Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith is the Director of Nutrition Services at Seattle Public Schools (SPS), where he oversees the culinary needs of over 50,000 students across 118 schools. He has a strong background in K-12 nutrition, with over a decade of experience prior to his current role, which he began in November 2021. His innovative leadership has led to significant transformations in school dining, including a focus on culturally inclusive meals and partnerships with local vendors to enhance food quality and authenticity.12

Educational Background and Career Path

• Education: Aaron holds a degree in Marketing from Illinois State University and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago.
• Career: Before joining SPS, he worked as the district chef for Rockford Public Schools and served as assistant director for Hamilton County, Tennessee, where he managed various operational aspects of school nutrition services.35

Vision and Initiatives

Aaron's approach emphasizes customization of school menus to reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of students. He plans to divide Seattle into five regions to tailor meal options based on local preferences, aiming to provide meals that students would typically enjoy at home rather than standard cafeteria offerings.24 His initiatives include:

• Reducing processed foods and introducing fresh, whole ingredients.
• Collaborating with local seafood suppliers for high-quality options like wild Alaskan salmon.
• Engaging students through taste tests and feedback to refine menu choices continuously.12

Community Engagement

Smith is deeply committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting equitable access to nutritious meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he implemented innovative strategies such as meal deliveries via buses and partnerships with local businesses, successfully serving millions of meals while keeping staff employed.14

Recognition

In 2024, Aaron Smith was honored with the Silver Plate Award, recognizing his contributions to enhancing school nutrition services. He views this accolade as not only a personal achievement but also a platform to inspire young Black men in the industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance and representation in food service.15

Overall, Aaron Smith's leadership at Seattle Public Schools reflects a commitment to improving student health through better nutrition while fostering an inclusive culinary environment.