Welcome to Season 4, Episode 5
Spoiler alert—the foods from school cafeterias are fresher than you think! In this episode of “School Food for Thought: The Truth Behind School Meals,” we bust the myth that school meals are nothing but reheated or pre-packaged food.
Our guests dig into the fresh, nutritious options served every day, from farm-to-school partnerships and speed-scratch cooking to menus designed with both flavor and health in mind. Along the way, we explore how school nutrition professionals introduce kids to new foods, connect families with local farms and create meals that are both exciting and nourishing.
This conversation demonstrates how school cafeterias are being transformed into vibrant spaces where children enjoy healthy meals that fuel learning, build community and support lifelong habits.
Meet Our Guests
Donna Martin, EdS, RDN SNS
Donna Martin is the retired Director of School Nutrition for Burke County Schools in Georgia and a nationally recognized leader in child nutrition. A past President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she has testified before Congress, spoken at the White House, and championed the Farm to School movement. Her work gained national attention in 2016 when Michelle Obama and Al Roker visited Burke County to plant a school garden, and she continues to advocate for policies that strengthen child nutrition programs.
Chef Vahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN, Founder of To Taste
Chef Vahista Ussery is a registered dietitian and co-founder of To Taste, where she translates nutrition science into practical, flavorful cooking solutions. As part of Chef Cyndie’s K-12 Culinary Team, she supports schools across the country with menu planning, recipe development, and scratch-cooking strategies. An expert in school nutrition trends, Vahista has been invited to the White House and speaks regularly at national conferences, helping schools bring nutritious, exciting meals to their students.
Stephanie Walker Hynes M.Ed., SNS, Director of Child Nutrition – Little Rock School District
Stephanie Walker Hynes is the Director of Child Nutrition for the Little Rock School District, where she has dedicated nearly 30 years to ensuring that every child has access to healthy, high-quality meals. A passionate advocate for school nutrition professionals, she has worked to elevate staff recognition and strengthen program quality. Stephanie also serves as President-Elect of the Arkansas School Nutrition Association and sits on SNA’s Public Policy and Legislative Committee, where she advances policies to fight food insecurity and promote student well-being.
