Career Fair Helps NC Students Explore School Nutrition

Students at Rocky River Elementary School in North Carolina learned about what it takes to be a school nutrition professional and practiced the art of creating school breakfast and lunch trays at the school’s Career Fair.

The event began with an assembly for fifth graders, where they worked on writing assignments about their career interests, followed by an all-school career fair. Students visited tables, browsed information and spoke with professionals from a range of fields, including school nutrition, the military and finance. Inquisitive students peppered the professionals with questions, and some even donned outfits that matched their career interests to fully embrace the day’s theme.

One of the most engaging moments came when students had the opportunity to build their own breakfast and lunch trays. With guidance from foodservice staff, the students crafted their ideal meals while learning the importance of balanced nutrition. Each tray included at least three food items, along with the required fruit or vegetable for both breakfast and lunch. Students were rewarded with coloring sheets, bookmarks and handouts to promote life-long healthy eating habits and received recipe cards for healthy, delicious smoothies to try at home.

“It’s really interesting to see what foods the kids choose as they build their meals,” said Mary Gourley, School Nutrition Supervisor at Union County Public Schools. “We talk them through the process, but it’s important for them to put their stamp on each creation to give them a true sense of ownership and accomplishment.”

This was the second year the Career Fair was held, and Gourley hopes it becomes an annual tradition that continues to positively impact young students for years to come. Located in Monroe, NC, the Union County Public School system has 53 schools, including 36 elementary schools, and creates meals for more than 40,000 students in their 49 kitchens.

“Our students really enjoy the day, especially the process of building their meals,” said Gourley. “Kids were asking if they could come back and build more meals and we were more than happy to accommodate them. A few of our students expressed a genuine interest in working in the school nutrition field when they are older and that is great to see.”

It’s never too early for students to start exploring career interests. Rocky River Elementary School’s Career Fair may have sparked that curiosity and even inspired some future school nutrition professionals.