Barre Union Unified Wins National Recognition for Reimagining Nutrition Education with Help from Genuine Foods

Barre Unified Union School District has been honored with the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for Excellence in Nutrition Education. This national distinction celebrates school meal programs transforming student health, engagement, and well-being through food. 

For Jennifer Hutchinson, Barre's Manager of School Nutrition Services, this recognition is more than an accolade. It's a reflection of the deep partnership between the district and Genuine Foods, as well as the bold changes made together to bring good food to the forefront of the school experience. 

"This all started two years ago when we applied for a Healthy Meals Incentive grant," Hutchinson explained. "That grant sparked a conversation between Monica [Tolman] and me about what was really possible if we pushed for a more robust program." That vision led to Genuine Foods selection as the new food service vendor and a full menu transformation focused on scratch-made meals made with fresh, local ingredients, a revitalized salad bar, and creative programming, such as Try It Tuesdays, which encourages students to sample new foods each week. 

"People thought if we didn't serve burgers and fries every day, it was really going to be a nightmare, and we've proved that we can do without them on the daily," said Hutchinson.  

What's made the difference? A shared commitment to unlocking potential through food. 

The team eliminated processed items, such as chicken patties and nuggets, that contained fillers. In their place are house-made meals that students now rave about, including fruit gazpacho and healthy banana split parfaits, as well as strawberry cucumber salad with lime vinaigrette. As new items are sampled, students engage with the recipes and ingredients, turning school lunch into an interactive, evolving experience. 

Crucially, staff buy-in has been a key factor in the transformation. "Staff have owned the changes. We wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for them," said Monica Tolman, Genuine Foods' Food Service Director. "At the beginning of the school year, school nutrition staff participated in Genuine Foods' week-long Genuine Moments Hospitality Training, which encourages staff to make a difference every day by creating moments that go beyond the plate to make an impact. The culture shift was immediately apparent. 

"We still get messages—' Hey, we just had a Genuine Moment, and we wanted to share it with you,'" said Tolman. Staff are coming up with new ideas, and students are responding to simple changes that have a big impact.  "Lines are inviting and colorful. A great way to start the day," said Alyssa Pratt, Assistant Food Service Director with Genuine Foods. "Omelette day feels fancy. Waffle day makes them feel really special." 

Even beyond the school year, the district's impact continues. This summer, Barre will operate 17 summer meal sites, its largest rollout yet, ensuring students across the community have access to nourishing food even when school is out. 

"We really care about this community," said Hutchinson. "We all love food. It's fun for us to talk about food because it's something we all have a passion for." If they had to sum it up? Community. Fresh. Love—lots of love. 

And that love, it turns out, is what makes all the difference.