Welcome to Season 4, Episode 6
Food allergies. Special diets. Family food traditions. Parents often wonder: How do schools handle it all? In this episode of “School Food for Thought: The Truth Behind School Meals,” we dig into how schools are working every day to make sure every child has access to meals that are safe, nourishing and enjoyable.
From allergy protocols and menu planning to staff training and parent communication, our guests share real examples of how schools adapt and innovate to meet diverse needs. You’ll also hear about creative tools like surveys, technology and taste tests that bring students and families into the process.
At its heart, this episode is about collaboration and trust—showing how schools and parents can work together so every child feels confident, cared for and excited about what’s on their tray.
Meet Our Guests
Jessica Shelly, MBA, SNS, REHS, Director, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
Jessica Shelly is the Director of Student Dining Services for Cincinnati Public Schools, where she oversees more than 60,000 meals served each day across 69 schools. Widely recognized as a trailblazer in child nutrition, Jessica has received numerous state and national honors, including the IFMA Gold Plate Award, FAME Golden Director Award, and multiple USDA Turnip the Beet awards. She has pioneered innovative initiatives such as salad bars in every school, cultural spice stations, reimbursable meal vending machines, and clean label ingredient guides. With her leadership, Cincinnati schools have become a model for nutrition innovation and student engagement, showing how school meals can be both healthy and exciting.
Johnna Rembert Beard, CMP, CFSM, MPH, SNS, Director, Montgomery, Alabama
Johnna Rembert Beard serves as the Executive Director of Nutrition Services for Montgomery Public Schools in Alabama, where she leads meal programs for more than 25,000 students across 47 schools. With a strong background in nutrition, biology, and public health, she has earned recognition including Alabama SNA Director of the Year and USDA Turnip the Beet Silver Award. Beyond her district leadership, Johnna is active nationally through SNA committees, the ICN Leadership Academy, and speaking engagements. She also founded Inspire Nutrition Solutions, LLC, to mentor and support child nutrition leaders, and co-founded a wellness brand, Illuminate by J. A dedicated professional and entrepreneur, Johnna brings passion and innovation to every aspect of her work.
Suzanne Morales, RD, MPH, SNS, Director of Nutrition Services, Placenta Yorba Linda Unified, California
Suzanne Morales is the Director of Nutrition Services for Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District in California, overseeing more than three million meals served annually across 35 schools. With over two decades of experience in school nutrition, she has also held leadership roles in Long Beach and Los Alamitos Unified School Districts. Suzanne is deeply involved in advocacy and policy, having served on the California SNA Public Policy & Legislative Committee and the national SNA PPL Committee. She believes the cafeteria is every child’s first nutrition classroom and is passionate about educating students, families, and policymakers on the lifelong value of healthy eating. Suzanne also mentors dietetic interns, inspiring the next generation of school nutrition professionals.
