Harford County Schools Kitchen Assistant Receives National Award

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Mary LaMarche, Satellite Kitchen Assistant at Bel Air Elementary School, MD, the national Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees, ones who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve.

Known for her creativity and customer service skills, Mary LaMarche is popular among students and staff alike. She helps host the annual Valentine’s Sweetheart Breakfast, where she is busy in the kitchen, preparing meals and promoting the importance of the school breakfast program. Always thinking of ways to promote the school meal program at Bel Air Elementary, LaMarche created a dedicated Instagram account, posting photos of fresh fruits and vegetables, promotional events, entrée meals and other features.

LaMarche also organized and hosted a free food show during back to school night, where parents, students and siblings were invited into the cafeteria to sample fresh fruits and vegetables, popular hot entrée items and favorite sandwiches. While visiting the cafeteria, parents were able to watch a video about the program, pick up program literature and were asked to “follow” their Instagram account. To gather student feedback, she offers a comment box, publishes daily menus on her theme bulletin board and encourages sampling of new menu options.

An integral part of the planning and execution of annual meetings and events, LaMarche spearheads many of her local SNA events. She organizes the annual toy drive, coordinates the department to march in the town Christmas parade and has handed out treats at the local Trunk or Treat in the past. LaMarche also works with the district’s Future Links program for high-functioning special needs adult students, teaching them career skills and making them feel connected to the school community.

“Mary LaMarche has provided a consistent and positive link between her community and her school nutrition department,” said SNA President Gay Anderson, SNS. “She is committed to the health and happiness of her students, while actively promoting the importance of school meal programs to everyone in her community. We are proud to have her represent SNA both within and outside of school walls.”

The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional development and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

On July 14, 2019, LaMarche will be honored during the Red Carpet Awards Ceremony at the School Nutrition Association’s 73rd Annual National Conference in St. Louis, MO.

About School Nutrition Association:

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 58,000 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.