School Nutrition Association of CT Announces State Award Winners

The non-profit School Nutrition Association of Connecticut (SNACT) has named Melissa Lambert, cook and kitchen manager at Waterford Public Schools, the 2021 Rising Star – Food Service Staff. This annual award recognizes a SNACT manager for their accomplishments and sustained contributions to their district school meal program, advancing good nutrition in Connecticut’s schools and communities.

As a first-year manager at Quaker Hill Elementary, Lambert's positive energy and affection for children in an inspiration to her colleagues. She expresses passion for food service through various marketing promotions of her program, such as decorating the cafeteria and serving lines and dressing in costumes. On occasion, her enthusiasm was enough to convince custodial staff to dress in costume with her.

To keep students’ spirits up during the pandemic, Lambert organized with the custodial staff and food service team to participate in a car parade. She helped decorate the cars, coordinated fun costumes and made signs that read “Your Lunch Ladies Love You.” Even over the summer months, she wanted to ensure students had access to healthy meals, and often worked late to do so.

Students and staff alike look forward to seeing Lambert’s monthly bulletin board creations and cafeteria decorations. She recruited the art teacher to work with her and students in creating a welcome sign for the serving line entrance. When the pandemic prevented students from eating in the cafeteria, Lambert brought that décor and energy to the hallways - greeting students and promoting the breakfast program. A stickler for detail, she pours her heart and soul into making nutritious and delicious meals for her students.

“Melissa Lambert brings a level of energy and enthusiasm to her job that is special and uniquely her own,” said SNACT President Erica Biagetti, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Cheshire Public Schools. “Even through this challenging year, she continued to go above and beyond to fuel children’s minds and bodies with an inspiring and optimistic attitude.”

Prior to COVID, Lambert attended chapter meetings and trainings, which she hopes to return to in her new manager role. She continues to challenge herself by setting weekly goals; her elementary school has the highest meal participation numbers in the entire district. She is always one of the first staff members to volunteer for district projects that will ultimately enhance her school meal program.

The Rising Star- Food Service Staff 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. Food Service Staff is defined as all other food service staff members including, but not limited to: support staff, school managers, general workers, cooks, cashiers, drivers, secretaries, etc.

Lambert, 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 Conn. students have access to nutritious school meals. Providing information, services and continuing education opportunities to school food service professionals in Conn., 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.

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