Highlights from Issue No. 47. Tap through to read the full pieces on FlippingBook.
Cover Story
NxtGen Masterclass 2026: The Industry's Premier Learning Experience
A first-look at Masterclass 2026 — bringing together K-12 school nutrition directors, manufacturers, and industry leaders for a uniquely immersive week of hands-on learning, mentorship, and community.
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Heroes
The Everyday Heroes of School Nutrition
Institute of Child Nutrition recognizes the frontline professionals who keep cafeterias running — a tribute to the people who feed America's students every single day.
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Partnerships
The O'Brien Playbook: How Lasting Partnerships Get Built
Longtime industry veterans share the habits, the hard conversations, and the follow-through that turn first meetings into decades-long partnerships across K-12 foodservice.
“The best partnerships are built on showing up — long before anyone's asking you to.”
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Innovation
Gaia: Rethinking What's Possible in School Cafeterias
How Gaia is bringing scratch-cooking, plant-forward menus, and chef-driven flavor into district kitchens without blowing up labor budgets or compliance timelines.
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Leadership
Lesley Graham on Leading Through Change
A veteran K-12 nutrition director on the mindset that keeps her team resilient — and the everyday leadership choices that ripple into the cafeteria, the classroom, and the community.
“You can't lead a team through change if you haven't first led yourself through it.”
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Social Strategy
Yes, And: How to Say More on Social Without Burning Out
Wojcik breaks down the improv-inspired framework she uses to help school nutrition teams build a sustainable social-media voice — one that shows up for students, parents, and staff.
“Start with 'yes, and' — not 'no, but' — and watch what your cafeteria becomes online.”
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Social Media
Behind the Post: Bartlett & Harvey on K-12 Social That Actually Works
Two district communicators swap notes on the content formats, approval workflows, and small daily rituals that turn a school nutrition account into the most-followed page in town.
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