Jodi Risse, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, today was named the Maryland School Nutrition Association’s Director of the Year.
In her 14 years overseeing AACPS’ Division of Food and Nutrition Services, Risse has become known as an innovator who cultivates creative year-round approaches to providing healthy meals for students at all levels with an intense focus on fresh options. Risse has implemented vibrant and abundant salad bars in every school in the school system has even developed curbside menus during the pandemic that feature fresh produce such as red peppers, kiwi, and squash.
“Jodi epitomizes what we mean when we say ‘AACPSAwesome,’ ” Superintendent George Arlotto said. “There is nothing she and the incredible team she leads won’t do to provide students with healthy options that fuel their minds and bodies. We are incredibly grateful that she is on our team because our students benefit from her expertise and devotion every day.”
Under Risse’s leadership, the Division of Food and Nutrition Services has provided more than 12.5 million meals to students across the county since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. FNS employees didn’t miss a day, serving meals on the very first day schools were closed.
Risse also co-chairs the school system’s Wellness Council, a multi-sector committee aimed at providing resources, strategies and monitoring tools to ensure that effective implementation of the AACPS Wellness Policy in order to increase the quality of life for all members of the educational community and to cultivate communities of wellness.
In addition, she hosts a monthly educational segment titled “Tasting of the Rainbow” that features a local product served in school meals. The video includes spotlights from students, teachers, principals, and a local farmer. It is featured in all 126 schools on the monthly “Tasting of the Rainbow” day.
Risse’s work isn’t all about serving meals, however. She also collaborates with the Department of Special Education to give students work experience within FNS. This program helps students develop job-related skills as they transition out of high school, while introducing them to the world of school food service.
“It is a such an honor to be recognized by the Maryland School Nutrition Association for the impact we have in serving the students and communities in Anne Arundel County,” said Risse, who also won a national award for her efforts to help curb childhood hunger in 2019. “It is my honor and privilege to work side by side with the best school nutrition team in the country. This could only be accomplished with the unwavering support from our Superintendent, Dr. George Arlotto, and from my family both at work and home. Together, we truly cultivate communities of wellness: one student at a time.”
In addition to her work with AAACPS, Risse has served on the Maryland School Nutrition Executive Board since 2002 and was the organization’s Education Committee Co-Chair from 2000 to 2007.