Seaman School District Nutrition Director Wins National Recognition

(National Harbor, MD, June 2014) – The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association has awarded Kaye Kabus, SNS, school foodservice director, Seaman USD #345, the regional Outstanding Director of the Year Award, which recognizes the extraordinary contributions of school nutrition directors who manage effective school meal programs providing healthy, appetizing meals to students.

Kaye Kabus’ successful school nutrition program is a direct result of her unwavering passion for childhood nutrition. Over the course of her 10-year career as school foodservice director, she has implemented several initiatives in her district, including School Breakfast, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable, After School Snack, and Summer Food programs. Additionally, Kaye recognizes the importance of engaging students, faculty and school boards, promoting healthy choices through a district-wide wellness policy. A dedicated leader, Kaye emphasizes staff professional development through annual workshops and training events. Kaye also encourages healthy lifestyles beyond the school doors, organizing a nutrition education table at “Shawnee County’s Largest Workout.” She was also recently honored as YWCA Woman of Excellence in the education category for her active role in the community; Kaye credits this award to the wonderful people she works with at Seaman Food Service. They work as a team of Child Nutrition Professionals and appreciate the honor and responsibility of serving school meals.

“School nutrition directors play a vital role in establishing healthy school environments, leading programs that promote quality meals and adhere to nutrition and food safety standards,” said Leah Schmidt, SNS, President of the School Nutrition Association. “At the forefront of childhood nutrition, Kaye exemplifies excellence in school food operations for Seaman School District and demonstrates an incredible dedication and commitment to student wellness.”

The regional Outstanding Director of the Year Award was created to recognize school nutrition directors who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to their school meal programs. The directors are responsible for maintaining the quality of the program through student interaction, menu planning and a commitment to serving nutritious, tasty and well-balanced school meals. Through effective oversight of all aspects of foodservice operations, including budgeting, staffing, training, marketing and community outreach, school nutrition directors ensure the overall success of school meal programs.

In July, Kaye will be honored during the Awards Ceremony at the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in Boston, MA.

About School Nutrition Association: The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today’s school meals, visit www.TrayTalk.org.

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