Welcome to iBites, the podcast from the Institute of Child Nutrition.
On iBites, we talk with school nutrition professionals from around the country. Our guests share real experiences, practical tips, and proven strategies to support your work. Whether you’re an experienced nutrition director, a manager, or new to child nutrition, this is your community to connect, learn, and get inspired.
Grab your coworkers or your earbuds, put on your walking shoes, or find a comfy spot. It’s time to dive in!
Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you, your dedication, and the difference you make each day in nourishing the next generation.

In the first episode of Season 2 of the iBites Podcast, Tina Hastings brings her transformative approach to school nutrition leadership. A passionate and humble trailblazer, Tina shares insights on career development, team building, and creating meaningful professional growth opportunities in school nutrition. Listeners will be inspired by her strategic vision and commitment to empowering nutrition professionals.

Raising the Bar: Brittney Rodriguez on Scratch Cooking and Food Quality in School Nutrition

In this episode of The Mix-Up, host Patrick Garmong welcomes Brittney Rodriguez, Nutrition Services Supervisor at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in California. Serving over 15,000 students across 28 schools, Brittney shares how her team is making strategic changes to improve food quality, expand scratch and speed-scratch cooking, and strengthen operational consistency. From menu development to workforce training, Brittney emphasizes how thoughtful leadership and strong systems can transform a school meal program. This episode is packed with practical strategies for directors and supervisors aiming to modernize their operations and boost meal appeal for students.

#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals  #TheMixUpPodcast

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of The MixUp Podcast, host Patrick Garmong is joined by Andrew Marshall, Wholesaler-Distributor Relations and External Partnerships at the International Fresh Produce Association. Andrew shares insights into his role as a K-12 liaison and how he’s helping to shape school nutrition programs through fresh produce. The conversation dives into their shared history, the impact of initiatives like “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools,” and strategies for making fresh, healthy options more accessible to students nationwide. Tune in to learn how partnerships and innovation are transforming the K-12 nutrition landscape.

#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals  #TheMixUpPodcast

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of The Mix-Up, Chef Patrick Garmong chats with Chef Chela Cooper, the Regional Culinary Implementation Specialist for the USDA’s FNS MARO Region at the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition. Chef Chela shares her journey from growing up in a food-focused family in Kansas City to her groundbreaking role in child nutrition. The discussion delves into her passion for culinary education, her unique position at the Institute, and her efforts to enhance school nutrition programs. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of food to nourish and educate!

#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals  #ChefChelaCooper  #TheMixUpPodcast

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

We are honored to have chef Kevin Jenkins, Executive Chef at Garland ISD in Texas, on our latest episode of “The Mix Up”! Dive into an engaging conversation where Chef Kevin shares his culinary journey, innovative school meal programs.

Don’t miss out on Chef Kevin’s insights and passion for creating nutritious and delicious meals for students. Tune in now and be inspired by his dedication to making a difference in the community!

#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals  #ChefKevinJenkins  #TheMixUpPodcast

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

We are thrilled to have Nick Vedia, the District Sous Chef of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, on our latest episode of “The Mix Up”! Dive into an engaging conversation where Chef Nick shares his culinary journey, innovative school meal programs, and the vibrant food culture of Virginia Beach.

Don’t miss out on Chef Nick’s insights and passion for creating nutritious and delicious meals for students. Tune in now and be inspired by his dedication to making a difference in the community!

#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals  #ChefNickVedia  #TheMixUpPodcast

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of The Mix Up, Patrick Garmong talks with Patrick Kenneally, who moved from hospitality to significantly influence school nutrition as the

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Join The MixUp as we sit down with Jason Tepper. Tune in for an inspiring journey of taste and knowledge, serving up an episode that’s too flavorful to miss.

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Join The MixUp as we sit down with Eric Span, the visionary Director of Nutrition Services at Sweetwater Union High in San Diego! Discover Eric’s unique blend of hospitality and nutrition experience that transforms school meals into sustainable, nutritious, and educational delights for students. Tune in for an inspiring journey of taste and knowledge, serving up an episode that’s too flavorful to miss.

Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Join Chef Patrick as he welcomes back Missy Poirier, the Nutrition Services Director of Jurupa Unified School District, for an insightful conversation about changing roles and advancing in the ranks of Child Nutrition Programs. Hear firsthand about Missy’s journey from district chef to her current role and gain valuable insights into the world of school nutrition. Don’t miss this exciting episode of our podcast!