Reading Public Schools Cafeteria Manager Wins National Recognition

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has awarded Dianne Ferguson from Barrows Elementary School in Reading Public School District, MA, the Northeast regional Manager of the Year Award, considered the highest honor a school nutrition manager can earn. The award recognizes a cafeteria manager who has demonstrated dedication and ingenuity to improve his or her school meal program.

Truly invested in her students’ lives, Dianne Ferguson knows more than just their names, but the specific needs, interests and medical challenges of her students. As cafeteria manager, safety is a top concern. Ferguson works collaboratively with families to ensure all students have access to a safe meal; from translating for a family or working with food sensitivities due to specific needs/disabilities, to working with a family of a child with Celiac disease. Ferguson makes herself available during, before, and after paid hours to meet with parents who have questions and concerns about their child’s diet and options.

Known for her informational bulletin boards, Ferguson recently created a board depicting foods of the world - showing where that food can be found and interesting facts about the native areas. She has helped with a number of health and nutrition programs in the school, including a student group to create a healthy snack program, the Smarter Lunchrooms initiative and the school’s Wellness, Allergy, Safety, and Health committee (WASH), taking her contributions beyond the kitchen to the wider school community.

“Dianne Ferguson shows a true passion for her students, with special attention to the safety and dietary needs of the children at her school,” said SNA CEO Patricia Montague, CAE. “Creating a positive and educational environment, she helps to not only provide healthy school meals, but she feeds the minds of the students who come through her cafeteria every day.”

The Manager of the Year Award is given in honor of Louise Sublette, a leader in school nutrition in her state and in the national School Nutrition Association. During her 43 years in the profession, Sublette worked in many areas of foodservice—public schools, colleges, hospitals and elderly feeding programs. Sublette dedicated her career to honoring school nutrition professionals and ensuring those who work in school cafeterias have access to professional development opportunities, empowering them to help their school meal programs flourish.

In July, Ferguson will be honored during the Awards Ceremony at the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in Atlanta, GA.

About School Nutrition Association:

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 57,000 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.