TYSON FOODS, INC. TRADEMARKS AND REGISTERED TRADEMARKS ARE OWNED BY TYSON FOODS, INC. OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES.
Nicole Barnes
Scottsdale Unified School District
Ms. Barnes has made significant and comprehensive improvements to Saguaro High School's Breakfast and Lunch Program since becoming the Cafeteria Manager, greatly impacting the students' dining experience. She has introduced a greater variety of hot and cold meal choices, with over 20 different options available daily, catering to various dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegetarian choices. The addition of a salad bar, featuring a rotating selection of fruits and vegetables, has been particularly popular. Her responsiveness to student requests has led to the incorporation of extra items within nutritional guidelines, such as yogurt smoothies, and the posting of menus at the entrance to inform students of their options. As a result, participation in the lunch program has doubled, ensuring that more students are well-fed and satisfied.
To further enhance the dining experience, Ms. Barnes has introduced a "Flavor Station" with various spices and additional condiments to customize burgers and hot sandwiches, and has extended breakfast hours to accommodate student athletes who practice early. Special treats like chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine's Day add a festive touch. Her efforts have created a welcoming environment, with the cafeteria staff known for their friendliness and kindness, making students feel valued and cared for. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the variety and quality of the food, and the improvements in the overall dining experience.
Overall, Nicole Barnes has transformed Saguaro's School Lunch Program, making it more appealing and enjoyable for students. Her redesign of the cafeteria layout has increased productivity and improved the flow of students during their short lunch period. The introduction of the salad bar has been a personal favorite, offering beautiful and healthy choices that reduce waste from individually packaged ingredients and dressings. Both students and staff have voiced their approval, leading to increased lunch revenues as more students take advantage of the healthy options. Student testimonials further highlight the positive impact, with many praising the variety and quality of the food, the friendly staff, and the overall improvements in the dining experience.
To share a few student submissions for Nicole’s Hunger Hero nomination:
- “I am an 11th Grade football player, the Saguaro lunch program has positively impacted me by being able to refuel my body after workouts. I like the fruit and healthy bars that are available. Also the milk options.”
- “I am a 10th grade football player and love the yogurt, fruit and granola bars. I wish we had more.”
- “I am an 11th grade football player and like the better quality of food in the years past. The Bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches.”
- “I am a 10th grader: I like the sausage, egg and cheese croissants and breakfast quesadillas.
Nicole Barnes's efforts have ensured that more students are well-fed and enjoying their meals, making a significant difference in their daily lives.
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