When people think about careers in a school district, they often picture teachers, principals or counselors. However, behind the scenes, countless dedicated professionals ensure students have the resources they need to thrive. One such role is that of a school dietitian, a position crucial to student health and well-being, but often overlooked. At Union County Public Schools (UCPS), Simone Wilson plays this vital role, assuring students have access to nutritious and enjoyable meals.
The UCPS School Nutrition Services Department provides healthy, affordable meals that meet USDA Dietary Guidelines, serving nearly four million meals annually. In addition to supporting student health through balanced meal options, the ServSafe-certified team works closely with families and school staff to accommodate allergies and special dietary needs. Wilson explains that this process begins with open communication, encouraging families to share health concerns so the team can provide appropriate meal options.
"Once we have documentation on file, we inform the cafeteria manager at the student’s school and collaborate on a meal plan that meets those dietary requirements while also following our federal and state nutritional guidelines," Wilson explained. "The goal is to provide safe, healthy meals every student can enjoy."
In her role, Wilson also helps manage menu writing and recipe development, receives and implements diet orders, provides nutrition education, helps train staff on food preparation, and engages with parents and the community to support student health. Unlike clinical dietitians, part of her job involves being a marketing specialist, where she gets creative in promoting the department’s efforts through social media and other communications.
Her interest in school nutrition began with a love of science and a passion for education.
"Nutrition is such a vast field that overlaps with education in many ways," she said. "Whether through patient education, community programs or school initiatives, dietitians play a key role in shaping healthy habits."
Wilson stated that individuals who enjoy biology and chemistry may find a career in nutrition and dietetics to be a great fit. She also noted that individuals passionate about teaching can find positions integrating nutrition and science, making education degrees a viable option, too.
Wilson knows that food is more than just fuel—it connects to culture, emotions, and personal taste. That’s why the UCPS School Nutrition Services team works hard to balance healthy choices with flavors students enjoy.
"We want to understand what our students like to eat and introduce them to healthier options they'll love," she shared.
One way they do this is through taste-testing sessions, which can look different each time. Sometimes, cafeteria managers, staff from across the district and office staff sample new recipes and give feedback. While there’s no set number of participants, the team aims to get a good mix of voices. Student taste tests follow stricter rules since they also help inform purchasing decisions for the district. These tests usually include at least 100 students from a school that best represents them. Their opinions—collected through surveys or direct feedback—help shape the menu to match what students want while still meeting nutrition guidelines.
Parenting has also shaped Wilson’s perspective on school nutrition.
"Being a parent was one of the main experiences that pushed me toward pursuing nutrition and dietetics as a career," she reflected.
Seeing firsthand how children interact with food gave her a deeper understanding of the obstacles and complexities families navigate in raising healthy eaters.
"These experiences created my passion for helping children and families develop a healthy relationship with food."
The work that goes into providing nutritious school meals sometimes goes unnoticed. Wilson wants families to know how much effort her team puts in.
"The UCPS School Nutrition Services team is filled with people who care about the health and well-being of our students. They put their hearts into providing healthy and enjoyable meals while ensuring we meet federal and state regulations."
For those interested in a career in school nutrition, Wilson advises shadowing dietitians or volunteering to learn more about the field.
"There are many career paths in dietetics, from school nutrition to healthcare, corporate wellness and research."
Through her work at UCPS, Wilson helps shape healthier futures for students by providing meals that support their learning and growth. She is just one example of the many professionals in a school district working toward creating the best possible experience for students and families.
UCPS offers positions across various departments, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and interests. Whether you're passionate about teaching, administration or support services, positions are available to make a meaningful impact in the school district.
03/19/2025
