This conversation features members of the GENYOUth National Youth Council discussing the importance of student engagement in school meal programs. They explore the mission of GENYOUth, the stigmas surrounding school meals, and the need for improvements in meal options and cafeteria experiences. The students emphasize the significance of time and space during lunch, the impact of breakfast on performance, and the desire for more cultural diversity in food offerings. They also address misconceptions about school meals and the importance of inclusivity and feedback in shaping meal programs.===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genyouthorg/wall/#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genyouthnow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/genyouthnow/Website: https://genyouthnow.org/===========================Connect with us! ===========================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetworkAgencyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network ===========================================Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================================➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction to Gen Youth and Its Mission03:04 The Role of Students in School Meal Programs06:11 Stigmas Surrounding School Meals08:59 Desires for School Meal Improvements11:54 The Importance of Time and Space in Cafeterias15:04 Breakfast and Its Impact on Student Performance18:00 Cafeteria Experience and Customization21:03 Future Visions for School Meal Programs23:59 Misconceptions About School Meals26:55 Engagement and Feedback from Students30:03 The Importance of Inclusivity in School Meals33:02 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Next Up Podcast, host Marlon Gordon sits down with Tara Sharpe, K-12 Segment Director for Zee Zees® (National Food Group), for an in-depth conversation about branding, innovation, and what it truly takes to succeed in school foodservice.From why K-12 is the “PhD of foodservice” to how strong branding directly increases student participation, Tara shares real-world examples of how fun, compliant, and student-approved products can transform the lunch line. They dive into innovation in a highly regulated space, allergen-friendly foods, grab-and-go success stories, scratch and speed-scratch cooking, and how listening to districts leads to game-changing solutions.The conversation also explores Zee Zees Grab the Tab initiative, which has helped pay off over $225,000 in school meal debt, the power of partnerships with School Nutrition Professionals, and what’s coming next for Zee Zees in 2026 — including new bulk products, commodity processing, and major conference plans.If you care about school meals, student participation, innovation, branding, and feeding kids well, this episode is a must-watch.===========================Connect with our Guests!===========================Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeeZeesFoods/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeezeesfoods/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zee-zees-foodsWebsite: https://zeezees.com/Website: http://www.zzgrabthetab.com===========================Connect with us! ===========================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network ===========================================Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================================➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 – Why branding matters in K-12 foodservice00:55 – Welcome to The Next Up Podcast + first episode in the new studio01:15 – Meet Tara Sharp, K-12 Segment Director at Zee Zees02:40 – Driving innovation and working directly with school districts03:30 – Why K-12 is the “PhD of foodservice”04:45 – Standing out through branding, swag, and student excitement05:45 – How branding influences what kids choose on the serving line06:40 – Creating products based on direct district requests08:10 – Why innovation is critical in an ever-changing regulatory landscape09:40 – Scratch cooking vs speed scratch & meeting districts where they are11:10 – Labor shortages and how products support understaffed kitchens12:20 – Allergen-friendly products and Zee Zees core brand values13:30 – Participation success story: 20% increase with grab-and-go yogurt14:40 – Favorite products, flavors, and student favorites18:40 – Zee Zees sales team and long-term relationships in K-1220:10 – Why School Nutrition Professionals are unmatched in dedication21:40 – Lessons from COVID and the power of school meal programs23:20 – Inside the Zee Zees office culture25:00 – Giving back: the story behind Grab the Tab26:45 – Paying off school meal debt and director reactions28:20 – What’s coming next for Zee Zees and ANC 2026 teaser29:15 – Universal free meals and the future of school nutrition30:30 – Conferences, advocacy, and industry leadership31:45 – Commodity processing explained32:50 – New Zee Zees bulk product line walkthrough34:40 – Creative menu applications and speed-scratch recipes36:10 – Why bulk options give districts more flexibility37:10 – How to connect with Zee Zees37:55 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Next Up, we’re joined by Darlene Lopez and Megan Martinson from Eagle Mountain–Saginaw ISD for a powerful look at how food, culture, and education intersect inside today’s school nutrition programs. They share their personal journeys into the nutrition world and raise an important question: What inspires someone to choose school nutrition as a career—and how do we bring more people into this work?Darlene and Meghan walk us through their district’s creative approach to menu innovation, from culturally inspired meals to fun fusion dishes like spaghetti tacos and Korean BBQ tacos. As they describe balancing flavor with regulations, we’re prompted to ask: How can school menus better reflect student diversity while still meeting standards?A big part of their mission lies in nutrition education and community connection. Through newsletters, student feedback, and hands-on learning, they help kids understand why healthy eating matters. Their approach raises another question: Are we giving students a voice in shaping the foods they’re served every day?The conversation also highlights their impactful partnerships—from local farms to statewide programs—and how these collaborations enrich both the menu and the community. It leads us to consider: What role should local producers and families play in the future of school meals?

This episode is full of inspiration and actionable ideas for anyone passionate about child nutrition, public health, or building stronger school communities.Connect with our guests! website: https://www.emsisd.com/about-ems-isd/departments/child-nutritionConnect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz⏰ Chapters ⏰00:00 Connecting Food, Culture, and Nutrition04:54 Personal Journeys in Nutrition09:48 Innovations in School Nutrition Programs14:47 The Role of Education in Nutrition19:47 Community Engagement and Communication24:30 Future Goals and Partnerships in Nutrition

In this episode of Next Up, the team from Garland ISD—Craig Hempel, Jennifer Miller, and Chef Kevin Jenkins—breaksdown how they transformed one of Texas’s largest districts into a model for freshly prepared, student-centered school meals. Their story immediately raises a powerful question: How can a district this size pull off scratch cooking at this scale?

They share how their “Freshly Prepared” philosophy makes scratch cooking more approachable, supported by hands-onculinary training and simple recipe videos filmed on an iPad. The team also highlights their award-winning partnership with Action for Healthy Kids, their Healthy Meals Incentive Awards, and the creative dishes that students now love—from Cuban sandwiches to Mediterranean bowls. It sparks another thought:How does restaurant-quality creativity change the way students view school meals? Garland ISD’s commitment to community engagement—through Menu Advisory Committee meetings, parent conversations, and strong social media presence—shows how transparency can turn critics into advocates.

This episode offers inspiration and real strategies for anyone working in child nutrition, culinary leadership, or education who wants to see what’s possible when a district fully commits tobetter food for kids.

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Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network

Subscribe and Listen to the Next UpPodcast HERE:📱

➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts

➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019

➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz

⏰ Chapters ⏰

00:00 Turning Adversaries into Advocates

00:52 Meet the Team: Culinary Experts in School Nutrition

06:14 From Military to School Meals: A Culinary Journey

07:24 Bringing Restaurant Inspiration to School Food

09:24 Healthy Meal Incentives and Culinary Innovation

10:23 Freshly Prepared Meals: A New Approach

14:14 Training for Success: Elevating School Nutrition Staff

17:01 The Importance of Professionalism in School Nutrition

20:20 Engaging the Community: The Menu Advisory Committee

22:06 Transforming Perceptions of School Meals

24:28 Turning Adversaries into Advocates

26:16 Innovative Training Videos in School Nutrition

32:18 Community Engagement and Communication Strategies

39:19 Culinary Creativity and Menu Innovation

In this episode of Next Up, we sit down with Shannon Almand- the Director of Child Nutrition Services for Quitman ISD whose journey into child nutrition proves how powerful purpose-driven work can be. Shannon shares how she transformed her district’s meal program through scratch cooking, innovative service models, and a strong commitment to student wellness.She explains why scratch cooking matters—not just for food quality, but for building trust with students—and asks an important question: What would it take for more districts to make the switch to freshly prepared meals?Shannon also breaks down the success of her second chance breakfast program, which dramatically increased participation across her schools. Her story prompts another conversation: Should more districts rethink how and when breakfast is served so students don’t miss out?Throughout the episode, Shannon highlights her district’s brand-building efforts, creating a recognizable identity within the school nutrition program. We also explore the awards and recognition her team has earned, the impact of healthy choices on students, and the importance of community partnerships. It raises a key question for listeners: How can school meal programs create a brand that students actually recognize and get excited about? Whether you’re in school nutrition, public health, or simply passionate about improving student well-being, this episode will leave you inspired—and thinking deeply about how innovative school meal programs can change lives.

Connect with our Guest!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.childnutritionqisd.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-almand/Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextuptalkshow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NxtGen_Network TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nxtgen.network Subscribe and Listen to the Next Up Podcast HERE:📱 ➡︎ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@nxtgennetwork/podcasts➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz⏰ Chapters ⏰00:00 The Joy of School Nutrition Careers02:49 Shannon Alman: A Journey into Child Nutrition05:44 Innovations in School Lunch Programs08:55 The Importance of Scratch Cooking11:56 Second Chance Breakfast: A Game Changer15:01 Building Community Through School Nutrition17:38 Recognition and Awards in School Nutrition20:56 Creating a Unique School Nutrition Brand23:49 The Impact of Healthy Choices on Students26:59 Partnerships and Support in School Nutrition29:42 Inspiring Future Generations in Nutrition

This conversation explores the vital work of Action for Healthy Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health programming in schools across the United States. The discussion highlights the personal journeys of the speakers, the importance of school nutrition, the impact of the Healthy Meals Incentives initiative, and the challenges faced in child health today. The speakers emphasize the need for collaboration between education and nutrition professionals, innovative approaches to school meal programs, and the importance of measuring success in these initiatives. They also discuss future plans for Action for Healthy Kids and the ongoing commitment to supporting child health and nutrition.

Connect with our Guests!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/act4healthykids

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act4healthykids/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-for-healthy-kids

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Action4HlthyKids

Website: https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NxtGenNetwork365

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtgen-network/

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-up-podcast/id1598968019

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ex3Oj7aodeUe48EJGy9Dz

⏰ Chapters ⏰

00:00 Introduction to Action for Healthy Kids03:56 Personal Journeys in Nonprofit Work09:55 The Importance of School Nutrition14:53 HMI Initiative and Its Impact19:50 Challenges in Child Health24:46 Innovations in School Nutrition Programs29:40 Measuring Success in School Nutrition34:42 Collaboration Between Education and Nutrition39:35 Future Plans for Action for Healthy Kids

***A little bit of technical difficulties couldn't stop us from a great conversation and tons of laughs. Make sure you stick around for the bloopers!***We’re kicking off Season 6 with an inspiring, laugh-filled, and eye-opening conversation recorded live in Washington, D.C.! Host Marlon joins Bettina Applewhite, Nichole Taylor, and Stacey Williamson — three powerhouse women whose careers span satellites, school kitchens, and national nutrition leadership.In this episode, we explore everything from:How Stacey went from working on NASA weather satellites to food systems research at Johns HopkinsNicole’s journey from chef to school nutrition director and how she’s using real student voices to drive school food innovationBettina’s mission to blend culture and nutrition in schools (and her stint on Top Chef Amateurs!)We also dive into the power of food photography, community over competition, and why telling your story — especially in school nutrition — is the game-changer.This is a fun, fast-paced conversation about purpose, pivoting, and the intersection of technology, culture, and healthy food. Whether you're in school nutrition, a dietitian, or just love a good reinvention story, this one’s for you.===========================Connect with our Guests! ===========================Bettina Applewhite, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS- https://www.biteswithapplewhite.com/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-applewhite/- https://www.facebook.com/BitesWithApplewhite- https://www.instagram.com/biteswithapplewhite/E. Nichole Taylor- https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-nichole-taylor-3a08a9114/Stacey Williamson- https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceykwilliamson1/===========================Connect with us! ===========================https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlon-gordon/IG: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlonIG: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/https://www.instagram.com/nextup_production/===========================Chapters===========================00:00 Building Community in Nutrition02:42 From Space to Nutrition: A Unique Journey05:53 Culinary Backgrounds and School Nutrition08:42 Cultural Foods and Healthy Lifestyles11:18 The Transition from Tech to Nutrition14:05 Process Improvement in Dietetics17:07 Food Photography and Storytelling20:00 Creating Impactful School Meals23:00 Engaging Students in School Nutrition26:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Food28:55 Personal Growth and Goal Setting31:40 The Power of Collaboration in Nutrition34:30 Future of School Nutrition and Culinary Arts

How can school cafeterias spark innovation, build community, and change the way students see nutrition? In this episode of the Next Up Podcast, we're live at Ignite 2025 and leaders in school nutrition share stories of creativity and passion that are transforming mealtime in schools.The conversation sponsored by AmTab, explores hydroponic gardens, charcuterie-style bento boxes, culturally inspired menus, and modern cafeteria redesigns that make meals exciting, healthy, and community-focused. Lacy Willey, Alex Hallmark, and Conor Doyle reflect on the latest trends in student preferences, the misconceptions that still surround school meals, and the importance of marketing and communication in reshaping public perception. They also share what the future of school nutrition could look like if money were no object.Listeners will hear why engaging students and families in menu planning makes such a difference, how cafeteria environments impact participation and pride, and what it takes to introduce global flavors into everyday menus. The discussion also asks big questions: What innovative practices are reshaping the way students experience school meals? How does cafeteria design influence student engagement? Why do misconceptions about school nutrition persist? What role does marketing and storytelling play in building community support? And if resources were unlimited, how would school leaders reimagine the future of food in schools?===========================Connect with our Guests! ===========================https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacywilley/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hallmark-ms-rn-rdn-b794869a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-doyle1/https://www.linkedin.com/company/amtab-manufacturing-corporation/https://www.amtab.com/===========================Connect with us! ===========================https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlon-gordon/IG: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgenmarlonIG: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgen_network/https://www.instagram.com/nextup_production/===========================Chapters===========================00:00 Celebrating Community and Innovation03:44 Innovative Practices in School Nutrition08:40 Trends and Preferences in Student Meals14:40 Future Directions in School Nutrition21:32 Perceptions of School Meals and Their Impact