Notes FROM NANCY
As I reflect on my first six months as Chief Operating Officer, I’m filled with both gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. This role has given me a new perspective on our organization—but more importantly, it has reinforced what I’ve known all along: it’s our people who make everything possible.
After more than 34 years with The Nutrition Group, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing our work from many angles. From partnering with school teams to supporting operations across divisions, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to care, connection, and community.
What continues to inspire me most are the everyday moments that define who we are. A warm greeting in the cafeteria line. A team member stepping in to support a colleague. The trust our district partners place in us to nourish their students and communities. These moments may seem small, but together, they tell a powerful story about the impact we make each day.
In my new role, I’ve been especially focused on strengthening connections across all areas of our organization. Whether in K-12, FMS, or Commissary, each team plays a vital role in delivering on our promise: caring people, serving great food.
I’m grateful for the passion, dedication and heart our employees bring to their work each day. It’s an honor to be a part of this team, and I’m excited to continue this journey alongside this amazing team.
Yours in good taste,
Nancy Kohl Chief Operating Officer
What’s New at Nutrition
for the ‘26/’27 School Year?
At The Nutrition Group, innovation goes beyond what’s on the plate. While fresh flavors and student-approved meals remain a priority, we continue to invest in programs that strengthen school communities and celebrate the people and food that are at the heart of everything we do.
A Culture Rooted in Kindness
Built around the belief that one good deed at a time makes the world a better place, TNG is proud to be launching a Kindness Campaign that reinforces this powerful idea. This program will celebrate the everyday moments of care that happen across our school communities.
The campaign will run twice a year, once in November during Random Acts of Kindness Month and again in the spring, a season that naturally inspires renewal and positivity.
By spotlighting these meaningful interactions, TNG aims to strengthen its culture of caring people serving great food. The initiative not only uplifts team members but also encourages students and staff to carry that spirit of kindness beyond the cafeteria. It’s a reminder that the dining experience isn’t just about meals, it’s about connection, care, and kindness.
One good deed at a time makes the world a better place.
Pizzapalooza:
Bringing Excitement to the Cafeteria
On the more playful side, our new Pizzapalooza program adds a layer of fun and engagement designed especially for educators. This program gives teachers the opportunity to win a pizza party for their class, along with a gift basket for themselves, just by participating in the school lunch program.
During a designated timeframe, teachers who purchase lunch are automatically entered into a drawing. The winners will be able to host a pizza party any time of the day, for any of their classes. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between students and their teachers, and have fun (and good food) while doing so!
Pizzapalooza is coming!
Encourage your teacher to buy lunch and enter to win your class a pizza party.
March is National Nutrition Month, which always makes for a fun-filled and busy time for us in school food service.
Throughout the month, our teams bring energy and creativity to special events such as National School Breakfast Week, Read Across America, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, March Madness, and of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
These celebrations give us the opportunity to highlight healthy choices, encourage student engagement, and make mealtimes both nutritious and memorable. We’re proud to showcase the enthusiasm and dedication of our teams across the districts we serve.
Enjoy a peek of the fun we had in March!
Conneaut SD Go for the Greens
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus Read Across America
East Penn SD St. Patrick’s Day
Montrose Area SD Go for the Greens
Anderson SD 4 Shamrock Pizza
Montour SD Read Across America
United Local SD March Madness
Spartanburg SD 5 NSBW
Chartiers Valley SD Dr Seuss
The Great PA Beef Challenge
TNG is proud to partner with the PA Beef Council to bring locally raised beef products into our cafeterias. One of the districts we serve, Central Dauphin School District, in partnership with Happy Valley Meats, held a very successful (and delicious) “Great PA Beef Challenge” Day in their middle school.
With the help of Assistant Principals Jeffrey Plummer and Kim Pearl, 12 students were selected to sample, critique, and vote on four unique burger recipes created by Chef Kirsch McMaster.
In addition to the student panel, PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, local farmers who supplied the beef, and Central Dauphin Middle School administrators joined in the excitement of the Great PA Beef Challenge.
The burgers showcased a wide range of bold flavors to suit every palate, from jalapeños to coleslaw, and from scorpion sauce to sweet and sour combinations. Four creative flavors rose to the top:
• PA Pride ~ American cheese, roasted mushrooms, chow-chow on a potato roll
• Korean BBQ ~ Korean BBQ sauce, pickled sriracha cucumbers
• El Fuego ~ Pepper Jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, chili peach aioli
• Bada Bing ~ Provolone, ham, sweet & spicy pepper relish, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion
All recipes were customized to meet NSLP guidelines using current available items.
The competition was fierce, and the panel of students and faculty cast their votes carefully and confidentially knowing there could only be one winner. Except... there was a tie! There was equal love for PA Pride and El Fuego.
To break this tie, the school brought in the entire student body for the ultimate showdown, a full-scale “Burgermageddon.”
After 450 votes, one winner finally emerged – El Fuego!
Cameron County PA Beef
Peters Township SD
Central Dauphin SD
We make food fun!
We want every school meal to be something students can look forward to. From chef demos to colorful “try-it” stations and seasonal celebrations, fun food events spark curiosity. They get kids excited about trying a new spin on their favorites, and taking a chance on new, nutritious options.
We know that keeping students engaged in the cafeteria is not just about the food. It’s about creating an experience that builds positive habits, encourages healthier choices, and even ties into classroom learning. When students are having fun, participation goes up, food waste goes down, and the cafeteria becomes a place of energy, connection, and school pride!
Barnesville Exempted Village SD Holiday Meal
Mount Gilead SD Holiday Catering
West Mifflin Area SD Ice Cream Bar
Anderson SD 4 Munchables
Western Reserve Local Schools Holiday Meal
Crestview Local Schools
Farmers Market Day
Bradford Area SD Superbowl Celebration
Ready, Set, Action Station!
What do we love so much about Action Stations? They turn lunch into a mini food show!
Students are able to watch their meal be cooked right in front of them. They can smell it as it sizzles. And customize it exactly how they like. Want extra cheese? Go for it. Skip the onions? No problem. That kind of control makes students more excited to eat, more likely to try new things, and less likely to waste food.
Action Stations are fresh, interactive, and way more fun than a one-size-fits-all traditional line. Check out some of the fun Action Stations that our students have come to love.
Yough SD French Toast Action Station
Cameron County SD Stir Fry Action Station
Aurora City SD Sushi Action Station
Sharpsville Area SD Stir Fry Action Station
Athens Area SD Sushi Burrito Action Station
Port Allegany SD Waffle Action Station
Tyrone Area SD Sushi Action Station
Our Crave Dayz events are a catch-all for everything and anything that makes meals more fun.
Crave Dayz can bring special visitors, unique celebrations, new cuisines, and so much more. Check out what some of our districts did this year. From winter beach blasts to Superbowl parties to movie-themed meals, they made the most of lunchtime in the cafeteria.
Peters Township SD Lilo and Stitch
Yough SD Arnie the Donut
Columbiana Exempted Village Winter Beach Party
Chartiers Valley SD Bluey
McKeesport Area SD Toy Story 2
South Range Local SD Pumpkin Hummus Snack Boxes
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus Winter Beach Party
Port Allegany SD Superbowl
Smethport Area SD Lady and the Tramp
Greater Johnstown SD Yogurt Parfait Day
Giving back to our communities. TNG
At TNG Charities, our mission is simple: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people who help make our organization successful and the communities we serve.
One of our primary goals is to support student employees working in our Food & Nutrition Services and Facilities Management Services programs. Through scholarship opportunities, we help students pursue higher education, trade schools, certifications, and other career pathways after graduation. We believe that investing in the next generation is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting impact.
In addition to supporting students, TNG Charities provides financial assistance to employees facing unexpected hardships. Life can present challenges that are difficult to navigate alone. TNG Charities is able to offer a helping hand when it is needed most. Whether assisting during a personal crisis, family emergency, or unforeseen financial difficulty, we are committed to supporting members of our TNG family.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our employees, vendor partners, clients, and supporters. Together, we are creating opportunities, providing hope, and strengthening the communities we serve.
At the heart of TNG Charities is a belief that when we invest in people, we create a brighter future for everyone.
TNG Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization led by a dedicated and passionate volunteer board of directors and receives support from individuals and groups from across our community.
Foxfire Schools
New Miami Local Schools
Pickaway Ross CTC
Congratulations to our 2026 TNG Charities student grant recipients.
Passione’ Taylor Foxfire Schools
Allison Wilt Pickaway-Ross CTC
Arianna Jones Pickaway-Ross CTC
Isiah Corbin Tyrone Area School District
Addison Teeters Tyrone Area School District
Katherine Sorokie Tyrone Area High School
Cullen Cooper West Newton Commissary
Kirsten Richard Youngstown Commissary
Charlie Baker Barnesville Exempted Village
Devin Cece Salem City Area School District
Brezlyn McGarry West Branch Area School District
Autumn Walker West Branch Area School District
Kandice Crittenden Spartanburg District 2
Madison Shumaker Newport School District
Ashton Isaacs New Miami Local Schools
73,750 totaling
West Branch Area SD
Spartanburg SD 2
Barnesville Exempted Village SD
Youngstown Commissary
West Newton Commissary
Tyrone Area SD
We Have a Team of All-Stars
Our All-Star Award program celebrates exceptional Directors of Food & Nutrition who are carefully chosen by their Regional Manager and Regional Vice President using criteria such as strong work ethic and superior customer service.
Each winner is personally invited to an All-Star luncheon, where they enjoy a five-star meal, a personalized certificate recognizing their achievements, and a cash award.
Congratulations to all DFNs recognized. We appreciate the leadership and dedication you bring to TNG’s mission every day. Keep up the excellent work!
All Star Group 1: Jerry Naylon, Katrina Harrell, Mary Hinkle, Joseph Pupek, Codie Keogh, Mary Jo Grazious, (missing Sharon Kidd)
All Star Group 3: Lori Leaman, Leandra Shonts, Angel Wilkins, Rachel Haning, Justine Hrzic-Smith, Bryann Kingsbury
All Star Group 2: Kyle Crabtree, Bill Calvey, Brian Saner, Kala Geiss, Sara Robinson, Libbie O’Connell
All Star Group 4: Jennifer Schiraldi, Tameka Dillard, Dani Delicia, Christine Chipps, Wendy Miller
All Star Group 5: FRONT ROW: Emily Sommers, Elizabeth Miller, Melissa Brock, Rachel Vargeson, Kira Rogers , Rebecca Jaros
BACK ROW: Candy Rieder, Shaun Eutsey, Kylene McLean-Blake, Harry Hufford
TNG Cares & It Shows
At TNG, we know that small acts of kindness can make a big impact, and we believe in creating meaningful connections every day. Our TNG Cares program was created to honor our hourly team members for their dedication and achievements – anything from a warm greeting in the lunch line to encouraging students to try new healthy food.
We are continually amazed at their diligent effort and commitment. The common thread that brings them to work every day is their shared passion: feeding children is their main priority.
Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you for your tenacity, determination, and the impact you have in fulfilling our purpose: Caring People Serving Great Food!
Montrose Area SD
Beaufort County SD
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COUDERSPORT AREA SD
Lunch Catering today at Coudersport Area School District.
CHESTNUT RIDGE SD
Central Elementary School was BUZZing with excitement this Earth Day as we learned about how important Bees are for our food supply. All students at Central were also given a packet of wildflower seeds to take home and plant to support our Bee population. The Nutrition Group and Chestnut Ridge Cafeteria know how to keep the BUZZ going about Nutrition Education!
WESTERN RESERVE LOCAL SD For Wellness Wednesday we treated the elementary to Tomato Cucumber Salad. It was very well received with the younger elementary.
WOODLAND HILLS SD
Happy Earth Day! Today’s featured lunch options are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the planet: Black Bean & Cilantro Rice Wrap (vegetarian), Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap. Both come with a side of fresh, zesty pico! And because it’s Earth Day, every lunch comes with a fun little treat – a “cup of dirt” (chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and a gummy worm). Good food, good vibes, and a little reminder to take care of the Earth.
HUNTINGDON
AREA SD
JEANNETTE CITY SD
McKee Elementary students at Jeannette City School District were next up for the Fruit Nacho Pop up event! Look at those smiling faces! Fresh cinnamon sugar tortilla chips with a vanilla yogurt dip and fruit dip that included apples, strawberries or blueberries and then they could top with caramel or chocolate sauce!
Our kitchen runs on teamwork and this group shows what that truly means every day.
PENNSBURY SD
May the 4th be with you! Our staff at Fallsington Elementary decorated and renamed some of our menu options today in honor of Star Wars Day!
SOUTH ALLEGHENY SD
Earth Day cookout at South Allegheny High School!
LEBANON SD
May 6th was #nationalnursesday so Molly trotted over to say hello and give a big thanks for all the work Miss Morgan does at #southeastelementary. Lucky Miss Morgan is #mootastic at her job and was able to give Molly a quick once over because Molly wasn’t feeling well after all the milk she drank!
“6-7”
PIZZA TRIBUTE
Spartanburg County School District One elementary students celebrated “6-7 Day” and decided to write slammin’ poems about our “Slayin’ Pizzas!” This is just one of the many amazing poems.
CHILD HUNGER HEROES
The Child Hunger Hero award program recognizes school districts and community partners making outstanding contributions to food security for kids within Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s service area. Partners are evaluated on their child nutrition program and other child food security efforts. Congratulations to the districts we partner with including Sto-Rox, Greater Johnstown, New Brighton Area, Woodland Hills, Duquesne City, California Area, Elizabeth Forward, Freeport, Laurel, and Union Area.
Spartanburg County SD 1
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TNG’s Food Service Department at Kane Area School District catered a special function at the High School that Kane’s community committee referred to as SPARKS. SPARKS consists of representatives from the borough council, the school district, the local hospital, and other stakeholders who meet to discuss ways to make Kane a better place for residents.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
The TNG team at Beaufort County School District hosted a Food Truck Friday event at for district employees to sample fresh foods from their brand new food truck! The truck will be traveling to high schools across the district to bring an elevated, fun dining experience to their students.
Beaufort County SD Food Truck Friday
TNG’s FMS Division
Did you know? The Nutrition Group has a Facilities Management Systems (FMS) division with decades of experience that handles facilities and custodial operations so administrators and teachers can focus on students.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Upon first joining with your school district, FMS would analyze employee levels and job designations, as well as train management and personnel to streamline procedures, products, and equipment. They provide on-site, full-time directors. Whether you’d need to hire new employees or want them to work with your current district employees, they are flexible when it comes to the team.
CLEANING SERVICES
FMS will implement a comprehensive custodial training program to create standards and operating procedures that make your school cleaner and safer for your students. Continual training with staff and inspections ensure that the proper level of cleanliness is consistently achieved.
SUSTAINABILITY
Just like TNG is committed to sustainability, so is FMS. Through their sustainability best practices, they’ll help your school district to get clean and go green.
COST SAVINGS
FMS will develop short- and long-term business plans to effectively manage operational costs without sacrificing quality or quantity. They can leverage buying power from partnering with the country’s largest food service companies to help your district in purchasing and storing cleaning supplies.
FMS has years of experience partnering with accounts to deliver reliable custodial, grounds, and maintenance operations, improving service quality, safety, and budget predictability. If you’re interested in learning more, contact your Regional Manager today!
