TASNews Winter 2026

TASN 2025–2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

STANDING COMMITTEE

Education

President-Elect

Secretary/Treasurer

TASN Executive

Industry

Membership

Organizational

AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Area

Area 4 Representative Tanya

Area 7 Representative Open Position

Area 10 Representative

Public

Area

Area

Area

Area 8 Representative

Area 11 Representative

Area

Contact

Area

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

fall 2025

MOMENTUM IS BUILDING!

We’re energized by the incredible momentum across the Texas Association for School Nutrition (TASN) community as we head into a new era of leadership, collaboration, and professional growth. Here’s a look at key updates and opportunities:

Welcoming Our New Executive Director

We are thrilled to officially welcome and begin the transition with our new TASN Executive Director, Lindsey Jost, CAE. Lindsey brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and member engagement from her years in the association world. Please join us in welcoming her! We are confident that her passion and creative ingenuity will guide TASN into a dynamic and impactful future.

Launching Our Future: Rising Stars Meetup

November 12 marked the launch of our very first Rising Stars meetup event! This program is designed to connect school and industry professionals, pairing experienced leaders as mentors with emerging talent as mentees. It’s a fantastic opportunity to foster the next generation of school nutrition excellence in Texas. We look forward to seeing the powerful connections and knowledge-sharing that will emerge from this initiative.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating for Student Health

TASN is proud to continue an exciting collaboration with Make Texas Healthy Again

by Susan D’Amico Aldine ISD TASN President

(MTHA). Working towards the common goal of keeping kids healthy in Texas, our partnership aims to bridge the gap between public perception and the reality of nutritious school meals. We are advocating together to shine a light on the incredible work school nutrition professionals do and to secure the support our programs need to continue leading the way in student health.

Upcoming Event & Leadership Opportunities

Partnership Collaboration Summit (PCS) in February: We are eagerly looking forward to seeing administrators and other key partners at the Partnership Collaboration Summit in Galveston next month. This event is a crucial platform for collective problem-solving and advancing our shared mission.

Board of Directors Nominations: We extend a warm welcome to new leaders in our association through the process of board of directors nominations for office. Strong leadership is vital to TASN’s success, and we encourage capable and passionate members to consider this opportunity to shape the future of school nutrition in Texas.

Annual Conference in June: Get ready to reconnect and recharge at the fabulous Gaylord Texan in Grapevine this June! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can connect with peers, make new friends, and leave with a wealth of new ideas. Highlights include a huge food show, great classes for professional development, and a truly beautiful venue to enjoy.

Thank You

Finally, a huge thank you to every single member for your unwavering dedication. Your tireless work fuels the health and success of Texas students every single day. We look forward to a rewarding year ahead!

HEADQUARTERS HIGHLIGHTS

Dear TASN members,

by Lindsey Jost, CAE

TASN

Executive Director

lindsey@tasn.net

I am honored to serve as the executive director of the Texas Association for School Nutrition and I want to begin by sharing how grateful I am to join this community.

I have spent the past 17 years in the association industry supporting governance, events, strategy, operations, membership engagement, volunteer leadership development, and long term organizational planning. Sixteen of those years were with an education association, where I learned how to collaborate with committed professionals, guide complex initiatives and help the association grow with clarity and purpose.

I believe deeply in the work you do. I am a parent of three, including a 6’5” teenage basketball player, who rely on their school meals every day. I have seen firsthand how important your commitment is to the students you serve and I am proud to support you in playing such an essential role in their well being

As I step into this role, my goal is to first honor the strengths that have made TASN such a successful and trusted association. The team and I are also excited to take a thoughtful look at where we can continue to grow. I want to listen, learn and work alongside you as we build on such a solid foundation, strengthen the member experience and identify opportunities to innovate and improve in ways that support your work

I look forward to connecting with many of you at PCS in Galveston this February and throughout the year at TASN events. Please feel free to reach out to me at lindsey@tasn.net. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and support the association together.

Lindsey Jost, CAE TASN Executive Director

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES

TASN 2026 Partnership Collaboration Summit (PCS) February 2–4, 2026

TASN Third Board of Director Meeting

TASN Administrative Academy Part Two

TASN 2026-2027 Election

February 2, 2026

February 2-3, 2026

Tremont House Hotel | Galveston, TX

Tremont House Hotel | Galveston, TX

Tremont House Hotel | Galveston, TX

March 1-31, 2026 Voting details coming soon

National School Breakfast Week March 2-6, 2026 Nationwide

SNA Legislative Action Conference (LAC) March 8-10, 2026 Washington, D.C.

TASN 2026 Annual Conference

June 28–30, 2026

Gaylord Texan Resort | Grapevine, TX

SNA Annual Nutrition Conference (ANC) July 12-14, 2026 Charlotte, NC

Greetings from the TASN President-Elect

IGNITE THE LIGHT: A YEAR OF REFLECTION,

CELEBRATION, AND EXCITEMENT FOR TASN

As we move into a new year, the TASN Conference Planning Committee has been working hard to build an Annual Conference that feels energizing, meaningful, and full of moments worth remembering. The team has spent the past several months shaping an agenda that blends learning, leadership, connection, and celebration. We want this experience to recharge our members and highlight the incredible work happening in school nutrition

We are excited to share that Michael Ivanov will be our keynote speaker for the 2026 Annual Conference. His message focuses on purpose, resilience, and finding strength in difficult times. It fits perfectly with this year’s theme, Ignite the Light. We believe his keynote will inspire attendees and set a powerful tone for the entire event.

Ignite the Light is more than a theme. It reflects the heart of what school nutrition professionals do every day. You brighten your campuses by caring for students and supporting their success. You lift up your teams and help create a positive place for staff and students. Your light shows up in both the big efforts and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed.

To celebrate that spirit, we are launching the Ignite the Light Video Challenge. We want districts to show how they bring this theme to life. Your video could highlight how your team “ignites the light” within your district or show how you are gearing up to “ignite the light” at the conference. It can be funny, heartfelt, creative, or simple. What matters most is that it reflects your team’s energy and excitement for what is ahead.

by John Ceballos Klein ISD TASN President-Elect

As the holiday season wraps up and 2026 begins, I hope you take a moment to think about everything you accomplished in 2025. This past year brought challenges, but it also brought achievements worth celebrating. You served students with care, launched new ideas, supported one another, and continued to shine in ways that make a real difference for children across Texas. You should feel proud of the work you do.

Now it is time to look forward. The upcoming year holds a lot of promise for TASN and for our members. Our committee is excited to continue building a conference that reflects your voices, recognizes your contributions, and supports your professional growth.

Let’s step into 2026 with purpose and excitement. Let’s come together and Ignite the Light in our schools, in our teams, and within ourselves.

by Jennifer Miller

A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

As we begin a new year together, I want to start by sharing my sincere hopes and wishes for each of you as we reflect on the 2025 holiday season. Whether spent with family, friends, or cherished colleagues, I hope your holidays were filled with joy, peace, and moments that allowed you to truly rest and recharge. The work we do throughout the year is meaningful and demanding, and this season gives us a much-needed opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew our energy for what lies ahead.

This past fall was an especially productive and exciting time for TASN. As part of the Executive Committee, led by President Susan D’Amico, I have been grateful to be involved in important structural changes at TASN headquarters. These efforts are focused on strengthening our foundation, ensuring that our association continues to operate effectively and efficiently, and embracing innovative best practices that position us for long-term success.

At the same time, we remain deeply committed to preserving what matters most—our people and the values that have guided TASN for decades. Change is never simple, but I am confident that these thoughtful adjustments will better equip us to serve our members now and in the future.

In my role as the vice president, one of my primary responsibilities is planning our Partnership Collaboration Summit (PCS), and this work has been both energizing and inspiring. With our Island Connections theme guiding the vision, we are focused on creating a conference experience that features outstanding speakers while also creating space for meaningful collaboration—where relationships are strengthened, new partnerships are formed, and innovative ideas flow freely. PCS is about more than a schedule of sessions; it is about bringing people together in ways that

TASN Vice President

spark growth, creativity, and shared purpose. I am incredibly excited for what is ahead and cannot wait to experience it alongside all of you.

As we look forward to 2026, I encourage each of you to think about how you might become even more engaged with TASN. Our association thrives because of the passion, commitment, and voices of our members. There are many ways to be involved—volunteering on committees, participating in advocacy efforts, mentoring others, serving as presenters, or simply providing feedback that helps shape our programs and services. Your insights, experiences, and perspective matter. If you have ever wondered how you can make a greater impact within TASN, I invite you to reach out. I would love to connect with you, learn about your interests, and help you find a meaningful way to engage.

Together, we are building something truly special: an association rooted in service, strengthened by collaboration, and driven by the collective dedication of professionals across our state. Thank you for your continued support, your trust, and your commitment to TASN. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

by Samantha Sims Cypress-Fairbanks ISD TASN Secretary/Treasurer

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season with the people who matter most. As we welcome a new year, may it bring hope, happiness, and renewed energy for us all. I’m truly grateful for the dedication and support of our members—thank you for everything you do for students across the state of Texas. Wishing you a warm, safe, and joyful new year!

As of September 2025, TASN expenses were $235,131.85 and the total income was $ 252,587.55.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Partnership Collaboration Summit in Galveston next month!

Greetings from Area 3 Representative

Teresa Evans Crosby ISD

AREA 3 INCLUDES SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THESE COUNTIES: Austin Brazos Burleson Chambers Grimes Hardin Harris

As we wrapped up the year, I thought about how much we’ve accomplished and how much fun we’ve had doing it. This fall Crosby ISD Nutrition Services team learned a lot, celebrated big, and kept that Texas pride front and center.

During National School Lunch Week, we took our students on what we called a “Waltz across Texas,” and it was a hit. We brought in local products, regional favorites, and let the kids taste their way through the state—plus a few cultural stops beyond. The Texas Peach Parfait and Pozole with all the traditional fixins were huge favorites. Watching students get their “passports” stamped and seeing their faces light up when they tried something new… it reminded all of us that school meals aren’t just meals. They’re experiences.

And because great food starts in a safe kitchen, we made sure our team was fully trained and ready for anything. With the help of our local fire department, every staff member participated in fire and kitchen safety training, and even extinguished a real oven fire! Talk about earning your stripes! Our team walked away prepared and proud of their new firefighting skills.

Of course, we don’t believe in all work and no play. Our annual Halloween costume contest and winter elf contest brought out big smiles and even bigger laughs. We packed the holiday spirit so high this year that principals and delivery drivers joined the elf fun too!

And beyond Crosby, Area 3 had so much to celebrate. We welcomed nearly 40 new TASN members this fall! I’ve reached out to every one of them, and can’t wait to support their journey. My goal in 2026 is to visit as many Area 3 chapters and members as possible. No drive is too far when you get to cross this great state meeting passionate, dedicated TASN members.

So here’s to what’s ahead: more learning, more laughing, and more shared moments. I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings, and I’m grateful to spend it with our TASN family.

Greetings from Area

5

Representative Suellen Atteberry Garland ISD

AREA 5 INCLUDES SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THESE COUNTIES:

Hello! The holidays have come and gone: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! While winter in Texas can be quite varied, it is still a brief reprieve from the heat of our summers.

At our house we decorate and celebrate every season. This year was so much fun due to my grandson. Every item he sees is for the first time for whatever occasion is being celebrated at that time. He is especially mesmerized by anything that lights up.

I have been out for a while. I have had a complicated case of West Nile Virus. I am now back in the office for abbreviated days, and am continuing to get stronger, but it is a slow process. I am in the process of going through paperwork and emails. I promise that if you have sent me an email, I will respond!

If you are interested in forming or reactivating a chapter I am ready work with you this semester.

Here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Happy New Year! What a great time to be a member of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Child Nutrition Association. As we continue to grow our chapter and gear up for the TASN 2026 Annual Conference, here are a few things our district and chapter did for the holiday season.

Our chapter members put our heads together to come up with some ideas to help less fortunate families this holiday season. We decided on two initiatives, a coat drive and a collection of food for a holiday meal. We are happy to say that we were able to collect six full size bags of coats and sweaters that equaled 150 coats! The coat drive supplies received were donated to Union Gospel Church in Fort Worth. Our holiday meal was achieved by allocating some of our chapter funds to allow a purchase for a donated meal. With just $45 dollars, were able to provide a family with a turkey, gravy, mac and cheese, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls and everything else needed for a great holiday meal.

For our holiday fundraiser this year, we decided to make fresh baked banana bread and sold tickets for Jeans Week. The homemade bread is baked by our very own EMS staff and TASN members. We sold a total of 78 loaves of bread and tons of Jeans Week tickets. Collectively, these two fundraisers brought in almost $1,500 dollars. That money will go right back to our chapter to help our members cover some of the costs associated with TASN.

As a district, we would like to recognize everyone. With the combined effort of all staff and kitchens, we were awarded the Healthy Meals Incentives recognition award. This award reflects exceptional efforts in enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals, and was part of a partnership with USDA and Action For Healthy Kids.

Once again, Happy New Year from EMS Child Nutrition Association. Greetings from Area 6 Representative

Fuel Your School with Hiland Dairy

At Hiland, we are proud to partner with schools to nourish students with the wholesome nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive. We recognize the vital role that school nutrition programs play in shaping healthy habits and want to do our part to support your efforts.

Visit our School Nutrition Resource Page including customizable lunch calendars, classroom worksheets, posters, and more, all updated quarterly! HilandDairy.com/SchoolMilk

TASN

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

June 28-30, 2026

Gaylord Texan Resort • Grapevine, Texas

IGNITE THE LIGHT IN GRAPEVINE THIS JUNE!

WHERE TEXAS CONNECTS

WHO YOU’LL MEET

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

Join TASN alongside ISD food service professionals and industry partners from across the state as we connect, collaborate, and advance K–12 child nutrition programs throughout Texas.

2026 Annual Conference sessions and exhibits will be located in the beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. Registration will open soon!

The TASN Annual Conference is designed for ISD K–12 food service professionals at every level— including employees, specialists, managers, directors, supervisors, superintendents, stakeholders, and industry partners.

If you’re involved in child nutrition, this conference is for you.

School nutrition professionals from more than 150 different school districts and academies attended the TASN 2025 Annual Conference in Corpus Christi!

Over four days, you’ll hear from inspiring keynote speakers and participate in engaging sessions focused on real-world ideas you can bring back to your district. You’ll also have time to connect with exhibitors, explore the exhibit hall, network with peers, and enjoy the energy that makes this conference a favorite each year.

THE GAYLORD TEXAN Resort & Conference Center

TASN 2026 Annual Conference learning sessions, meals, and exhibits will all be hosted at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center, which will also serve as the conference host hotel. The Gaylord offers a oneof-a-kind setting for this year’s conference.

With its sweeping atriums, Texas-inspired architecture, and worldclass amenities, the resort provides the perfect backdrop to connect, learn, and recharge.

Just as our theme, Ignite the Light, celebrates energy and inspiration, the Gaylord Texan delivers a vibrant atmosphere where ideas spark and community shines.

Hotel reservation link will be provided upon registration for the conference.

THE GAYLORD TEXAN 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051

Gaylord Texan Resort Facts

• More than 1,800 guest rooms!

• Numerous dining choices from casual to fine dining

• Onsite fitness center and spa, plus pool & cabanas for rent

• Nightly light show in the atrium at 9 pm

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

At 18, after a humiliating college speech, Michael vowed he’d never take the stage again—yet today he’s a game-changing speaker and best-selling author who has impacted thousands with a message of resilience.

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, and raised in the shadow of his family’s survival through the Siege of Leningrad and Dachau, Michael brings masterful storytelling that energizes audiences and drives action. His success principles cut through fear, limitations, and excuse-driven thinking, leaving people inspired and requipped to act on their inspiration.

READ MICHAEL’S FULL BIO

MICHAEL V IVANOV

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lena Wilson is the Assistant Commissioner for the Food and Nutrition Division at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). She oversees all activities related to compliance with regulations for the 12 federal nutrition programs administered by the agency. Lena, a registered dietitian, has more than 20 years of experience with federal nutrition programs. She has worked at the state and local level with every USDA nutrition assistance program. Her background also includes 13 years as a director of school meal programs. Lena offers a practical look at operations from differing perspectives to apply a common-sense approach for program oversight.

READ LENA’S FULL BIO

LENA WILSON

THE LIGHT

VIDEO CONTEST

PRODUCTION:

Lights on—it’s time to shine! We’re kicking off a social media video contest to get our members fired up for the Annual Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort this June. With this year’s theme, Ignite the Light, we want to see your creativity, energy, and personality come through on camera.

Starting with our launch in mid-January, your team can submit a short video that brings the theme to life for a chance to win, whether you rally the crowd for Fan Favorite or impress the TASN team with your creative take on the theme!

Prizes:

• Winning videos will be highlighted throughout the TASN 2026 Annual Conference, on social media, and in other TASN publications

• Other prizes to be announced!

Click HERE for rules, guidelines, and resources!

TASN ANNIUAL CONFERENCE

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

TASN is currently seeking speakers for the 2026 Annual Conference in Grapevine, Texas, June 28-30, 2026. If you are interested in presenting a learning session, please check out the guidelines below and apply to be a speaker!

In an effort to expand our educational reach to members, we are also seeking Spanish session presenters for the conference. If you are able and willing to present in Spanish we highly encourage you to do so!

Submission Deadline: Monday, February 16, 2026

Some of the topics we’re looking for include:

Recruiting and Retaining Employees

Staff Management

Leadership

Food Quality Presentation

Emotional Intelligence

Kitchen Equipment

Farm-to-School

Menu Management

Human Resources

Special Diets

Bid Specification

Self-Development

Customer Service

Listening Skills

Reimbursable Meals

Maintenance

Legislative

Innovative Standardized Recipes

Inventory Best Practices

Marketing/ Social Media

Summer Feeding

Commodity Processing

Communication Practices

Team Building

Personnel Skills

Food Safety

Menu Planning

Roundtable Discussion

AI Tools

Tray Line Presentation

Innovative Serving

Ice Breakers

Buy American

Local News

Area 2

Beeville ISD

Fresh From the Garden to the Griddle!

This week, one of our talented AC Jones High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) culinary students led an inspiring cooking demonstration, preparing bell pepper quesadillas for our RA Hall Elementary School Learners to Leaders students, and it was a delicious success!

What made this demo extra special was the seed-totable journey behind every ingredient. The vibrant bell peppers, fragrant herbs, and crisp veggies used in the recipe were grown right here in our campus gardens. Students had the opportunity to see firsthand how food they planted, nurtured, and harvested could be transformed into a flavorful, nutritious meal.

Our CTE student chef guided the class through each step:

• sautéing freshly picked peppers until tender and aromatic

• layering warm tortillas with melted cheese

• adding garden herbs for a burst of bright flavor

• and folding everything together into a golden, sizzling quesadilla

Learners to Leaders students enjoyed not just the taste, but the experience as they learned how growing, cooking, and sharing food connects us all. This hands-on demonstration truly showcased the power of agricultural education and culinary creativity working together.

We’re proud of our students for cultivating both skills and sustainability—one garden, one recipe, and one meal at a time.

Area 3

Aldine SNA

Hello TASN members! The past couple of months have been busy in Aldine ISD Child Nutrition (ASNA). During our October General ASNA meeting, we discussed our upcoming fundraiser and reviewed the ASNA budget.

Following the meeting, we held a Halloween costume contest. Congratulations to our winners: Norma Hernandez, first place Maria Segovia, second place

ASNA members!

In November, ASNA members and Child nutrition staff participated in the 41st Aldine ISD Turkey Trot, which was a three-mile race/walk or onemile race/walk. Gift cards and frozen turkey were awarded during the event.

Our November pecan pie fundraiser and garage sale was successful. Lastly, we wrapped up the month with our annual Child Nutrition office luncheon. Our maintenance man Rickey King blessed the meal and we all dined together.

From the Aldine ISD ASNA members and child nutrition staff family,

Local News

Area 3

Sheldon ISD

by Jennie LaCour

We have lots of amazing things happening in Sheldon ISD!

Assistant Director Jennie L. LaCour’s book The 7-Day KINDness Challenge is now available in Spanish and is titled El Reto de AMABILIDAD de 7 Dias! Click here to purchase on Amazon & Kindle.

In November Sheldon ISD’s Child Nutrition Department prepared and served over 7,000 Thanksgiving meals to students and their parents at each early childhood academy and elementary school campus. Here are pictures from some of our Thanksgiving luncheons.

Area 3

Tomball ISD

by Aaron Boner

Tomball TASN has hit the ground running this year! In September we held our first official meeting for the 2025-2026 school year, where members learned all about what TASN is and how to earn their levels, and they also got a first look at the TASN 2026 Annual Conference!

For our October meeting, our chapter gave back to the community by hosting a food drive for our community fridge! These guys and gals opened their hearts and pantries so big that it completely stocked the fridge for those in need! We are so proud of our members for stepping up to pay it forward!

November “rolled” in with our first fundraiser of the season! Tomball TASN started off selling Texas Roadhouse rolls and butter for the second year in a “roll”! Employees, staff and families across the district were in “kneed” of these famous treats and we answered the call!

We also dropped our name in our district’s concessions lottery hat for the opportunity to man a concession stand for play-off games! We “scored” the opportunity to “suit-up” for two games this season. Our members had the BEST time serving our visitors, and working as a team with friends we don’t get to see every day!

Tomball TASN donned our aprons in December for our second annual cookie exchange and holiday game Christmas party! We couldn’t wait to get “wrapped up” in all the Christmas cheer this holiday season!

Happy New Year from all of us at Tomball TASN!

by Jessiica Howell, PhD

Hydroponic Garden Initiatives at YES Prep Public School Campuses – Houston, Texas.

This school year, the YES Prep Child Nutrition Department launched an exciting wellness initiative by installing hydroponic gardens at Hobby Secondary and Southside Elementary. This project began in late October as a pilot in two of the 26 YES Prep campuses, with the goal of exploring innovative ways to introduce fresh produce, sustainability concepts, and hands-on learning opportunities into our school environments. While the initiative is still in its early stages, it has already generated significant enthusiasm—particularly

among the kitchen teams, who have been fully engaged in setting up, maintaining, and monitoring the garden systems.

The initial launch focused on establishing the hydroponic towers, ensuring proper nutrient balance, and learning the system’s operational needs. Thanks to the dedication of the kitchen staff at both campuses, the first harvest was successfully achieved at the end of November, just a few weeks after installation. Staff members played a vital role in tracking growth, adjusting water and nutrient levels, and documenting the progress of the plants. Their involvement has been key to understanding how hydroponic systems can support child nutrition operations and future wellness programming.

Goal for Student Engagement and Nutrition Education:

As the project grows, one of our primary goals is to incorporate student-driven

nutrition education through experiential learning. Future phases of the initiative will allow students to observe the full life cycle of produce—from seedling to harvest—while building awareness of the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables, sustainability, and how modern growing methods like hydroponics can support food access in urban school communities.

Our long-term vision includes integrating the gardens into wellness lessons, enrichment activities, and hands-on demonstrations aligned with USDA nutrition standards and the district’s wellness policy. This student engagement phase is planned for future implementation once the systems are fully established and routines are in place for consistent garden upkeep.

Both campuses have already celebrated the success of their first harvest, marking an early milestone for the pilot. The gardens continue to flourish, and the kitchen staff remain committed to sustaining the systems while preparing for the next phase of student-centered activities.

These garden installations represent just the beginning. The Child Nutrition Department plans to expand hydroponic learning opportunities across additional campuses, empowering more YES Prep students to explore agriculture, wellness, and healthy living in a hands-on, exciting way.

Local News

Area 4

Quitman ISD

by Shannon Almand

We are excited to share that Quitman ISD was selected to be featured in the USDA HMI Action for Healthy Kids – Cafeteria Chronicles series this fall. ACTION for Healthy Kids visited our Elementary campus to film food preparation, meal service, and several on-site interviews. Their final video, which highlights the hard work and dedication of our nutrition team, is linked below.

In addition, Quitman ISD had the honor of hosting a Southwest Regional meeting with Action for Healthy Kids on September 23, 2025. This special gathering was designed to spotlight the outstanding accomplishments of School Food Authorities (SFAs) across Texas. Multiple districts were recognized during the event.

Texarkana ISD

by Catherine Pennington

The Child Nutrition department at Texarkana ISD has shifted its focus over the last 18 months from simply feeding more kids to engaging more kids. A multi-tiered approach has been taken, starting with exciting new recipes and revamped menus, and going as far as a competition among art students to give more of a sense of ownership to our daily diners. Focus groups have also been conducted at all grade levels to ensure all of our customers have a say in what they eat! These are some of the highlights of the last year and a half:

Culinary Cubs Elementary School Focus Group

Following the recognitions, participants engaged in a collaborative roundtable focused on innovative school meal practices, celebrating the commitment of school nutrition professionals, and sharing new ideas to enhance the nutritional experience for all students.

The principal selected a group of students from Theron Jones Early Literacy Center to participate in a focus group to try new products and recipes. The students started the day with a blind taste test game and afterwards sat down to try new recipes and products, and to give feedback on the current cafeteria offerings and offer suggestions for future menus. The feedback was taken into consideration, and two of the three dishes were added to the menus across all 27 sites and are favorites among the students today.

Texas High School Focus Group

The student leadership group was selected to sample several new items that are now being offered on the menus across all high school and middle school sites. These included two types of egg rolls, as well as recipes created in-house, such as an apple pie parfait, Nashville hot chicken tenders, and a peppery pickle ranch. Students sampled the new dishes and shared their favorites, and also discussed

the exciting new menu additions for this school year.

Texas High Cafeteria Art Contest

The Child Nutrition department reached out to the Arts Department at Texas High School to charge their students with creating the artwork to adorn the newly rebranded lines and newly added coffee bar. The students entered their submissions and held a school-wide vote, garnering nearly 500 votes from the student body. The winning designs were sent to Fast Signs for printing and installation in the cafeteria. The student artists, as well as those who participated in the vote, have expressed how much they enjoy having a say in their dining environment. Check out the post and pictures here!

L-K Culinary Arts students began planning and practicing recipes in September for the honor and the winners would get to work with the cafeteria staff to prepare their dish.

On Oct. 29, local judges narrowed it down to two dishes from the original five.

On Nov. 4, Superintendent Rex Burks, State Representative Gary VanDeaver, Chef Matthew Murr (Menu Development Specialist-Texarkana ISD) and Chef Ann Knopp (Culinary instructor at L-K CISD) judged the final four competitors.

The teams were comprised of Executive Chef Caitlyn Stiger, with Sous Chef Hannah Sullivan and Executive Chef Rosie Cervantes, with Sous Chef Aniyah Linwood.

Linden Kildaire High “Tiger Takeover” Competition

When the competition was over Cervantes and Linwood were declared the winners.

“I am so proud of all the culinary students and the hard work they put into everything they do. They are all winners in my book,” Chef Knopp said. “These teams competed hard. This was a hard decision for the judges; both dishes were executed perfectly.”

The competition overview was that students chose 1-of-3 available proteins that are USDA ingredients provided for K-12 schools that can be used in a variety of ways to create recipes. The ingredients were pulled pork, diced chicken and fajita chicken.

Students were allowed to choose the remaining ingredients to customize their dish from the ingredients on the 25-26 purchasing bid.

Students were to create a dish that can be made in a school cafeteria with a focus on taste, presentation and ease of recipe production in a school cafeteria setting.

The Culinary Arts class at Linden High piloted the first “Tiger Takeover” event, in which students created a recipe using USDA commodity protein and ingredients from the district’s full line purchasing bid. The dishes were graded on taste, creativity, and the ease of reproducing the recipes in a cafeteria setting. State Representative Gary VanDeaver was the special guest judge for the inaugural event. The winning team will see their dish featured on the menu in January and will work with the cafeteria staff to prepare it for their fellow students.

from the Cass County Citizen’s Journal-Sun • November 12, 2025

Cervantes, Linwood win “Tiger Takeover” event

By Tim Emmons temmons@casscountynow.com

Linden-Kildare High School chefs competed in the pilot program called the “Tiger Takeover” for an opportunity to have their creation on the school menu on Nov. 4.

L-K Culinary Arts students began planning and practicing recipes in September for the honor and the winners would get to work with the cafeteria staff to prepare their dish.

On Oct. 29, local judges narrowed it down to two dishes from the original five.

On Nov. 4, Superintendent Rex Burks, State Representative Gary VanDeaver, Chef Matthew Murr (Menu Development Specialist-Texarkana ISD) and Chef Ann Knopp (Culinary instructor at L-K CISD) judged the final four competitors.

The teams were comprised of Executive Chef Caitlyn Stiger, with Sous Chef Hannah Sullivan and Executive Chef Rosie Cervantes, with Sous Chef Aniyah Linwood.

When the competition was over Cervantes and Linwood were declared the winners.

“I am so proud of all the culinary students and the hard work they put into everything they do. They are all winners in my book,” Chef Knopp said. “These teams competed hard. This was a hard decision for the judges; both dishes were executed perfectly.”

The competition overview was that students chose 1-of-3 available proteins that are USDA ingredients provided for K-12 schools that can be used in a variety of ways to create recipes. The ingredients were pulled pork, diced chicken and fajita chicken.

Students were allowed to choose the remaining ingredients to customize their dish from the ingredients on the 25-26 purchasing bid.

Students were to create a dish that can be made in a school cafeteria with a focus on taste, presentation and ease of recipe production in a school cafeteria setting.

Journal-Sun

Local News

Area 6

and

Environment, Efficiency, and Empowerment: Austin ISD’s Transition to Self-Service

Austin ISD has been on a multi-year journey to transform how fruits, vegetables, and condiments are offered to students. What began as individually portioned items, which required extensive labor, generated excess waste, and resulted in inconsistent presentation, has evolved into a districtwide model of self-service that benefits both students and staff.

Where We Started:

In earlier years, kitchens spent a significant amount of time portioning fresh produce and condiments into individual containers. This approach took valuable labor away from culinary tasks, impacted storage space, increased costs, and produced large amounts of packaging waste. The shift toward self-serve began as a targeted effort to improve efficiency and reduce waste while also enhancing the student dining experience.

The Evolution of Self-Service:

Austin ISD’s transition occurred in phases which included various pilot programs, ultimately leading to bond-funded modernization efforts. In 2016, the district introduced made-to-order themed salad bars in elementary schools, giving students an early taste of choice and customization. By 2018, self-serve fruits and vegetables were launched in middle and high schools, followed by a 2020 pilot introducing self-service in three elementary schools.

A major milestone came with the 2017 Bond modernization projects, which produced the first serving line configurations designed specifically for self-service. These designs were refined further through 2022 Bond funding, resulting in an elevated, more efficient model of serving lines that aligns with a modern retail aesthetic rather than traditional institutional cafeteria service.

Lindsey Bradley Austin ISD Food Service Marketing Manager

Today, the district continues to expand self-serve access: 58 new serving lines funded through the 2022 Bond are being rolled out, with 31 installed in the 2024–25 school year and 27 more planned for 2025–26.

Benefits for Operations:

The operational improvements have been significant. By shifting away from individually portioning items, kitchen teams can reallocate labor toward more meaningful tasks, such as scratch cooking, quality control, and student engagement. Serving bulk produce saves storage space and reduces disposable container waste.

Self-serve also streamlines service, helps reduce food waste, and allows for more attractive, retaillooking presentation. When locally grown produce is available, a self-serve format makes it easier to highlight these items prominently so students can see, choose, and enjoy them.

Benefits for Students:

Self-service also supports student development in various ways. This model gives children greater autonomy and encourages them to take ownership of their meal choices. Students practice using utensils, making decisions, and selecting portions based on hunger cues, skills that support building lifelong healthy habits.

Self-service encourages students to try new fruits and vegetables, while increasing exposure to a wider variety of foods. By empowering students to serve themselves, Austin ISD is supporting

Continued on next page by

Local News

Area 10

Austin ISD continued confidence, independence, and curiosity in the cafeteria.

Ensuring Compliance and Flexibility:

To balance autonomy with compliance, the district uses tools such as 2-oz spoodles to prevent over-portioning and to support meal pattern requirements. Condiments are offered in squeeze bottles labeled with reusable rubber bands.

Finally, Austin ISD shares that self-service can work in any setting, even campuses without new serving lines.

With creativity, schools can get started by using existing pans, spoodles, and tongs, adjusting sneeze guards, and starting small with easy items like apples and oranges.

Connect with Austin ISD Food Service on social media @AustinISDFood on Facebook, Instagram, or X to learn more about their initiatives.

Manor ISD FNS: Cultivating Health, Community & Innovation

by Ryan Cengel

Bringing Local Food & Student-Grown Produce to the Cafeteria

In a time when school nutrition programs often rely heavily on large supply chains, Manor ISD is proving there’s a powerful alternative: local farms and student-grown produce. As part of the 2025 Central Texas Food Hub Pilot, the district has partnered with regional producers and nonprofits to deliver fresh, locally-grown foods to campus cafeterias — bypassing complex procurement barriers and investing in the health of students and local agriculture.

When the distribution hub coordinates logistics, small farms (such as area producers involved in the pilot) can reliably supply produce, proteins, and other foods — and Manor ISD can access them affordably and regularly. According to the district’s FNS leadership, this model makes local sourcing “doable, sustainable and scalable.”

The result? Fresh, regional foods on student trays — and a district backing a more sustainable, community-centered meal program.

High-Tech Farm = High-Impact Lessons

But Manor’s commitment doesn’t end at procurement. Inside Oak Meadows Elementary,

Manor ISD has installed hydroponic towers — giving students direct, hands-on experience growing lettuce, basil, and other greens that eventually land on their classmates’ lunch trays.

The hydroponic approach — plants grown in nutrientrich water instead of soil — allows produce to grow faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. According to the school’s principal, the project transforms the cafeteria into a living classroom: students learn where food comes from, engage in planting and harvesting, and experience — quite literally — farm to plate.

For many children, veggies can be a tough sell. But when they grow the produce themselves, they’re more likely to try — and appreciate — fresh greens. As Manor’s Nutrition Director Ryan Cengel noted, this isn’t just a school project; it’s a way to build long-term healthy eating habits.

A Model Worth Sharing: Why This Matters for School Nutrition Professionals

• Scalable Farm-to-School Model — What Manor ISD demonstrates is that even mid-sized districts can succeed in farm-to-school sourcing when supported by a local food hub and committed FNS leadership.

• Student Engagement & Education — Hydroponic farming inside schools doesn’t

• Innovation in School Nutrition — Manor ISD shows how blending traditional cafeteria service with innovative growing methods and local procurement creates a more resilient, community-centered food program. Manor ISD continued

just feed students — it teaches them about agriculture, nutrition, sustainability, and food systems. That can foster lifelong healthy eating habits.

• Support for Local Agriculture — By sourcing from local farms, districts help strengthen regional food economies — benefiting farmers, communities, and students alike.

What’s Next: Keeping the Momentum Going

Manor ISD’s initiative is not a one-off. The district’s Food & Nutrition Services department, committed to quality, wellness, and community, is building relationships with local farms for the long haul. The hydroponic farm at Oak Meadows could serve as a blueprint for other campuses across the district. For school nutrition professionals across Texas and beyond, Manor ISD offers a compelling example: investing in local food systems and student-driven agriculture can yield healthier meals, more engaged students, and a stronger sense of community.

Have Something You Can’t WAIT to Tell Us About?

We love to highlight members and share your news. If you have something to say or photos you’d like to show off about an event, an accomplishment, or kudos to a team member, please reach out to Shelley Livaudais, TASN Communications Manager, at communications@tasn.net. We’ll get the news out to other members by including it in an e-newsletter, social media, or other TASN publications. Let us celebrate with you!

JOIN TASN AS A NEW INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

New individual members receive one entry in the new member category

PRIZE:

The winner of the new member category will have the choice of:

$50 gift card OR an Early Bird registration voucher for the TASN 2026 Annual Conference for that individual

September 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026

The 2025-2026 school year TASN Membership Drive is underway!

See details below for details on the prizes and how to win. We hope that everyone can participate, spread the mission to feed hungry kids in Texas, and win big through this year’s Membership Drive!

Important note: New members filling out the membership application must include the recruiter’s name and district for the recruiter to receive entries in the Membership Drive.

RECRUIT NEW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Recruiters receive one entry for every one new member recruitment. For every five new member recruitments, they get an additional five entries (total of 10 entries) in the recruiter category

PRIZE:

The winner of the recruiter category will have the choice of:

$50 gift card OR

an Early Bird registration voucher for the TASN 2026 Annual Conference for that individual

ADD NEW POSITIONAL MEMBERS

Positional membership orders with new members will receive one entry for every one new positional member in the positional category

PRIZE:

The winning ISD of the positional category will receive an Early Bird registration voucher for the TASN 2026 Annual Conference

Please reach out to Eric Vicharelli, TASN Education/Membership Manager, with any questions regarding membership or the 2025-2026 Membership Drive.

EDUCATION UPDATE

by Kasandra Davis, MS, RD, LD Child Nutrition Director, Brenham ISD TASN Education Chair

A Fresh Start to 2026: TASN Education Committee Update

I hope you enjoyed a well-deserved break, filled with good company, good food, and berry bright holiday moments as we roll into 2026! It’s hard to believe we’re already stepping into 2026, but with a new year comes new opportunities to learn, connect, and continue strengthening school nutrition programs across Texas.

As we look toward the months ahead, the TASN Education Committee is excited to highlight several key initiatives designed to support professional growth and elevate the important work happening in districts statewide. From leadership development to statewide collaboration, the upcoming season is packed with meaningful opportunities for members at every level.

A Busy February in Galveston: PCS, Administrative Academy & Board of Directors Meeting

We are looking forward to a vibrant and productive week in Galveston this February, where the Partnership Collaboration Summit (PCS), Administrative Academy, and the Board of Directors Meeting will take place. These gatherings bring together school nutrition professionals, industry partners, and TASN leaders from across the state.

Participants can expect:

• Collaborative conversations with peers and partners

• Leadership and skill-building sessions

• Innovation spotlights on systems, tools, and best practices

• Opportunities to network, share challenges, and celebrate successes

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and launch the year with fresh ideas and shared goals!

Administrative Academy: Building Stronger Leaders

This fall, we kicked off the first half of the Administrative Academy, welcoming a committed group of participants eager to deepen their understanding of school nutrition operations. The academy focuses on everything from program regulations to financial management, staffing, customer service, and leadership strategies.

Our group will return in February for their second round of in-person sessions, where they will continue building skills that prepare them to lead successful, compliant, and studentfocused programs. Graduates who complete the coursework and pass the final exam will be recognized at the TASN 2026 Annual Conference, joining our Summer 2025 Managers Academy graduates in this achievement.

Scholarships to Support Continued Learning

TASN remains committed to supporting members in their professional journeys. A variety of scholarships are available for:

• ESL, GED, and college classes

• Administrative Academy

• Managers Academy

• The Partnership Collaboration Summit

These scholarships help remove barriers to continuing education and allow members to pursue meaningful advancement. Recipients will be honored at the 2026 TASN Annual Conference. We encourage all members to explore these opportunities and invest in their future. See page 34 and the TASN website for more TASN scholarship details.

Honoring Excellence Across Texas

Nominations are now open for TASN’s annual awards, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the incredible work happening across Texas! Every year, these awards shine a light on the dedication, creativity, and heart that school nutrition professionals pour into their campuses and communities. In addition to our individual honors, we’ll also be recognizing outstanding local chapters and districts for their achievements in Certification, Membership, Local Plan of Action, and student meal participation. As you think about the people who make a difference in your district every day, we encourage you to take a moment to nominate those who truly deserve to be recognized for their hard work and impact. For more information about TASN awards, page 34 and the TASN website

We Want to Hear From You — And We’re Seeking 2026 Conference

Proposals!

Your insights are essential in shaping the future of TASN training and professional development. If you have session ideas, conference topic suggestions, or recommendations for new learning opportunities, please reach out—we’d love to hear your thoughts. We are also actively seeking proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference. If you’re interested in teaching, sharing your expertise, or

presenting a topic that can support school nutrition professionals across Texas, we encourage you to submit your proposals by Monday, February 16 Our goal is to ensure every TASN member feels supported, equipped, and empowered to thrive, and your contributions play a vital role in making that happen.

RESOURCES

PARTNERSHIP COLLABORATION SUMMIT (PCS)

February 2-4, 2026

Click here for more info

TASN ADMINISTRATIVE ACADEMY

February 2-3, 2026

Click here for more info

TASN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

June 28-30, 2026 • Grapevine, TX

Click here for more info or see pages 13-18 Registration opens soon!

TASN SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

See the TASN website for more info on awards and scholarships or see page xx

Application Deadline: February 16, 2026

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Click here for more info or see page 19

Application Deadline: February 16, 2026

TASN SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Deadline: February 16, 2026

TASN is excited to continue awarding members for their excellence in the child nutrition field and granting scholarships for those pursuing a higher eduation within the nutrition scope! Nominate someone or a district for one of the scholarships or awards below! Reach out to me if you have any questions!

Eric Vicharelli

TASN Membership, Education and Certification Manager

TASN SCHOLARSHIPS TASN AWARDS

General Scholarship

ESL Scholarship

GED Scholarship

College Scholarship

Scholarship

Scholarship Administrative Academy

Rising Star Award

TASN Membership Award

Local Plan of Action Award

School Nutrition Specialist of the Year

School Nutrition Manager of the Year

School Nutrition Director of the Year

Partnership in Nutrition Nutrition Education Award

Partnership Collaboration

Summit Scholarship Managers Academy

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Breakfast Participation Award

Lunch Participation Award

Outstanding Achievement Award for Continuing Education

LEARN MORE & APPLY

NEW TASN CERTIFICATIONS

November 2024 – November 2025

Congratulations to these TASN members who took the next step in their child nutrition careers by achieving TASN certification!

Level One

Marisol Aguilar, Channelview ISD

Ysaura Aguiluz, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Saima Ajaz, Garland ISD

Lilianna Alaniz, Aldine ISD

Alan Alexander, Channelview ISD

Katherine Alexander, Channelview ISD

Ashley Alexander, Sheldon ISD

Mosammat Ali, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Rosa Almanza, Garland ISD

Anabelia Arredondo, Klein ISD

Maria Arriazola, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Azucena Avalos, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Buendi Avila, Ector County ISD

Arooj Baber, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Yadira Blanco Arrozarena, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Maria Claudia Bolivar Prince, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Connie Breshears, Dripping Springs ISD

Keisha Brown, College Station ISD

Claudia Buhler, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Carolina Calderon, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Fabian Callis, Aldine ISD

Betty Camacho, Cleveland ISD

Maria Campos, Garland ISD

Nora Campos, Garland ISD

Maria Carmona, Sweeny ISD

Olivia Carreno Ortega, Ector County ISD

Yanira Castillo, Ector ISD

Carmela Cazares, Dripping Springs ISD

Arturo Chavez, College Station ISD

Nancy Chen, Dripping Springs ISD

Rosalinda Contreras, Aldine ISD

Paul Cook, Ector County ISD

Lesly Cruz De Bonilla, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Rosa Cumpian, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Sabrina Davis, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Amanda Deaton, Garland ISD

Naima Del Rio, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Liliana Delgadillo, North East ISD

Marvelys Diaz Vazquez, Ector County ISD

Lia Doak, Sweeny ISD

Maria Doan, College Station ISD

Jocelyn Donahue, Spring ISD

Tiffany Dowden, Aldine ISD

Tammie Dudley, Barbers Hill ISD

Fabiola Espino, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Lorena Estrada, Cleveland ISD

Martha Fantu, Garland ISD

Lorena Fernandez, Galena Park ISD

Starr Fitch, Sweeny ISD

Rebeca Flores, Ector County ISD

Amparo Flores, Cleveland ISD ISD

Veronica Franco, Houston ISD

Johanna Galo, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Sandra Galvan, Ector County ISD

Graciela Gamboa, Galena Park ISD

Beatriz Garcia, Aldine ISD

Maricela Garcia, Sheldon ISD

LeQuisha Gentry, Houston ISD

Hosanna Gillin, Sweeny ISD

Mari Gonzalez, La Villa ISD

Edwin Gonzalez, Galena Park ISD

Angelica Gonzalez, Aldine ISD

Faviola Gonzalez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Gabriela Gonzalez de Fernandez, CypressFairbanks ISD

Maria Gonzalez Garcia, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Berta Guerra Pacheco, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Iris"Guerra, North East ISD

Maria Guerrero, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Cenovia Guzman, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Patricia Hagman, Ector County ISD

April Henry, Dripping Springs ISD

Claudia Hernandez, Galena Park ISD

Estefany Hernandez, Aldine ISD

Maribel Hernandez, Garland ISD

Gladys Hernandez, Aldine ISD

Rosa Hernandez, Aldine ISD

Flor Hernandez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Luis Ibarra, Aldine ISD

Anila Ibrahim, Garland ISD

Bianca Jimcoily, Klein ISD

Alma Jimenez, Sheldon ISD

Sinterra Johnson, Aldine ISD

Rene Johnson, Dripping Springs ISD

Laurie Kane, Sweeny ISD

Misty Kennedy, Garland ISD ISD

Sunghee Kim, College Station ISD

Julie King, Little Cypress- Mauriceville ISD

Kasey King, Sweeny ISD

Dana Krop, Garland ISD

NEW TASN CERTIFICATIONS

November 2024 – November 2025

Cesar Lagrimas, Klein ISD

Rosa Llamas, Klein ISD

Paula Lopez, Sheldon ISD

Tavia Lovelace, Dripping Springs ISD

Estela Macias, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Maria Madrid, Ector County ISD

Mayrra Mares, College Station ISD

Patricia Martinez, Pasadena ISD

Elizabeth Martinez, Aldine ISD

Julia Martinez, Garland ISD

Magali Martinez, Klein ISD

MaryAnne McCord, Dripping Springs ISD

Lakiesha McCraney, Garland ISD

Maria Medina, Garland ISD

Ogechi Melkam, Garland ISD

Ruby Mendez, Dripping Springs ISD

Madison Menzies, Garland ISD

Gillian Miller, Dripping Springs ISD

Yadira Moncada, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Leticia Mondragon, Galena Park ISD

Ana Morales, Aldine ISD

Virginia Moreno, Dripping Springs ISD

LaTasha Mourning, Houston ISD

Monica Navarro, Dripping Springs ISD

Crystal Nelson, College Station ISD

Syreeta Noel MItchell, Aldine ISD

Jennifer O'Quinn, Sweeny ISD

Angelica Ortiz, White Settlement ISD

Maria Ortiz, Sheldon ISD

Mauricia Pacheco, Houston ISD

Kimberly Painter, New Caney ISD

Minerva Palacios, Ector County ISD

Marla Pantoja, Garland ISD

Brigida Pena, Galena Park ISD

Olga Perez, Aldine ISD

Maria Perez, Belton ISD

Eufemia Perez, Garland ISD

Laura Perez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Brenda Perez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Yesenia Portillo, Houston ISD

Connie Pown, Garland ISD

Rosa Quintero Mota, Galena Park ISD

Gabriela Reyes, Galena Park ISD

Miriam Richardson, North East ISD

Michelle Ringo, Sheldon ISD

Vanessa Rios, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Terri Robins, Houston ISD

Iliana Rodriguez, Klein ISD

Arcelia Rodriguez, Cleveland ISD ISD

Anneily Roman Arocha, Spring ISD

Odelia Romero, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Maria Rubalcava, Garland ISD

Norma Rubio Reyes, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Karina Ruiz, Channelview ISD

Laura Salazar De Tovar, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Jennifer Salazar Perez, Channelview ISD

Maria Salgado, Garland ISD

Mariana Sanchez, Spring ISD

Catalina Sanchez, Galena Park ISD

Yahaira Santana Pabon, Klein ISD

Beatriz Santos, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Emelia Serrato Solache, Aldine ISD

Valerie Smith, Aldine ISD

Angela Smith, Aldine ISD

Laura Todd-Guyton, Aldine ISD

Angela Touchstone, Dripping Springs ISD

Alicia Trevino, Sweeny ISD

Albertina Umobit, Garland ISD

Virginia Valdes de Guajardo, North East ISD

Ana Valle De Alzaga, Spring ISD

Leticia Vazquez, Aldine ISD

Maria Vazquez, Klein ISD

Brenda Velasquez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Jennifer Wise, Barbers Hill ISD

Yirina Zamora, Sweeny ISD

Laura Zamora, Channelview ISD

Level Two

Adam Acevedo, North East ISD

Margarita Acosta, Galena Park ISD

Concepcion Alfaro, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Maria Alvarado, Galena Park ISD

Genesis Alvarenga, Spring ISD

Maricarmen Alvarez, Galena Park ISD

Alba Benitez, Channelview ISD

Alveza Benson, Tomball ISD

Nancy Caballero, Channelview ISD

Michelle Chapa, Aldine ISD

Emma Coca, Galena Park ISD

Nadene Davis, Aldine ISD

Adanely De Leon, Cleveland ISD

Brenda Deremee, Garland ISD

Marcela Dominguez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Briana Duncan, Galena Park ISD

Maria E. Rosas, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Julia Espinoza, Houston ISD

Rualnys Fernandez Sanjurjo, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

NEW TASN CERTIFICATIONS

November 2024 – November 2025

Genera Flanagan, Houston ISD

Mirna Flores, Galena Park ISD

Maria Garcia, Cleveland ISD ISD

Norma Garcia, Galena Park ISD

Shaylon Green, Houston ISD

Melissa Horrach, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Elvia Jimenez, Houston ISD

Ericka Johnson-Konare, Garland ISD

Maria Laguna, Houston ISD

Nassima Laroussi, Klein ISD

Kimberly Lounder, Fort Bend ISD

Diana Mata, Garland ISD

Joyce Moore Robertson, Houston ISD

Pamala Padilla, Cleveland ISD

Leonor Perales, Houston ISD

Moravia Pinero, Klein ISD

Majela Prieto Betancourt, Garland ISD

Rebeca Puente, Galena Park ISD

Samuel Ramirez, Ector County ISD

Ruby Reese, Galena Park ISD

Beatrice Rodriguez, Garland ISD

Velia Rodriguez, Houston ISD

Arlene Saldana, Houston ISD

Gebriela Saldivar, Channelview ISD

Maria Salome, Galena Park ISD

Kelli Shannon, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Tonja Taylor Robertson, Houston ISD

Clarisse Thibodeaux, Klein ISD

Masami Todd, North East ISD

Michele Twiggs, Houston ISD

Gerrisha Upchurch, Galena Park ISD

Silvia Valencia, New Caney ISD

Maria Velasco Barraza, Klein ISD

Maria Villanueva, Houston ISD

Maria Villarreal, Galena Park ISD

Sharee Webb, Houston ISD

Maria Zamora, Channelview ISD

Sonia Zamora-Moreno, Spring ISD

Level Three

Mary Acosta, Brazosport ISD

Perdita Baptiste, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Francisca Castaneda, Garland ISD

Athena Crawford, Houston ISD

Ana Cuevas, Houston ISD

Maria Del Carmen Garcia, Galena Park ISD

Shandolyn Feggins, Houston ISD

Irma Flores, Houston ISD

Ana Gonzalez Quenedit, North East ISD

Sherma Jackson, Houston ISD

Brenda Lafayette, Houston ISD

Emigdia Lara, Klein ISD

Fabiola Luna-Reyna, Klein ISD

Flora Mata, Houston ISD

Mariela Medina, Garland ISD

Celina Medina, Houston ISD

Rosa Mendiola, Klein ISD

Kandace Mitchell, Houston ISD

Yasmin Mota, Cleveland ISD

Ana Paredones, Galena Park ISD

Sandra Ramirez, Spring Branch ISD

Alejandra Ramos, Houston ISD

Maria Reyes, Houston ISD

Enilda Rivera, Houston ISD

Deniece Roberson, Houston ISD

MArily Rosales, Houston ISD

Damaris Salmeron, Houston ISD

Maria Scarbrough, Tomball ISD

Cheryl Scott, Houston ISD

Ieshia Stevens, Houston ISD

Martha Veltran, Galena Park ISD

Odessa Wilson, Houston ISD

Level Four

Maria Alvarado, Houston ISD

Bertha Alvarez, Houston ISD

Ariledy Alvarez, Garland ISD

Kathleen Andrade, New Caney ISD

Paula Brady, Garland ISD

Marisela Camarillo Orta, Houston ISD

Maria Campos, Beeville ISD

Ingrid Carcamo, Houston ISD

Maria Castro, Houston ISD

Keila Chacin de Plaza, Klein ISD

Victoria Cisneros, Beeville ISD

Ana Delgado Ramirez, Houston ISD

Eugenia Diver, Spring Branch ISD

Mona El Hafi, Houston ISD

Stephanie Fierova, Beeville ISD

Maria Flores, Barbers Hill ISD

Lena Garcia, Lamar Consolidated ISD

Gloria Garza, Houston ISD

Norma Garza, Houston ISD

Earnest Gomez, Beeville ISD

Jesse Gonzales, Beeville ISD

Leah Kent, Cleveland ISD

Maria Macias, Houston ISD

Michelle Marin, Beeville ISD

NEW TASN CERTIFICATIONS

November 2024 – November 2025

Cynthia Millan, Cleveland ISD ISD

Sandra Moreno, Galena Park ISD

Cecilia Moreno, Tomball ISD

Rosalyn Parks, Houston ISD

Lohany Perdomo, Klein ISD

Gillian Pleasant, Lamar Cons ISD

Ma Guadalupe Quiroz, Houston ISD

Norma Riojas, Eagle Mtn.-Saginaw ISD

Graciela Rodriguez, Houston ISD

Desiree Rodriguez, Beeville ISD

Gloria Romero, Spring ISD

Maria Rostro De Galvan, Cleveland ISD ISD

Sandra Salinas, Beeville ISD

Carolina Sanchez, Houston ISD

Maria Santuario De Rojas, Channelview ISD

Tanquelyn Sumler, Houston ISD

Elizabeth Tamez, Houston ISD

Brianna Vasquez, New Caney ISD

Elisa Villarreal, Houston ISD

Shelly Watson, Cleveland ISD

Aaroniesha Williams, Houston ISD

Rita Zarate, Houston ISD

Level Five

Sandra Mejia, Houston ISD

Maria Amaya, Houston ISD

Rosa Amaya, Houston ISD

Carlos Araujo, New Caney ISD

Anselmo Barrera, Houston ISD

Leslie Barrientes, North East ISD

Sandra Canales, Houston ISD

Erica Carcamo, Houston ISD

Lucia Cardenas, Houston ISD

Viridiana Carrasco Sanchez, Houston ISD

Fernando Ciprian, Tomball ISD

Alicia Clelland, Midland ISD

Claudia Davila, Houston ISD

Melissa Dolder, North East ISD

Laura Eggemeyer, El Paso ISD

Nancy Garcia, Houston ISD

Glenda Guzman, Houston ISD

Rosario Hernandez, Houston ISD

Laura Hernandez, Donna ISD

Dustin Hutcheson, Sheldon ISD

Maria Jaime, Houston ISD

Precious Jiles, Houston ISD

Sharon Jones, Willis ISD

Kwanzaa King, Channelview ISD

Jennie LaCour, Rhodes ISD

Christina Lam, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Carla Marra Giannella, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Jorge Martinez, Alvin ISD

Hosana Medbery, Texas City ISD

Jasmine Middleton, Houston ISD

Mario Monjaras, Beeville ISD

Maria Navarro, Houston ISD

Michael Northey, Willis ISD

Edna Palacios, El Paso ISD

Monica Palmer, Houston ISD

Olivia Pedroza, Houston ISD

Zaira Ramirez, Houston ISD

Blanca Ramirez Palacios, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Silvia Reyes, Houston ISD

Jocelyn Rocha, Houston ISD

Benjamin Rojo Settle, San Angelo ISD

Maria Romo, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Roxana Iraheta, Houston ISD

Yensy Sanchez Carrillo, Klein ISD

Amy Santagate, Copperas Cove ISD

Thomas Sneed, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Candace Strickland, White Settlement ISD

Patricia Torres Jimenez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Daniela Vivas Alvarez, Barbers Hill ISD

Sandy Washington, Houston ISD

Chiquia White, Houston ISD

Adam Whitten, White Settlement ISD

Roquliea Wilson, Houston ISD

Lunch Trays, Life Lessons, and a Lot of Heart

By Josh Miller

Aspire Bakeries

TASN Industry Committee Member

Some people measure their careers in promotions or milestones. I measure mine in smiles, high-fives, and cafeteria memories.

I’ll never forget one lunchroom visit when a student marched up to me, tray in hand, and declared, “This is the best day ever.” He wasn’t talking about a holiday or a big event, just lunch. That moment stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that what we do in child nutrition is about so much more than food, it’s about giving kids joy, confidence, and the fuel they need to take on the rest of their day.

Why I Love What I Do

Every school I visit tells a story. There’s the cafeteria manager who greets every student like family. The team that pulls off theme days complete with decorations and music. The kids who can’t wait to show off their lunch to a friend. Those are the snapshots that drive me. They’re proof that meals matter and so do the people behind them.

A Few Things You Might Not Know About Me

• I’m a dad of three, which means I have built-in taste testers at home (and some very honest food critics).

• My favorite part of any day is connecting with

people, because this industry is really one big family.

• Outside of work, you’ll usually find me at the pool with my kids’ swim team or chasing down a good Texas barbecue spot.

A Story I Carry with Me

At a district event not too long ago, I watched a group of kids come through the line wearing sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts for a cafeteria “Winter Beach Bash.” The room buzzed with excitement. When the music started playing, everyone from the students to the the staff were smiling ear to ear. I realized then that child nutrition has this amazing ability to create moments, the kind kids remember long after the bell rings.

Looking Ahead

Serving on the TASN Industry Committee gives me the chance to keep learning, listening, and contributing to this community I love so much. I’m here for the stories, the connections, and the chance to play a small part in something much bigger than myself: helping kids thrive.

At the end of the day, it’s simple. School meals change lives and I’m grateful mine is one of the lives that’s been changed along the way.

Five Love Languages of Design

by Lance Brooks Foodservice Design Professionals TASN Industry Committee Member

How do we truly define a “good design” in new construction or renovation projects? The easy answer is simple: the design meets the owner’s intent, is on budget, and is delivered on schedule. Honestly, it is deeper than what we think, and the Five Love Languages concept is a good example how to identify and execute a good design.

Words of Affirmation

Words of affirmation are rare to receive in the design industry, and it is often that we make comments about not taking things personally and the need to have thick skin. But design is only a small portion of what is included in a project. The areas that typically go unnoticed are the engineering, documentation review, specification writing, bidding, shop drawing review, installation, and project commissioning. These are honestly the hardest and most challenging due to the amount of communication, coordination and support from our industry partners. The process can be a negative experience for those who are not familiar with our industry. Again we lean on the ideas of thick skin, mistakes are going to be made, and that those mistakes can be learning opportunities. Our job is to be the owner’s advocates and their voice throughout the project. The design, all behind the scenes work and commission is done to meet the owner’s request and expectations.

We do not expect to hear any words of affirmation upon the completion of a project. It is our job to provide the project per the owner’s direction and support the owner through commissioning as well as the years following. We see the words of affirmation in the staff during the operation of the kitchen. If we do our job correctly, then staff morale, work productivity and workflow is

optimized. Words of affirmation also flow from the staff to the students.

Quality Time

Having quality time in a kitchen is extremely important; work smarter and not harder, as we all say. This analogy goes a long way in the design process. Older facilities are often undersized, dated equipment and not sufficiently sized to accommodate the student population. Operators truly need more words of affirmation for operating in the smaller facilities with the ability to meet the needs of the students.

To increase quality time, the facility should be sized to accommodate the full student population capacity. If the population is not going to open at capacity, this is a great talking point to have in your pocket if budget becomes a factor.

Designs should focus on providing spaces with correct cross relationships to minimize walking, bottlenecks and cross traffic. Each function in the kitchen has a dedicated area to minimize comingling of operations.

Clear line of sights helps communication between employees within the kitchen, security from the manager’s office to the receiving door, locker room, kitchen proper and storage areas.

The standardization of design and specifications optimizes training efficiency, ensures consistency across operations and menus, and improves maintenance management.

Receiving Gifts

This is not about physically receiving gifts but about the emotional feeling of the experience. I cannot express how much I personally enjoy the design process and collaborating with the Continued on next page

owner on projects. For the owner and staff, it’s the receival of the facility that was designed specifically for their operation.

How the operator engages with the student is the gift. Lunch should be a positive interactive experience for everyone. Most kitchen staff know all the students that have lunch, the staff cares for the students as much as their own. This care and thoughtfulness caries far more than we can ever imagine.

Acts of Service

The concept of acts of service in design means developing the most efficient layout to optimize the operational workflow. We are the owner’s advocate and their voice when they are not in the room. It is our responsibility to educate the owner on trends, lessons learned, new technology and visit other facilities. And it is our responsibility to meet the owner’s needs for the design and equipment specifications.

We are a relationship-driven operation. Our work doesn’t end when the building is commissioned. We continue supporting the owner long after occupancy by troubleshooting equipment, coordinating with manufacturers, and addressing issues that may arise years later.

Physical Touch

Physical touch in our case is more about experiencing the space and student interaction. Spaces should create a positive emotional experience from the design process and material finishes. Students should be engaged for the short time that they are within our realm. It is our job to enhance their senses of, sight, smell, and touch.

Serving lines are typically 20 to 25 feet in which we get to capture students for 10 to 15 minutes. This short time is critical to allowing the student to break away from school, interact with the staff and have a positive experience receiving their lunch.

What It All Really Means

If we do our jobs correctly, every small detail supports the operation, the staff, and, most importantly, the students.

A truly good design incorporates all five love languages:

• Affirmation through improved morale and performance

• Quality time through thoughtful workflow and sizing

• Gifts through spaces that feel intentional and personalized

• Acts of service by supporting owners long after the project is complete

• Physical touch by creating an environment that students enjoy

It is an honor to create facilities that staff are proud to work in every day. Through efficient layouts, proper equipment, flexible menus, and engaging serving spaces, we give operators the tools to positively impact students.

Ultimately, it’s about the student – and hopefully a few fist bumps along the way!

June 28-30, 2026 Gaylord Texan Resort • Grapevine

Join us in Grapevine next June where we’ll Ignite The Light together at the Annual Conference and the nation’s second-largest school food show.

2026 booth rates

• Five conference badges per 10x10 booth

• Post-conference attendee contact file

• Conference app listing and product description

• Company ID sign

• Two chairs booth includes:

• Six-foot skirted table

• Eight-foot back drape

• Three-foot side drape

• Wastebasket

• Two Industry Night tickets per 10x10 booth (more available for purchase)

NEW YEAR HOLDS UNLIMITED POTENTIAL FOR LEARNING, GROWING

Happy New Year!

Thank you for making 2025 another successful year for school nutrition in Texas. I applaud your hard work that kept Texas leading the way in school nutrition as we welcomed new leaders to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Texas schools tied for No. 1 in Healthy Meals Incentives awards nationwide and spent $22 million on local Texas agricultural products. The new year promises to bring even more excitement as you enhance your programs through new technology, learning opportunities, and the Farm Fresh Initiative.

Growing Farm Fresh

Texans took note of the many Farm Fresh Challenge successes in 2025 as you shared your efforts online. The farmers’ market displays looked awesome, and I know students enjoyed the demonstrations featuring dairy cows, chickens, bees, and more. There were 179 school districts pledging to participate in the Farm Fresh Challenge which translates to more than 2.6 million students having the opportunity to experience Texas agriculture firsthand.

To help increase the number of producers looking to sell local food to schools, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, recently launched FRESH TRAYS training for farmers and ranchers. The oneday workshops include four training modules covering key topics such as Selling to School

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By Lena Wilson

Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition

Texas

Department of Agriculture

Markets and Choosing the Right Product for School Markets. Thirty workshops are scheduled statewide to ensure Texas farmers and ranchers across Texas have access to the training.

The FRESH TRAYS grant will also provide training to support your efforts in purchasing local food directly from producers. TDA Food and Nutrition is developing a training curriculum for school nutrition leaders that aligns with the FRESH TRAYS training for producers. This training launches soon and will walk you through selecting the right procurement method, developing solicitations, connecting with producers, and more. A USDA Team Nutrition grant has made it possible for TDA to offer 10 five-day Farm Fresh Culinary workshops at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio. Although registration has closed, the training mission includes attendees sharing the skills and knowledge they gain with their school nutrition teams after the workshop concludes. The grant includes funding for developing a comprehensive library of shareable online resources for all school nutrition teams. Both will help schools develop new techniques for making school meals healthy and appealing, while meeting the requirements set forth in the USDA’s Final Rule, Child Nutrition: 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Meeting at MegaCon 2026

I am excited to announce that MegaCon 2026 will be held April 6-8, in Waco. This long-running

conference provides comprehensive training for Texas school nutrition professionals. Over three days you can meet and mingle with TDA, Texas agricultural producers, and your school nutrition peers. We are inviting Texas agricultural producers to attend and collaborate on local food purchasing from farms and ranches.

A favorite feature of every MegaCon is getting a chance to hear directly from Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. You can personally meet him at MegaCon 2026. MegaCon is a great experience for school nutrition professionals, and I look forward to welcoming you to the new location at the Waco Convention Center. You will get more information in your newsletters and inbox, and you can visit SquareMeals.org/Megacon anytime.

Turning the Page to TANS

Transitioning from TX-UNPS to the Texas Automated Nutrition System (TANS) will be a hot topic at MegaCon and throughout the year. TDA’s Food and Nutrition Training team and Education Service Centers (ESCs) will host various training “sneak peeks” and other sessions to help school districts prepare for the TANS transition. The National School Lunch Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program applications will go live in TANS on April 13.

From now through March, the training team will introduce you to the general aspects of TANS in micro-learning sessions during monthly TANS Talk

sessions, school calls, and ESC calls. Starting in April, school districts will have multiple resources for learning how to submit their NSLP applications, including online self-paced videos, ESC-led live and virtual training sessions, and ESC office hours. SquareMeals.org/TANS has the latest guidance and training plans available 24/7.

You could say 2026 will be a breakthrough year or turning point for school nutrition in Texas,

but every new year brings changes and progress for the amazing work you do. This year holds unlimited potential for you to grow in your career and push school nutrition to a new level. The combination of training, technology, and teamwork coming together in 2026 promises to make Texas the undisputed leader in school nutrition. Thank you for all you do and I look forward to working with you as we ensure all Texas children can be homegrown and healthy.