Florida is shining a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of its education system: school nutrition professionals. The state's Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, is leading the initiative to honor these diligent individuals through the Florida School Lunch Hero awards. Students, parents, school staff, and local community members are encouraged to nominate exemplary school nutrition professionals, who have a chance to win a cash prize of up to $2,000.
Those eligible for this competition include cafeteria staff and food service directors. Nominations must be submitted online at FloridaSchoolHero.com by the deadline of April 3 to be considered for this prestigious celebration. This initiative aims to recognize the invaluable contributions that these professionals make daily in schools across Florida.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), together with partners No Kid Hungry Florida and the Dairy Council of Florida, will be selecting five outstanding school lunch heroes. Winners will not only receive a $2,000 cash prize but will also be awarded an Apple Watch, a prize pack from FDACS’s Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness, a certificate of appreciation, a 2025 Florida School Lunch Hero trophy, and an in-person celebration at their school.
“We are thrilled to honor the vital role school nutrition professionals play in our schools and communities,” said Commissioner Simpson. “They work tirelessly to ensure our children never go hungry, offering nutritious meals along with encouragement and compassion. They are the true heroes of our education system.”
These professionals are celebrated for their dedication to delivering nutritious and delicious meals to students, which greatly contribute to the students' academic and extracurricular success. They excel in problem-solving and innovation, ensuring food safety while feeding countless students daily. Full bellies mean students can prioritize learning and activities.
