The national nonprofit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Pine Bush School Nutrition Director Caitlin Lazarski, MA, RD, SNS, Northeast Region Director of the Year. This award recognizes the exceptional contributions of school nutrition officers in managing effective school lunch programs that provide healthy, appetizing meals to students.
“We are very excited to welcome Caitlin here to Pinebush,” said Joe Lentz, assistant superintendent of business. “We are lucky to have this talented and caring person lead our school’s nutrition team. She is innovative and always strives to improve her services to our students. She is truly a star. ”
Mr. Lazarski came to Pine Bush in October 2023. Prior to that, Newburgh he served in the Enlarged City School District.
Lazarski is known as a school breakfast advocate in New York state. Because she implemented several effective strategies after the bell, the district increased student breakfast participation rates by 30 percent over her time, and her efforts have been recognized by several organizations, including the New York State Governor’s Office. I did. Lazarski has helped other directors develop alternative breakfast models through training and field tours.
She has raised more than $1,250,000 in total grants to improve the range and quality of meals provided to students. Mr. Lazarski also directed the implementation of district-wide eligibility regulations in two school districts, making all students eligible for free school meals, and launching summer meal and after-school dinner programs. The increased revenue was used to expand scratch cooking, train staff, and purchase new equipment.
Working face-to-face with students is another way Lazarski has positively impacted the learning experience. She frequently appears at student council meetings and cafeteria taste tests, and utilizes student interns to gather feedback on the program. Lazarski holds a competition for student-led commercials promoting the school’s breakfast and mentors student interns interested in careers in marketing and promotions to create social media posts and reels that showcase the meal program. did. She also worked with the high school’s design students on a campaign to create a logo for the food service department to be used on staff uniforms, cafeteria signage, menus, and trucks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Lazarski has led a team of dedicated professionals through a curbside meal program that has served more than 3 million meals, providing bulk fresh produce, local bread, and New York State food. I created a menu to provide milk to my family.
“Caitlin is committed to supporting professional development that benefits programs and the students they serve, and is an advocate for providing equitable access to school meals for all students,” School Nutrition Association SNS Chairman Chris D’Errico said. “She frequently meets with local elected officials in schools and is able to see firsthand how important meal programs are to student success and growth.”
Lazarski is currently a member of SNA’s Professional Development Committee and previously served as the state association’s president and served on its board of directors. She actively recruits staff and new directors to the association and encourages their participation to advance their careers.
Lazarski invites neighboring school districts to staff training at the beginning of the school year, inviting more than 300 people to a day-long training session that includes a keynote speaker, networking and professional development opportunities, and shows appreciation for front-line workers. A designated lunch is also provided. You will also supervise dietitian interns completing their school nutrition rotations, ensuring they experience all the benefits of being a registered dietitian in school nutrition.
The Director of the Year Award was created to recognize school nutrition directors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to school meal programs. The Director is responsible for maintaining the quality of the program through student interaction, menu planning, and a commitment to providing nutritious, delicious, and balanced school meals. The School Nutrition Director ensures the overall success of the school food program by effectively overseeing all aspects of food service operations, including budgeting, staffing, training, marketing, and community outreach.
The accomplishments of Lazarski and all SNA Award recipients will also be highlighted in a special digital publication and promoted in SNA’s annual Hero Day social media campaign on Facebook.com/TrayTalk and TrayTalk.org.
About the School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national nonprofit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals nationwide. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to healthy school meals and nutrition education. For more information about school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.
