Stacie Gander; Nutritional Services Manager; Jordan Elementary; Jordan, Minnesota
In the heart of a small town, where community and camaraderie are the pillars of daily life, Stacie Gander has found her calling. In her role at Jordan Elementary, Stacie combines her love for cooking and her passion for working with children, creating a vibrant and nourishing environment for the school's youngest learners. Her journey from a small town in Wisconsin to managing the bustling cafeteria of Jordan Elementary, with its 700 Pre-K – 4 students, is a testament to her dedication and ingenuity. Stacie recalls, “I still have a paper from when I was in kindergarten that says, ‘I want to be a mom, a chef, a wife, and a teacher.’ I’m so fortunate that I’ve been be able to do all those things.”
Stacie was drawn to the charm of small-town life, reminiscent of her roots in Wisconsin. At Jordan Elementary, she found the perfect setting to make a significant impact. With 550 students served lunch daily and 200 for breakfast, her role is integral to the well-being of the school community. Stacie has taken every opportunity to bring fresh, exciting options to the table.
One of Stacie's most successful initiatives is “Try-It Tuesday.” On Tuesdays, students are encouraged to sample a new fruit, vegetable, or menu item such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or exotic fruits like passion fruit and dragon fruit. Students who try the new food and vote whether they liked it receive a sticker. Positive votes mean the food might be incorporated into the regular menu. This program has sparked enthusiasm among the students and even caught the attention of parents, fostering a community-wide conversation about healthy eating.
A typical morning features popular cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ and Lucky Charms™, alongside hot options such as pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. On Wednesdays, the parfait bar is a big hit. For lunch, favorites like chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, walking tacos, and breakfast-for-lunch are regulars on the menu. Even with the extremely limited kitchen space, Stacie and her team ensure meals are prepared and served efficiently.
Despite common operational issues, Stacie's small campus and collaborative spirit turn challenges into opportunities for teamwork. With only one oven and a tiny kitchen, the team often needs to retrieve cooked items from another school. Despite these constraints, they manage to serve amazing meals daily. The upcoming expansion, including the addition of a tilt skillet for cooking large batches on-site, promises to enhance their capabilities significantly.
Stacie's team of six works seamlessly together. Everyone pitches in, whether it’s cooking or dishwashing. Kelly Raser, nutritional services director, describes Stacie as a respected leader who brings fun and creativity to the workplace. Stacie’s drive for excellence ensures that the team adopts the best practices, even if it means extra effort. Her enthusiasm for the job is contagious, and her ability to thrive under pressure inspires everyone around her.
National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) is a highlight at Jordan Elementary, doubling the number of breakfast eaters. Each day features a new breakfast item, guest servers, and fun outfits, making the mornings exciting for the students. Special events, like quick lunch servings on early release days with the help of teachers and the principal, bring the entire school community together, fostering a sense of unity and joy.
Stacie takes immense pride in her work. She says, “Every day I’m happy to be there. Just seeing their happy faces and their smiles… We try to make mealtime their favorite time of day.” Her advice to others in similar roles is to keep morale high in the kitchen, ensuring that students look forward to their lunchroom experience. She believes maintaining a positive atmosphere not only benefits the children but also uplifts the staff.
Stacie's dedication is unwavering — once she starts something, she sees it through. Inspired by her son Norman and fueled by her love for cooking and children, Stacie continues to make Jordan Elementary a place where nutritious food and joyous learning go hand in hand.
In her third year as nutritional service manager, Stacie’s impact is profound. Her innovative programs, ability to overcome challenges, and dedication to her students and team exemplify the spirit of a small-town hero making a big difference.