Eric Span

Eric Span is the Director of Nutrition Services for Sweetwater Union High School District. Eric has served in this role for 12 years. Eric has 19 years in K-12 School Nutrition as well as being a trained chef. Having graduated culinary school 33 years ago, Eric has vast knowledge in recipe building, procurement, and leading large teams . His passion and love for serving great food guides him as he provides the highest quality and nutritious meals for Sweetwater students. Eric is a proponent of the Farm to School movement and is currently working to build a bridge between school food service and classroom education.

Eric served as the Public Policy and Legislative Committee Chair for the California School Nutrition Association. Eric was named 2023-24 Director of the Year by the California School Nutrition Association and Director of Year for SNA. Eris is an awardee of the Center for Ecoliteracy Innovative Leadership award for 2023-24. Eric became a Board Member for School Nutrition Association in 2024

Areas of Business Responsible For: General program operations including budgeting, staffing, training, menu development, food safety, and compliance with USDA and California Department regulations governing school nutrition programs.

What Do You Bring to the Role: I bring over 30 years of experience in food service operations. I’m a trained chef with expertise in recipe and menu development, staff development and training, creation and maintaining of budgets, procurement. These skills have supported my personal success and growth and for that of my employer.

Education: Washburne Trade School- Certificate of Completion in Culinary Arts

Other Membershipnutrition directors or Affiliations: California Chef’s de Cuisine, International Food Manufacture’s Association, Alliance Director Network and Sweetwater Union School District’s Black Student Union Elders 

What You Do in Your Free Time: I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m a Uber/Lyft driver for my kids sports practices. I love cooking and creating new recipes. I read books and spend time working on my house and gardening.