April Liles; Foodservice Director; Waltham Public Schools; Waltham, Massachusetts
In this bustling school district where 5,500 students flow through 11 schools daily, April Liles has found her calling. As the foodservice director for the past 11 years, her innovative, hands-on approach has played a crucial role in elevating the cafeteria experience for every student.
As a registered dietitian working in child nutrition for two decades, April brings professional expertise combined with energy, enthusiasm, and personal insights to her role. She’s a mother of two and has a unique window into the food trends students love. But for April, her role is about more than nutrition science or keeping up with the latest kid-friendly flavors. “My favorite part of the job is the purpose,” April explains. “The purpose of my mission for 20 years has been to ensure no kid is hungry — feeding the future fresh, local foods and educating while doing it. To me it doesn’t even feel like a job anymore; work is FUN!”
April’s philosophy extends beyond the kitchen to her leadership style. Staff turnover can be challenging in K-12 foodservice, but she’s cultivated a vibrant, upbeat culture where the people who come to work every day are there for the right reasons. “My team would do anything for each other,” she emphasizes.
This positive culture doesn't happen by accident. April maintains high expectations while encouraging consistency and innovation. She’s always thinking outside the box, which allows her to foster an environment where creativity can flourish. “I encourage people to be innovative and bring the energy that the job needs,” she says.
For inspiration, April looks beyond the typical school nutrition playbook. She studies the dining operations at local colleges like Harvard and Boston College. She finds big ideas that can be adapted to fit K-12 foodservice. “Keeping an open mind and trying new things, that’s been my inspiration,” she says. “Taking a chance is worth it, even if participation only goes up by 10–12 meals per day.”
April has embraced a return to more traditional meal lines but with a modern twist. Students are welcomed and served their hot meals with a smile. Then they pick and choose meal components among many different service lines to customize their meals. This flexibility respects student preferences while maintaining nutritional standards.
The challenge of creating meals that are both appealing and healthful is one April tackles with creativity and strategic partnerships. For K-12 students, she focuses on “kid-friendly favorites” while finding innovative ways to incorporate healthy sides. They use fresh local ingredients to create bright and flavorful side options to enhance the nutrition profile of the meal and to encourage students to try new foods.
Her partnership with General Mills Foodservice exemplifies this balance. “General Mills is a staple,” April notes. Products including Yoplait ParfaitPro, Pillsbury Biscuits, and the wide variety of popular cereals provide the brand recognition students appreciate while meeting nutritional requirements. The decision to offer cereals at both breakfast and lunch shows April’s flexibility in meeting students where they are.
April’s approach to menu development reflects a broader trend in school nutrition toward partnerships with food companies that understand the unique realities of feeding children in educational settings. Nutrition education programs like “Fearless Foodies” which encourages students to try new, sometimes challenging dishes and initiatives around homegrown food demonstrate her commitment to expanding students’ culinary horizons.
Her story celebrates school nutrition as both forward-thinking and heart driven. April’s 11-year tenure in Waltham speaks to the deep relationships and institutional knowledge that develop when dedicated professionals commit to serving their communities.
Through her combination of professional expertise, forward thinking, and genuine care for the students she serves, April embodies the best of what school nutrition programs can achieve. As she continues to navigate regulations, inspire her team, and feed thousands of students daily, April Liles ensures every child has access to nutritious, appealing meals. In Waltham, that mission is in excellent hands.