Winnie Brewer: Serving up lunch and fantastic food programs
Meet Winnie Brewer, the new Nutrition Services Director for Buckeye Community Schools!
Her love of community, nutrition and family shines through in her award-winning work. This June, Winnie will launch new food programs for Buckeye Community School (BCS) locations and the greater community. In her new role, Winnie will direct our school nutrition program, which provides all Mansfield BCS students with free lunches every day. Starting this fall, that number of meals will triple with the opening of two additional schools for the communities in Marion and London, anticipated to serve 350 and 225 students, respectively.
Why did you choose Buckeye Community School?
Sometimes we get so caught up in our busy lives that it's easy to forget why we do what we do. Or we think that we don't have time to add one more thing to our plate. I'm a problem solver and I have a real passion for connecting people to the resources they need. Especially helping with food insecurity and children. The pandemic brought a realization to many of us that we should think outside the box more than ever before and that we should not get so caught up in "traditional" ways of getting something done. It has also brought to light embracing our differences and appreciating people for who they are. I believe that schools need to serve the whole child in order to give them the best shot to succeed. That includes food, health and wellness and a learning model that respects individual students. BCS is a great example of truly supporting the whole student and helping them reach their goals of graduation and beyond.
What are your favorite aspects of your position?
I think the main attraction is that we will be able to feed students that wouldn't otherwise get fed! And I have to include that another favorite aspect is the people I work with! Egos are left at the door and the passion they have for their work shines through. It only takes a minute to see that everyone has the same goal...to support our students and families. I have felt like I'm part of the BCS team since day one and it's inspiring to work with folks that are all rowing in the same direction.
What is your professional background in nutrition?
I have been in school nutrition for a total of 14 years. I've done a few things in between, but my whole career has been food based. School nutrition has been the most rewarding part of my work history. I've been in food management in some way, shape or form for 27 years of my career. I have been in restaurant management, contract food management, and food & beverage director for a large conference center in Columbus. I also have had the privilege to be a Governor appointed commissioner for Service and Volunteerism and an active community agency board member for the Mid Ohio Food Bank.
In school nutrition, I have worked for a district that received programming awards that included: Children's Hunger Alliance Summer Food Program of the Year for the State of Ohio, recognition from Action for Healthy Kids for our wellness programs, USDA Healthy US School Challenge (HUSCC) awards of gold and silver status for different school buildings, Champions of Breakfast/Ohio School Breakfast Challenge awards for innovative practices in serving school breakfast, ODE Team Nutrition grant awardee for Smarter Lunchrooms and healthy cooking initiatives and national recognition in the School Nutrition Association monthly published magazine for our National School Lunch week efforts. I've also had the honor to testify in Washington, D.C. as part of a panel representing the national organization No Kid Hungry/Feeding America as to the importance of summer feeding programs and how to expand the outreach.
Why do you want to work in nutrition and with kids?
Because food touches every part of every person's life. Some folks live to eat while others eat to live. No matter what side of that statement fits you personally, food is necessary, every day from the moment you are born. It's hard for me to believe that 1 in 4 children in the United States are food insecure. They do not know where their next meal is coming from. Imagine trying to learn and focus on an empty stomach and the worry that brings. I want to be part of the solution. I want to help fix this problem. And I love thinking outside the box to find ways to do this. Just like Buckeye Community Schools thinks outside the box to support students academically, now I get the chance to help their students and families with food insecurity.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel. I love to experience new things. My husband and I really enjoy spending time boating and camping around Lake Erie with family and friends, but the most important area of my life is spending time with my family. It's a large, blended family with six children, their spouses and a whole bunch of grandchildren! Family get-togethers are loud and chaotic and I love every minute of it. I'm very proud of each and every one of them, their professional accomplishments and their dedication to family values. I've always felt that the biggest compliment your children can give you is when they want to hang out with you as an adult. And I'm fortunate that I get to spend time with all of them!
About Buckeye Community School
At Buckeye Community School (BCS), we create positive educational experiences that empower every student to overcome personal challenges and pursue their unique goals. We meet the needs of the whole student in our productive, safe, and nurturing learning environment. Our high expectations for achievement and student success are matched by our commitment to quality instructional leadership and positive home-to-school and school-to-community relationships. Get to know BCS, today. We’re enrolling!