STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County school nutrition leaders are being recognized statewide for their work to feed students and improve school meal programs. District officials say three members of Barren County Nutrition Services received top honors at the annual Kentucky School Nutrition Association Conference, a statewide gathering focused on child nutrition, professional development, and leadership. The Kentucky School Nutrition Association, or KSNA, says its mission is to empower school nutrition professionals through education, advocacy, and leadership.
According to the association, the conference gives members updates on federal and state programs, culinary trends, nutrition education, customer service, leadership development, and best practices for serving students. Among this year’s honorees was CheyAnne Fant, director of Nutrition Services for Barren County Schools. The district reports Fant was named KSNA Director of the Year and will advance to the national competition. During her tenure, officials say Barren County’s nutrition program has shifted from operating at a deficit to becoming one of Kentucky’s most innovative and financially sustainable school nutrition programs. Under her leadership, participation in school meal programs has grown, while the district maintains a strong focus on student wellness, local food procurement, and customer service.
Barren County Nutrition Services now serves thousands of meals each day across 11 cafeterias and has earned national recognition. That includes being named an America’s Healthiest Schools All-Star, according to the district. Fant has also championed the district’s Farm-to-School initiative. District leaders say that effort connects students with locally grown foods through partnerships with area farmers, school gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural education programs. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire Nutrition Services team,” Fant said in a statement. “Every meal served is an opportunity to nourish students, build relationships, and create a positive school experience.”
Park City Elementary School cafeteria manager Beth Carder also received statewide recognition. According to the district, Carder was named KSNA Manager of the Year and will compete at the national level. Carder is known in the district for her creativity, enthusiasm, and care for students. Officials say she has built a cafeteria culture focused on hospitality, connection, and service so that every child feels welcomed and valued. From special menu promotions to engaging dining experiences and relationship-building with students, Carder is credited with modeling the qualities of strong school nutrition leadership. Fant said Carder “represents the heart of school nutrition” through her kindness, connections with students, and dedication.
Rounding out the district’s recognition, Angie Riddle, a member of the Nutrition Services team, was elected KSNA Manager Co-Chair. She is expected to move into the Manager Chair state officer role the following year. In that position, Riddle will help represent school nutrition professionals across Kentucky and support KSNA’s mission of advocacy, professional growth, and program excellence. District leaders say the honors for Fant, Carder, and Riddle highlight the ongoing success of Barren County Nutrition Services and its commitment to serving students with excellence.
– Three Barren County Schools nutrition leaders recognized at the Kentucky School Nutrition Association Conference
– CheyAnne Fant named KSNA Director of the Year and advancing to national competition
– Beth Carder named KSNA Manager of the Year and also advancing to national competition
– Nutrition Services program credited with moving from deficit to innovative, financially sustainable operations
– Barren County Nutrition Services serves thousands of meals daily across 11 cafeterias
– District has earned national recognition, including America’s Healthiest Schools All-Star status
– Angie Riddle elected KSNA Manager Co-Chair, set to become Manager Chair next year
– Honors highlight Barren County’s commitment to student wellness, local food, and customer service
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