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The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association has awarded Christina Hartman the Northeast regional Employee of the Year Award, which recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to the school meal program and the students they serve. Hartman works at Hillside Elementary School in Needham.
Christina Hartman does all that she can to boost the confidence of the students she sees everyday. She loves being on the front-lines, according to her colleagues, so she can interact with the students and teachers daily. It is important to her to be part of the school community, working with the school staff so that they have a great experience in the cafeteria.
Hartman calls herself the “Fruit Ninja,” preparing massive amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables that the schools serve daily. She uses different knife techniques and creative ideas to display the fruit, veggies and other foods artistically, especially during the holidays. The students love to see what Hartman will come up with every holiday, which keeps them engaged and excited to eat healthy foods. Having said, “I was born to be a lunch lady,” Hartman shows pride in her work and the school nutrition program. According to her supervisors, she loves coming to work, loves her co-workers and loves the students. A true team player, she comes in early, stays late and fills in where needed.
“Christina Hartman brings so much heart and excitement to her job and that creates a positive environment in the cafeteria,” said SNA President Becky Domokos-Bays, PhD, RD, SNS. “She has shown a dedication to her students, providing compassion and creativity in her chosen field and demonstrating excellence in foodservice.”
The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional development and their willingness to go above and beyond.
In July, Hartman will be honored during the Awards Ceremony at the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference held in Atlanta, GA.
