and the School Nutrition Association and received the 2023–24 Center for Ecoliteracy Innovative Leadership Award. He joined the School Nutrition Association Board of Directors in 2024.

Areas of Responsibility

Span oversees all aspects of nutrition services operations, including budgeting, staffing, training, menu development, food safety and compliance with USDA and California Department of Education regulations governing school nutrition programs.

What He Brings to the Role

Span brings more than 30 years of foodservice experience and extensive expertise in recipe and menu development, staff development and training, budget management and procurement. His leadership, culinary background and operational expertise have supported both his personal growth and the continued success of his district’s nutrition program.

Education

• Washburne Trade School (Certificate in Culinary Arts)

Professional Affiliations

• California Chef’s de Cuisine
• International Food Manufacturers Association
• Alliance Director Network
• Sweetwater Union High School District Black Student Union Elders

Personal Interests

In his free time, Span enjoys spending time with his family and joking that he serves as an Uber and Lyft driver for his children’s sports practices. He also enjoys cooking, creating new recipes, reading, gardening and working on projects around his home.