Florida’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence within its educational support ranks has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of the 2025 Florida School Lunch Hero awards. This initiative, spearheaded by Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, seeks to honor the exceptional efforts of school nutrition professionals across the state.
The awards aim to shine a light on those unsung heroes—cafeteria staff and food service directors—whose daily dedication ensures that students receive nutritious meals. With the backing of influential organizations like No Kid Hungry Florida and the Dairy Council of Florida, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is preparing to celebrate these vital contributors during School Lunch Hero Week, May 5-9.
To participate, community members, including students, parents, and school staff, can submit their nominations via the FloridaSchoolHero.com website. The deadline for nominations is April 3, 2025. Five standout professionals will be selected and receive a $2,000 cash prize, an Apple Watch, and various commendatory items, along with being feted at an on-site celebration at their school.
Commissioner Simpson expressed the importance of this recognition, stating, "School nutrition professionals are essential to our educational ecosystem, providing not only meals that nourish but also foster a positive school environment. Their tireless efforts ensure no child is left hungry, enabling students to concentrate on their studies and extracurricular pursuits."
This initiative underlines the crucial role that school nutrition professionals play in maintaining food security and promoting educational achievement. By providing consistent access to balanced meals, these professionals help create conditions conducive to academic success, and activities beyond the classroom.
