School Nutrition Association • November/December 2022 • First Word

Production on another magazine is wrapping up. The final deadline push is stressful for everyone on our small team, but I’m feeling particularly bone-weary. Not for the first time, the wee hours of the night/morning fi nd me questioning why I’m still doing this after 28 years. And then I proofread some of the content that will grace the pages of the issue, and I know.

The first edition of the magazine that I worked on after being hired as its Managing Editor in 1994 featured a cover story on the unique challenges of school foodservice in rural Alaska (December 1994). It was (and is) fascinating to learn just how essential it is to possess an inventive mindset in order to solve unconventional problems when you live in our 49th state. Of course, I soon realized that this kind of ingenuity, plus resilience and passion, are three key attributes of so many outstanding leaders in the school nutrition profession, especially the vast majority of operators whom I have interviewed about their innovative ideas and approaches over the years. The creativity well never runs dry in this business!

When I interviewed the three operators featured in “Best. Birthday. Ever.” (page 30) a few days ago, I had scheduled back-to-back-to-back conversations and had expected to be a bit drained from the time and intensity of the afternoon. Instead, when I hung up after the last call, I was downright giddy, high on their enthusiasm, creativity and deep, genuine affection for the children in their communities. Their birthday-centric programs aren’t lucrative moneymakers. They are projects that mean extra responsibilities in an already packed day. But there wasn’t even a shadow of hesitation or regret. Instead, they kept talking about what a feel-good project it was for everyone involved.

This was especially true when we acknowledged the heartbreaking reality that for some children, the parties might be the only birthday “gift” they receive. For these kids, the parties might be their only evidence that certain adults in their lives care enough about them to “see” and celebrate them on their special day.

This is why I keep doing what I do—because you keep doing what you do for all the kids in your care. If just one reader finishes this magazine inspired to start a birthday initiative—or to explore how an existing program can be organized and funded to make certain that every student gets special treatment on their birthday, regardless of a parent or guardian ordering them a party—then my sleepless nights to finish this magazine will be worth it. Because it might mean that I can say what you can say every day: I have made a difference in the life of a child.