10/13/2026
🍎 Bringing Leaders Together for the Future of Child Nutrition in West Virginia! 🍎
Today, Chris Derico, Child Nutrition Director for Barbour County Schools, was joined by his colleague Travis Austin from Cabell County Schools to help facilitate a roundtable discussion with West Virginia Senate members Bill Hamilton and Ben Queen.
The conversation focused on the current state of child nutrition programs throughout West Virginia and the opportunities and challenges facing school nutrition programs across our state.
The group welcomed representatives from the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, local boards of education, food suppliers, and the food manufacturing industry to share perspectives and discuss the future of school nutrition.
🤝 Industry Partners:
• Russ Bailey — Multitude Foods, Inc.
• Chris Yura — WV Harvest
• Lincoln Yee — Co-President, International Food Solutions
• Justin Wilson — Gordon Food Service
🌾 West Virginia Department of Agriculture:
• Amie Minor-Richard — Deputy Commissioner
• Lora Hammack — Food Distribution Program
• Jason Parsons - Foods Distribution Program
🎓 West Virginia Department of Education:
• Amanda Harrison — Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs
• Melinda Francis — Coordinator, Office of Child Nutrition
🏫 Local Board of Education Members:
• President, Kristy Stalnaker
• Mary Poling
The discussion focused on the current landscape of West Virginia's Child Nutrition Programs, the importance of strengthening Farm to School initiatives, and opportunities to connect our schools with West Virginia-grown and locally sourced products. Supporting our local agricultural community while providing nutritious, high-quality meals to students is a win-win for our schools, our farmers, and our state!
The group also discussed significant challenges facing school nutrition programs, including competitive staff wages, recruitment, and employee retention. Behind every meal served is a dedicated team of school nutrition professionals, and investing in these employees is essential to the long-term success of our programs.
👏 Thank you to Senators Hamilton and Queen, Travis Austin, our local board of education members, our partners at the West Virginia Department of Education and Department of Agriculture, and our industry representatives for participating in these important conversations.
Collaboration among policymakers, state agencies, manufacturers, vendors, local school leaders, and school nutrition professionals is critical to building stronger programs, supporting West Virginia businesses and agriculture, and ensuring our students continue to receive nutritious, high-quality meals every school day.
Together, we can continue working toward a stronger future for Child Nutrition in West Virginia! 💙💛🍎
