Princeton Schools Hires New Food Service Director

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools has hired a new food service director who is looking to bring change to the current lunch menu with fresh and homemade options.

Superintendent Steve Cochrane noted his excitement on the new hiring, noting that the "cafeteria is an extension of the classrooms. It is an entry point to learning."

Hopewell native K. Lee Dixon has set goals for the new school year including bringing "joy" to students through food.

"I want kids to get involved in the school cafeteria. I want to know what they’re eating. I want to know what they want to eat. I want students to bring in their 'family recipes’ to be shared," Dixon said. "My goal is to make the cafeteria a part of the students learning experience. I want lunch to truly be their favorite class of the day."

To accomplish this goal Dixon is planning on making changes to the current lunch menu.

"I want the students to get excited about lunch! We want food that is fresh and homemade. I understand there will always be students that will only eat pizza and fries. But we want kids to try new things- and to associate 'kid food' with fresh- good quality foods," Dixon said.

Dixon has been working in the food industry for most of her life — doing everything from washing dishes to event management to catering weddings.

"I have a special place in my heart for 'school' food service as I love working with kids," Dixon said.

Dixon has been working in the school food service for 12 years and most recently was an operations manager overseeing 11 school districts and 15 kitchens.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.