Nutrition Services

The Dinwiddie County Public Schools Nutrition Services Department is committed to providing students with nutritious, appealing meals that support health, wellness, and readiness to learn.

As an essential part of the Department of Operations, Nutrition Services supports schools across the division by planning, preparing, and serving meals that meet applicable federal and state nutrition requirements while providing dependable and welcoming food service each school day.

Nutrition Services staff focus on student well-being, food safety, quality, efficiency, fiscal responsibility, customer service, and continuous improvement. Their work helps ensure that students have access to nutritious meals in an environment that supports learning and promotes healthy choices.

Department Leadership

The Nutrition Services Department is led by Marion Elder and assisted by Laura Rook. Together, they coordinate school nutrition operations across the division and support cafeteria managers, nutrition staff, school administrators, students, and families.

What We Do

The Nutrition Services Department provides leadership and support in the following areas:

• Breakfast and Lunch Services – Coordinates the preparation and service of nutritious meals for students throughout the school division.
• Menu Planning – Develops balanced menus that support student nutrition, variety, participation, and applicable meal-pattern requirements.
• Food Safety and Sanitation – Maintains safe food preparation and service practices through training, monitoring, inspections, and established sanitation procedures.
• Federal and State Compliance – Administers school nutrition programs in accordance with applicable federal and Virginia requirements, including documentation, reporting, and program accountability.
• Cafeteria Operations – Supports cafeteria managers and nutrition staff with staffing, scheduling, procedures, equipment needs, and daily operational concerns.
• Nutrition and Wellness – Promotes healthy food choices and supports division efforts related to student wellness and readiness to learn.
• Special Dietary Needs – Works with families, schools, and appropriate staff to support medically necessary dietary accommodations in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Purchasing and Inventory – Coordinates food and supply purchasing, inventory management, receiving, storage, and responsible use of division resources.
• Equipment and Facility Support – Helps coordinate the maintenance, replacement, and effective use of kitchen and cafeteria equipment in collaboration with other operational departments.
• Customer Service and Communication – Provides support and information to students, families, school staff, and administrators regarding meal services and school nutrition programs.

Our Commitment

The Nutrition Services Department is committed to providing safe, nutritious, dependable, and welcoming meal services for the students of Dinwiddie County Public Schools.

Through careful planning, quality food service, responsible stewardship, and a continued focus on student needs, Nutrition Services helps create the conditions students need to be healthy, engaged, and ready to learn every day.