The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has named Diane Russo, Director of Nutrition Services for Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in Alaska, the recipient of the AmTab K-12 Signage, Graphics and Decor Grant worth up to $100,000. The grant is among 2025 SNF Equipment Grants available to help school meal programs overcome staffing, budget or operational challenges. The additional funding supports programs working to expand fresh and scratch-made menu options, increase efficiencies and enhance the cafeteria experience to nourish students’ school days.
Russo reports that the aesthetics at Wasilla High School’s main cafeteria have not been updated since the school was built in 1976. The institutional, dull look does not encourage or invite students to eat nutritious school meals, contributing to low meal participation rates. Russo aims to brighten up the space with paint and murals and purchase new seating, tables and television monitors to display menu information, creating a modern food court style cafeteria.
“We want to create a welcoming atmosphere that’s perceived as a fun and healthy place to hang out,” said Russo. “Refurbishing the space and the furniture and improving décor will assist in promoting healthy eating simply by making it more attractive. If more students were willing to try our food, they would see that it is not only healthy, but delicious.”
According to Russo, only about 3 percent of students participate in the breakfast program and lunch participation is about 22 percent. She hopes the creation of a modernized food court will greatly increase participation and reduce disparity among students. The majority of students participating receive free and reduced price meals, while paying students currently opt to purchase school store food items, use Door Dash, or leave the school to eat.
“Elements of Wasilla High School’s cafeteria have not been updated for nearly 50 years, and we are pleased to assist with upgrades to increase the number of students eating Wasilla’s healthy school meals,” said SNF Chair, Becky Domokos-Bays, PhD, RD, SNS.
As the recipient of the AmTab K-12 Signage, Graphics and Decor Grant, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District will be awarded up to $100,000 worth of AmTab signage, graphics and decor. They will work with AmTab representatives to determine what best suits their school district’s specific needs.
About School Nutrition Foundation:
The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is the charitable arm of the School Nutrition Association (SNA). SNF supports school nutrition professionals by offering grants and scholarships, providing free training opportunities and identifying research, trends and innovations. The 2025 SNF Equipment Grants are made possible by the generous contributions of Alto-Shaam, AmTab, Cambro Manufacturing, Food Warming Equipment Company (FWE), Hobart (ITW Food Equipment Group LLC Brand), Innoseal, LTI, Inc., Sterno Delivery, Vulcan (ITW Food Equipment Group LLC brand), and Winston Foodservice.
About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.
Related Articles
