Preparing All Students for Life: The School Nutrition Connection

What does it take to keep school meals safe for Georgia students every day? In this episode of FuelCast, we sit down with Shaun Bryant from the Georgia Department of Public Health and Dr. Ellen Steinberg from the Georgia Department of Education to explore the partnership that helps protect students across the state. Shaun and Ellen share how collaboration, education, and proactive food safety practices support safe, high-quality school meals and help prevent foodborne illness before it starts. Together, they highlight how strong partnerships and professional development create a culture of food safety that benefits schools, families, and communities alike.

What does school food mean to the kids who eat it every day? In this episode of FuelCast, we talk to Adele, a student in Marietta City Schools, and her mom, Christina, for a family’s perspective on school meals. Their conversation reminds us why student and community engagement is the heart of a strong school nutrition program. Then, it’s Adele’s turn to sit in the interviewer’s chair as she asks School Nutrition Director Dr. Cindy Culver her own questions. Through her answers, we see how quality school meals and professional development come together to serve students like Adele every single day.

What happens when a superintendent and a school nutrition director share the same mission? In this episode of FuelCast, we sit down with Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent, and Dr. Cindy Culver, Director of School Nutrition for Marietta City Schools, to explore how their partnership brings quality school meals to a wonderfully diverse district. Cindy and Grant share how ongoing professional development and creative problem-solving keep their team ready to serve. Together, they reveal how deep student and community engagement turns the cafeteria into a space of connection, culture, and academic success.

Summer break doesn't have to mean a break from quality meals.In this episode of FuelCast, host Rolandria Boyce sits down with Murray County School Nutrition Director Amanda Ridley and parent Amy Phillips for a dual perspective conversation on the Seamless Summer Option program. Amanda pulls back the curtain on what it takes to plan, prepare, and serve safe, high-quality meals all summer long. From the months of preparation that begin in March to the dedicated staff who show up every day, the care behind every meal is clear. Amy shares what the program has meant for her family firsthand, and why her advice to any parent on the fence is simple: just do it.From hot meals and fresh fruits to community connection and convenience, the conversation makes a compelling case for why summer meals are about so much more than lunch. The program is open to any child ages 0–18. No school enrollment, no county residency required.To find a summer meal site near you, visit Food Finder at foodfinder.us.

In this episode of FuelCast, hosts Rolandria Boyce and Anna Coleman sit down with Dr. Stephanie Johnson, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement and “Chief Turnaround Officer”, to explore the role school nutrition plays in the broader mission of school improvement. Dr. Johnson shares how proper nutrition fuels attendance, sharpens executive function, and strengthens the memory and focus every student needs to succeed. For many students, the meals offered at school are the most nourishing ones they will eat all day. The conversation also highlights how school cafeterias create unique opportunities for children to experience new foods, diverse flavors, and food-based learning that connects to the classroom. Because when kids are fed well, they are ready to learn.

In this episode, host Rolandria Boyce and special guest co-host Chef Rachel Petraglia welcome Cherokee County’s Brandi Grogan and Vidalia City’ Teneshia Williams for an inspiring conversation about their paths as school nutrition managers. They share insights on creating quality school meals, building school community relationships, and leading with intent.

The Georgia Student Bill of Rights is centered on preparing students for life, and school nutrition is a key part of making that vision a reality. In this episode of FuelCast, Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods and Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson come together to explore the purpose behind the Georgia Student Bill of Rights and share how school nutrition helps bring it to life each day. From Georgia Grown school meals and food-based learning to meaningful school nutrition partnerships, the conversation highlights how local programs support students and strengthen the school experience from breakfast through the last bell.

When teachers and school nutrition professionals work together, every period becomes a chance to learn through food-based learning.This all‑new FuelCast episode features Elbert County School Nutrition Director Bridgette Matthews and GaDOE Academic Nutrition Manager Kelley Toon as they share success stories, practical strategies, and real‑world examples of how Food‑Based Learning opportunities support student achievement across all academic areas.

When school gardens meet school meal trays, students discover curiosity, courage, and new flavors. This all new FuelCast spotlights the powerful intersection of agriculture education and school nutrition with GaDOE Teacher of the Year and Morgan County Agriculture Science Teacher Rachel Kinsaul and Effingham County School Nutrition Director Jessica O’Leary.

What does it take to turn a competition-winning recipe into a menu item for tens of thousands of students? In Part 2 of the Berkmar Student Chef Story, we explore the collaboration that turned a winning dish into a countywide celebration. GaDOE Culinary Specialist Chef Michael DuBose reflects on mentoring the team for regional success, and Gwinnett County School Nutrition Director Karen Hallford discusses how a growing partnership ensured students across Gwinnett County would enjoy the Chicken Churrasco Bowl as part of National School Lunch Week 2025.