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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 support student achievement across all academic areas.

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 discusses how a growing partnership ensured students across Gwinnett County would enjoy the Chicken Churrasco Bowl as part of National School Lunch Week 2025.

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 experience was about more than cooking; it was about preparing them for life.

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. Together, they highlight the importance of inclusivity in school nutrition careers and share the deep sense of pride they feel in serving quality meals to Coffee County’s students. Theirstory is a powerful reminder that meaningful work begins with heart.

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 school is out. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode is packed with resources and inspiration to help fuel Georgia’s future one summer meal at a time.

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 supporting local farmers.

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 to mouth-watering food presentations and new recipe developments, Hall County is setting a new standard for quality school meals. Tune in to hear their story of commitment and culinary excellence

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 serving their community quality school meals and their mission to prepare every student in their school district for life.

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 improvement is so vital to their thriving program.

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 and commitment to culinary excellence and professional development for their staff.

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 the Georgia farm to school landscape for the better?

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 parent should make school meals a part of their student's school day.