News Stories
Anita Toft named Midwest School Nutrition Employee of the Year
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The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Anita Toft, a cook for Centennial Schools, the Midwest Region Employee of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates school nutrition professionals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their meal programs and the students they serve.
Stationed at the Centennial High School store, Toft is recognized for her remarkable ability to serve more than 350 students daily with a level of competence and grace that defines the school's atmosphere. She makes an impact by her :
- Personal Connection: Known for memorizing students' names and food preferences, Toft stocks the store based on what her "regulars" love most.
- Healthy Innovations: She personally crafts fresh options for the "grab and go" menu, ensuring students have access to healthy alternatives like fresh salads alongside the main lunch offerings.
- Unmatched Dedication: Her bond with the student body is so strong that some students reportedly skip the store entirely on the rare days she is absent.
Even during the most hectic lunch rushes, Toft is praised for remaining professional, pleasant, and meticulously attentive to detail. Her work ethic ensures that the Centennial meal program is not just about nutrition, but about making every student feel seen and valued.
“Anita’s work ethic and attention to detail are qualities a busy school store needs to run smoothly,” said Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS, School Nutrition Association President. “Getting more than 350 students through a line quickly while showcasing healthy options is an accomplishment that benefits her school community every day.”
Professional growth and development are important to Toft. She is working to earn her SNA Level 4 Certificate and is eager to watch training videos to keep up to date with the latest best practices related to her profession.
The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional development and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Anita was announced as the Midwest region Employee of the Year on April 28 in advance of School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 1, 2026, to honor all of America’s dedicated school nutrition professionals. The accomplishments of Anita and all SNA regional award winners will be profiled on Facebook.com/TrayTalk and TrayTalk.org around School Lunch Hero Day. SNA award winners will also be highlighted in SN Magazine, on schoolnutrition.org and related social media platforms and at SNA’s Annual National Conference in Charlotte, NC, in July.
About School Nutrition Association: The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.
Krista Bergert