Dr. Sandy Dawes strongly believes proper school nutrition correlates to better learning for students. Feeding children is at the forefront of her mind because, as she explains, students can’t learn if they’re hungry.

“I don’t think people understand how relevant it is,” said Dawes in talking about the importance of making sure children have proper foods to eat. “Before you can teach a child, you have to take care of their basic human needs, which is their health, nutrition and shelter.”

After five years of serving Warren County Schools as the school nutrition director, Dawes has accepted a new position as director of state school nutrition.

“I didn’t have this planned for my future because I don’t think that far in advance,” laughed Dawes. “I enjoy my job here and I think we truly make a difference by feeding all these kids at no charge, but the position became available and it seemed like an opportunity for personal and professional growth and I decided to take it.”

According to Director of Schools Bobby Cox, Dawes has done a great job leading our school nutrition department. This includes implementing a program where every student in the Warren County School System gets free breakfast and lunch, regardless of income.

“She has been instrumental in leading our Community Eligibility Provision program, where students in our district get free breakfast and lunch,” said Cox. “She has also worked to develop an after-school snack program in our district along with leading 10 cafeterias on a daily basis, just to name a few of her accomplishments.”

As the state director of school nutrition, Dawes will continue to be a resource for Warren County school nutrition professionals, as well as all schools statewide. Her primary responsibilities will include enforcing USA guidelines and providing any training necessary to ensure the success of all those working in school nutrition.

“I will be overseeing all of Tennessee schools and making sure they know all the new regulations because when you are in the federal government, it is constantly changing,” said Dawes. “That’s one of the biggest challenges because it is hard to understand the language sometimes so I will be a resource for them to contact with any questions.”

“Sandy is a very hard worker,” said Shinabery. “She does anything it takes to get the job done so that these kids get fed good, quality food. She’s even helped dig through freezers with us during the summertime. I’ll miss her.”

Added Smith, “I’ve enjoyed working with her. She gave me the opportunity to be the manager at West, which I’ll always appreciate. Sandy knows her stuff, loves the kids and she’s a good person.”

Dawes also reminisced on memorable moments and her favorite accomplishments during her time as school nutrition director for Warren County Schools.

“I’m proud of the attempts to go green we’ve made in our cafeterias, of the programs we have put in place to make sure no child is going hungry, and when we redesigned our middle school cafeteria,” said Dawes. “Probably the thing I’ve enjoyed the most is when the kids enjoy the foods.”

Dr. Dawes will be taking on the role as director of state school nutrition beginning Dec. 3.