Celebrating National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. In the West Valley School District, nutrition education goes far beyond the cafeteria line; it’s woven into classrooms, hands-on learning, and the daily experiences that help students build lifelong skills.

Learning Nutrition Through Culinary Arts

At West Valley Junior High, students explore nutrition in a practical and engaging way through Culinary Arts classes, taught by Gretchen Hansen, who brings more than two decades of experience in Family and Consumer Sciences education.

“This is my 22nd year of teaching,” Ms. Hansen shared. “After 21 years of teaching high school, this was an opportunity to teach 7th and 8th graders. It’s been a fun change to be at a new grade level.”

Culinary Arts students learn to cook and learn how food impacts their health, culture, and future careers. Classes include a wide range of units, including Nutrition and Wellness, Meal Planning, Food Safety, Culinary Skills, Cultural Influences on Food, Career Exploration, and hands-on food labs.

Junior High students, Lyra Anderson and Lillian Fair, share that the Culinary Arts classes are helping them in several ways. “I get to practice working with others, improving communication and patience, and leadership skills,” says Lyra. Lillian adds, “'I’ve learned lots of time management and math skills that will help me when I’m older.” Both students are eager to expand recipe selections and build their skills in all types of cooking and baking. 

By connecting nutrition concepts to real-life skills, the class helps students understand why food choices matter and how they can apply that knowledge at home and beyond. 

Whether students are planning balanced meals or learning kitchen safety, they’re building confidence and awareness around food in a supportive, engaging environment.

Nutrition Beyond the Classroom

That learning is reinforced district-wide through West Valley’s Nutrition Services Department, led by Brandi Romero, who joined the district in July 2025 as Child Nutrition Director.

“My job is focused on making sure students have consistent access to safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that support their learning and overall well-being,” Romero explained.

Child Nutrition Services oversees everything from menu planning and food safety to compliance with state and federal regulations and financial stewardship. Romero emphasizes that the work is a team effort, supported by a dedicated staff that includes coordinators, production managers, cooks, servers, and drivers working together to serve students across the district.

Why Nutrition Matters

According to Romero, good nutrition plays a critical role in student success.

“When students have access to balanced, nutritious meals, they have better energy levels, improved concentration, and are more prepared to engage in the classroom,” she said. “Nutrition also plays a critical role in physical growth, mental health, and overall wellness.”

For many students, school meals are a vital and reliable source of nourishment. Providing consistent, high-quality meals also helps create a sense of stability and care, supporting equity and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Student Voice and Engagement

WVSD also gives students a stake in its nutrition program through taste tests, which allow students to sample potential new menu items and provide feedback before they’re added to the menu.

“This feedback is incredibly valuable because it allows us to involve students directly in menu decisions,” Romero said. “It helps ensure that new items are appealing and age-appropriate.”

Child Nutrition Services staff also engage students daily through positive interactions in the cafeteria, learning preferences, encouraging students to try new foods, and building relationships that make mealtime welcoming.

“It’s great to see students’ reactions when they’re exposed to new foods they’ve never heard of before,” Romero shared. “It’s even more exciting when they love it and ask for it again.”

A Shared Commitment to Student Well-Being

From hands-on Culinary Arts classes to thoughtfully planned meals served across the district, West Valley is committed to helping students understand, appreciate, and benefit from good nutrition.

“I think one thing parents and students may not realize is how much care, planning, and intention goes into Child Nutrition Services every single day,” Romero said. “Behind every meal is a dedicated group of staff who care deeply about students.”

As National Nutrition Month reminds us, healthy habits start with education, access, and connection; and at WVSD, nutrition is truly a team effort that supports students every day with breakfast and lunch, and sets them up for success in the future.