Building Morale to Strengthen School Nutrition Teams

Behind every school meal is a dedicated team, whether working early mornings, stepping up to fill additional needs or adapting to challenges, school nutrition professionals make sure students are fed with care. Schools in MO and IN are finding that a powerful way to support these teams is simple: extra special recognition!

At North Kansas City Public Schools (MO), that commitment is built into the district’s Culture of Excellence program, a formal, annual employee recognition initiative. Each school and department can nominate staff members in December who exemplify excellence and service. Nominees are surprised at their work sites by district leaders and celebrated in front of colleagues before being honored again at a districtwide event in the spring.

“The district does a great job recognizing staff,” said Amy Rohrs, Assistant Director of Food Service. “They show up with balloons, signs and a photographer. It really makes employees feel valued and appreciated.”

That recognition is more than one moment; it’s part of a broader effort to strengthen workplace culture.

“We are working really hard on creating that culture of recognition,” Rohrs said. “Happy employees want their friends to come work with them. In a time when many districts are facing staffing challenges, that kind of positive environment can make a meaningful difference in both recruitment and retention.”

The impact of recognition can be seen in employees like Kim, a food service production specialist who has served the district for 17 years. Known for her energy and dedication, Kim arrives early each morning to prepare breakfast and does whatever it takes to ensure students are fed, even improvising with a headlamp during a power outage so meal service could continue.

The district also recently recognized Connie Lee, a “floater” who supports multiple schools. Even though she works limited hours, Connie makes an immediate positive impact at whatever school location she supports. Staff describe feeling a sense of relief when she arrives, knowing Connie will jump in and help with anything needed.

Other districts are seeing similar results from their own unique recognition efforts. At Tippecanoe School Corporation in Indiana, the Golden Spatula Award was created to celebrate excellence and build team morale.

“The inspiration behind the Golden Spatula was simply gratitude,” said Ashley Karshen, RDN, Director of Nutrition Services. “We wanted a tangible way to celebrate excellence in our kitchens and ensure our team knows that their hard work never goes unnoticed.”

The Golden Spatula is a traveling monthly award given to staff who go above and beyond, both in their work and in how they support their teammates. According to Karshen, recognition has a lasting impact.

“When staff members see their peers being celebrated, it creates a ripple effect of positivity,” she said. “It reminds everyone that their daily contributions are noticed and valued.”

That ripple effect is something both districts are experiencing. From surprise celebrations in Missouri to monthly honors in Indiana, recognition programs are helping create stronger, more connected teams.