Lynelle Johnson, MPA, RD, SNS

Lynelle Johnson serves as the Director of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. She has worked in child nutrition since 1994 and previously served as School Food Service Director in two North Dakota school districts. Her extensive experience spans nearly three decades of supporting and advancing child nutrition programs across the state.

In her current role, Johnson oversees the administration of North Dakota’s Child Nutrition and Food Distribution programs, ensuring schools and organizations receive the guidance and resources needed to successfully administer federal nutrition programs. Her experience as both a local school nutrition director and state agency leader gives her a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing school meal programs.

Johnson has been an active leader within the North Dakota School Nutrition Association, serving as President, Nutrition Chair, Education Chair, and Public Policy and Legislative Chair. She previously served on the School Nutrition Association Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023 and currently serves as SNA Vice President.

She and her husband, Bruce, have two children, Mason and Emily.

Areas of Responsibility

Johnson oversees all Child Nutrition and Food Distribution programs administered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Seamless Summer Option, USDA Foods in Schools, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

What She Brings to the Role

Johnson brings nearly 30 years of experience in school nutrition and extensive expertise in program management, including budgeting, financial management, staff supervision, menu planning and USDA regulations. In her current role, she draws on her experience as a school food service director to help schools build strong, successful nutrition programs. She is passionate about fostering collaboration among school nutrition professionals, policymakers and industry partners to strengthen school meal programs nationwide.

Professional Affiliations

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Personal Interests

In her free time, Johnson enjoys spending time outdoors, taking walks and planting and caring for flowers during the summer months.