FuelCast

Summer break doesn't have to mean a break from quality meals. In this episode of FuelCast, host Rolandria Boyce sits down with Murray County School Nutrition Director Amanda Ridley and parent Amy Phillips for a dual perspective conversation on the Seamless Summer Option program. Amanda pulls back the curtain on what it takes to plan, prepare, and serve safe, high-quality meals all summer long....

In this episode of FuelCast, hosts Rolandria Boyce and Anna Coleman sit down with Dr. Stephanie Johnson, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement and “Chief Turnaround Officer”, to explore the role school nutrition plays in the broader mission of school improvement. Dr. Johnson shares how proper nutrition fuels attendance, sharpens executive function, and strengthens the memory and focus...

In this episode, host Rolandria Boyce and special guest co-host Chef Rachel Petraglia welcome Cherokee County’s Brandi Grogan and Vidalia City’ Teneshia Williams for an inspiring conversation about their paths as school nutrition managers. They share insights on creating quality school meals, building school community relationships, and leading with intent.

The Georgia Student Bill of Rights is centered on preparing students for life, and school nutrition is a key part of making that vision a reality. In this episode of FuelCast, Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods and Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson come together to explore the purpose behind the Georgia Student Bill of Rights and share how school nutrition...

When teachers and school nutrition professionals work together, every period becomes a chance to learn through food-based learning. This all‑new FuelCast episode features Elbert County School Nutrition Director Bridgette Matthews and GaDOE Academic Nutrition Manager Kelley Toon as they share success stories, practical strategies, and real‑world examples of how Food‑Based Learning opportunities sup...

When school gardens meet school meal trays, students discover curiosity, courage, and new flavors. This all new FuelCast spotlights the powerful intersection of agriculture education and school nutrition with GaDOE Teacher of the Year and Morgan County Agriculture Science Teacher Rachel Kinsaul and Effingham County School Nutrition Director Jessica O’Leary.

What does it take to turn a competition-winning recipe into a menu item for tens of thousands of students? In Part 2 of the Berkmar Student Chef Story, we explore the collaboration that turned a winning dish into a countywide celebration. GaDOE Culinary Specialist Chef Michael DuBose reflects on mentoring the team for regional success, and Gwinnett County School Nutrition Director Karen Hallford d...

Meet the dynamic student chefs from Berkmar High School who wowed judges with their Chicken Churrasco Bowl. Guided by Chef Preston Gouge, a former Gwinnett County student and regional student chef competition winner who returned to the classroom with a passion for giving back, the team brought flavor, culture, and heart to the 2025 Student Chef Competition. Their reflections reveal that the experi...

From the cafeteria to the national spotlight, Javontae “JJ”Johnson’s journey is one of inspiration. In this all-new episode of FuelCast, we sit down with JJ, School Nutrition Association’s National Employee of the Year, and Dawn Lewis, longtime director of Coffee County School Nutrition. JJ’s infectious positivity, dedication, and pride have madehim a standout in the school nutrition field. Togeth...

In this special finale episode of FuelCast, we revisit the most powerful moments from Season 4. Join us as we highlight inspiring stories from culinary specialists, school nutrition directors, and managers across Georgia. From farm-to-school innovations to student-led menu feedback, this episode celebrates the creativity and commitment fueling quality school meals in Georgia.

In this special summer edition of FuelCast, we sit down with Dr. Linette Dodson, Georgia’s Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition, and Jon West, Vice President of Partner Relations at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Together, they explore how Georgia is bridging the summer meal gap for students and families, the power of partnerships, and the many ways communities can access quality meals when...

In this ALL NEW FuelCast episode,  we dive into the benefits of using local foods in schools. Hear from school nutrition directors across Georgia, including Barrow County, Fulton County, Cherokee County, Towns County, as they share their strategies and the positive impacts of incorporating local foods into school meals. Discover how these initiatives are enhancing quality school meals and supporti...

In this ALL NEW episode of FuelCast, we dive into into Hall County's inspiring journey in the Culinary Support Schools Pilot Program with School Nutrition Operations Director April Cox and Lanier Elementary Nutrition Manager Lisa Hernandez. Discover how their school nutrition team, with the assistance of our Culinary Specialist, has transformed their meal programs. From innovative line designs...

When Chef David Garcia learned that his son's school district was hiring their first-ever district school nutrition chef, he didn't wait for someone else to take action. He decided to jump in and be the improvement he wanted to see. In this ALL NEW FuelCast episode, we sit down with Chef David along with Marietta City Schools Nutrition Director Cindy Culver to discuss their commitment to s...

In this ALL NEW FuelCast episode we sit down with Buford City Schools Nutrition Director Megan Gower and School Nutrition Coordinator Brooke Higgins to discuss their experience participating in the Regional Culinary Support Schools Pilot Program. They outline some of the actionable steps they have taken to improve quality school meal service in their district and share why continuous culinary impr...

In this ALL NEW FuelCast episode we sit down with Calhoun City Schools Nutrition Director Kim Kiker and Calhoun Elementary School Nutrition Manager Shelley Whitton to discuss their experience participating in the Regional Culinary Support Schools Pilot Program with our Culinary Specialist Chef Michael DuBose. We were inspired hearing their passion for serving quality school meals to their students...

In this all new FuelCast episode we sit down with Fulton County School Nutrition District Chef Reggie Sloan to discuss how his passion for culinary exploration and feeding students has allowed him to create meaningful connection in his local community.

What role does farm to school play in creating quality school meals for Georgia students? In this all new FuelCast episode GaDOE Farm to School Education Specialist Dorothy Dupree and Farm to School Procurement Specialist Angie Reynolds join us to discuss just that. What is farm to school, why does it matter, and how is an exciting new cooperative agreement called Local Food for Schools changing t...

Season 4 of FuelCast is all about K12 Culinary Culture in local school nutrition programs. This episode features part two of our engaging discussion on Culinary Culture with our team of GaDOE Culinary Specialists, Chefs Michael DuBose, John Huff, and Rachel Petraglia. Listen to find out what work they are doing to increase k12 culinary culture in school cafeterias across Georgia and why they think...

Season 4 of FuelCast is all about K12 Culinary Culture in local school nutrition programs. To kick off the season, we sit down with our team of Culinary Specialists, Chefs Michael DuBose, John Huff, and Rachel Petraglia, to find out what exactly K12 Culinary Culture is and how they are working to build confident school nutrition kitchens across Georgia.

In this all new FuelCast episode, we sit down with Chynna Silvernale, chef and Brooks County School Nutrition Director, to discuss the non-traditional path that brought her to school nutrition and how she incorporates culinary culture in her work each day.

This FuelCast Special Edition Episode speaks to the tremendous benefits Georgia students and families receive from participating in summer meals. Dr. Linette Dodson, Georgia State School Nutrition Director, Russell Paine, Technology and Partnership Specialist for the GaDOE Office of Rural Education and Innovation, and Jada Curd, Burke County graduate and current Vanderbilt University student join...

What do Georgia students really think about school meals? FuelCast Season 3 is all about fact or fiction! We're here to set the record straight on some of the school nutrition industry's biggest myths. This month's ALL NEW episode is the final part of our three-part series featuring interviews with Georgia students from school districts across the state. This episode is sure to make yo...

What do Georgia students really think about school meals? FuelCast Season 3 is all about fact or fiction! We're here to set the record straight on some of the school nutrition industry's biggest myths. This month's ALL NEW episode is the second in a three-part series featuring interviews with Georgia students from school districts across the state. Listen as this group of high school s...

What do Georgia students really think about school meals? FuelCast Season 3 is all about fact or fiction! We're here to set the record straight on some of the school nutrition industry's biggest myths. This month's ALL NEW episode is the first in a three-part series featuring interviews with Georgia students from school districts across the state. Listen as this group of six middle sch...