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Bella Gonzalez
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate Bella Gonzalez, cafeteria manager at New Castle Elementary School, for the National Hunger Heroes Award. Bella Gonzalez-Flores came to the U.S. from Spain 15 years ago, not knowing any English, and has been working for Virginia Beach Public Schools for the last 5 years – specifically New Castle Elementary for 3. Bella’s dedication to ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals, her unwavering support for our school community, and her tireless efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment make her truly deserving of this recognition.
Bella’s passion for school nutrition is evident in the way she engages students with school breakfast and lunch programs. She regularly provides samples of new menu items, sparking students’ curiosity and encouraging them to try nutritious foods. Her creativity and enthusiasm help make mealtime an exciting and enjoyable part of the school day. Bella goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of all students. When she sees a child who may be having a troubling day she will get down to their level and talk with them and give them a hug if they need one.
Beyond the cafeteria, Bella is a cornerstone of positivity and support in our school community. Each Friday morning, she runs the Coffee Cart in the Commons for staff, fostering camaraderie and boosting morale among teachers and school personnel. Her kindness and commitment to our school climate make a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
Bella’s dedication to ensuring no child goes hungry is unwavering. She has gone above and beyond during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent snow days, by serving bagged meals to families at various schools throughout our community. Her efforts ensured that students had access to nutritious meals, even in the most challenging circumstances. She works closely with the school nurse for any allergies any students may have and handles everything from ordering weekly stock and food, counting monthly inventories to talking to parents when a problem may come up.
Recognizing the importance of cultural awareness and culinary education, this school year Bella started a Culinary Club for 4th and 5th graders. She has been teaching them safety in the kitchen along with introducing them to different cultural foods and even how to modify a recipe for someone who may have an allergy to an ingredient. The culinary club has allowed students to explore and create dishes from diverse cultures. This initiative not only fosters a love for cooking but also broadens students’ perspectives on global cuisine.
As a Language Ambassador for our school, Bella provides invaluable support to families who do not speak English as their first language. She goes out of her way to make these families feel welcomed and included, helping to bridge language barriers and create a sense of belonging within our school community.
Bella’s commitment to New Castle Elementary extends beyond her role as cafeteria manager. She volunteers her time at school and PTA events, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She’s got such an amazing loving heart, its an intoxicating energy that you just want to be around. I wish I could show you how wild our students go for her. Bella also makes student birthdays extra special by rolling out the birthday cart, complete with lively music and festive cheer, bringing joy to students on their special day.
Bella Gonzalez embodies the spirit of a National Hunger Hero through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students and school community. We are honored to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the positive impact she makes every day!
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