The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Anita Toft, cook for Centennial ISD 12, Minnesota, the Midwest region Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve.
Anita Toft has the experience and knowledge to efficiently serve crowds of students at the Centennial High School store with competence and grace. She knows students by name, serving more than 350 students on her own each day in the store, stocking it with favorites based on her memory of their preferences. Toft also makes fresh options for the school’s grab and go menu, providing healthy alternatives such as fresh salads to the main lunch menu. Toft works to develop a connection with each student, some students will not stop at the store on the rare days she’s absent. She remains pleasant and professional even during hectic days.
“Anita’s work ethic and attention to detail are qualities a busy school store needs to run smoothly,” said Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS, School Nutrition Association President. “Getting more than 350 students through a line quickly while showcasing healthy options is an accomplishment that benefits her school community every day.”
Professional growth and development are important to Toft. She is working to earn her SNA Level 4 Certificate and is eager to watch training videos to keep up to date with the latest best practices related to her profession.
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.
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Toft was announced as the Midwest region Employee of the Year on April 28 in advance of School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 1, 2026, to honor all of America’s dedicated school nutrition professionals. The accomplishments of Toft and all SNA regional award winners will be profiled on Facebook.com/TrayTalk and TrayTalk.org around School Lunch Hero Day. SNA award winners will also be highlighted in SN Magazine, on schoolnutrition.org and related social media platforms and at SNA’s Annual National Conference in Charlotte, NC, in July.
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.
