Benita Smith; Director of Child Nutrition Services; Berkeley County School District; Moncks Corner, South Carolina
To say Benita Smith is committed to her community would be an understatement. She has served Berkeley County School District for 26 years — the very same school system she attended as a student from kindergarten to graduation. That lifelong connection fuels her dedication and drives her to ensure every child receives the same opportunities and support that guided her own path. With 47 schools, 43 kitchens, and around 38,000 students, it’s no small task, but Benita shows up every day to better the region she calls home. After describing all the positions she’s held in her career, she says with modesty, “This is all I’ve ever known.” And she knows it well.
Part of that commitment is recognizing that child nutrition doesn’t end when the school day does. In addition to breakfast and lunch, Benita has continued after-school snack and summer feeding programs that bring students reliable access to nutritious meals year-round.
On those menus are plenty of tasty offerings such as walking tacos, chicken sandwiches and orange chicken with rice and egg rolls. She also uses General Mills Foodservice products like cereal cups, Pillsbury™ Mini Cinnis, and biscuits which have become a favorite morning staple.
When it comes to keeping menus fresh and students engaged, Benita and her team created an amazing event that brings together suppliers, children, parents, and the whole community. “Taste, Play, Connect” was hosted in one of the district’s cafeterias and allowed attendees to sample menu items from a variety of vendors, offering kids a voice in what ultimately gets served in schools. To make the menu selection process both interactive and inclusive, students voted on their favorite items.
The atmosphere of the event was more like a festival than a school function. There was a DJ, face painting, balloon art, bounce castles, and opportunities for students to tour police and first responder vehicles. Benita used her Cool School Café rewards points to purchase raffle and giveaway prizes.
All told, there were around 2,500 attendees. But Benita isn’t stopping there. For this year’s event, she’s hoping for 1,000 more participants and will be including a petting zoo, helicopter tour, and an expanded lineup of vendors. “The ‘Taste, Play, Connect’ has been my proudest moment in my career,” she says. “The idea started in a little room at a conference, and to see what it evolved into in a matter of four weeks… it was such a success. We knocked it out of the park.”
Putting together an event of that scale requires a truly outstanding team, and Benita is quick to give them praise. “My team is exceptional,” she begins. “They’re dedicated, collaborative, and compassionate. I’m truly proud to work alongside such a committed group each day.” When describing her leadership style, she says, “I strive to lead by example, maintaining high standards for myself and holding myself accountable because I believe in the importance of humility. While my role in this district is different than others, it’s no more valuable than anyone else’s.”
With so much success and experience in her career, her advice to those starting out in K-12 nutrition carries extra weight. “Enter this field with heart and purpose, because feeding a student is more than just serving a meal, it’s about supporting their health, learning, and well being. Be willing to learn and ask questions. Respect every role because every position matters.” She also advocates for clear communication, saying, “Strong leadership starts with listening. Support your team, communicate clearly, and treat people fairly and with compassion. The work can be challenging, but when you focus on teamwork, consistency, and putting students first, it becomes incredibly rewarding.”
Benita came up through this district. Now she’s helping shape it. Every meal served, every program expanded, and every student given a voice all adds up to something bigger than food. It’s care. It’s consistency. It’s commitment that’s lasted nearly three decades and shows no signs of fading. Thank you, Benita, for all you’ve done and all you continue to do.