School Nutrition Association of CT Announces State Award Winners

(GLASTONBURY, Conn. – May 5, 2021) – The non-profit School Nutrition Association of Connecticut (SNACT) has named Carol Dodson, food service director at Montville Public Schools, the 2021 Rising Star – Director of the Year. This annual award recognizes a local director for their accomplishments and sustained contributions to their district school meal program, advancing good nutrition in Connecticut’s schools and communities.

With 28 years of experience in school nutrition, Dodson has enjoyed the past four years as director, paying it forward with her knowledge to help new directors succeed in their career. When she first began working at Montville Public Schools (MPS), she made a series of changes to operations that would ultimately stop the annual revenue losses previously seen in her department. She introduced a new menu, retrained staff and cut costs, all while making a profit in her first year.

She uses her extensive food service skills and knowledge to encourage staff to seize continued opportunities to learn, train and reach for the next step in their career. During the pandemic, she motivated staff to remain positive and creative. She continued to ensure that all students at MPS had access to a healthy and quality school meal, regardless of whether they were learning in-person or remotely.

“Carol Dodson is a dedicated member with a true passion for school nutrition and the health of her district’s students,” said SNACT President Erica Biagetti, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Cheshire Public Schools. “As an active member of SNACT, she also currently serves as the Mohegan Regional Chapter representative. Through this leadership role, she is able to share her vast knowledge of school food service with her professional colleagues, both new and seasoned.”

The Rising Star award honors individuals who have served in school food service positions for 10 years or less, for both current accomplishments and sustained contributions to programs that advance good nutrition in Connecticut schools and communities.

Dodson, along with other state nutrition award winners, will be recognized during a virtual SNACT “Awards Honor-Palooza!” on May 6. Letters will be sent to the award winners’ school superintendents and Boards of Education in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

About the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut (SNACT)

The School Nutrition Association of Connecticut (SNACT) is one of the leading non-profit organizations committed to educating and supporting school nutrition and food service professionals to ensure all Connecticut students have access to nutritious school meals. Providing information, services and continuing education opportunities to school food service professionals in Connecticut, SNACT promotes the importance and value of school meal programs through partnerships with allied organizations, industry, the school community and the community at large. For more information about SNACT and upcoming events, visit www.snact.org.