My Dung Truong; Manager at James Randolph Elementary School; Katy, Texas
When My Dung Truong moved to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1998, she spoke only a little English. She learned by taking ESL classes, tuning in to the radio, and absorbing what she could from TV. That drive to learn carried her into K-12 foodservice, where her hard work and heart for students propelled her into a career defined by dedication, kindness, and service.
James Randolph Elementary School is part of the Katy Independent School District which has an enrollment of over 95,000. At her location, My and her team serve around 44 breakfasts and 430 lunches every day. She does everything she can to make each student feel cared for. My shares, “I like to provide good food for the students made with love, like I do for my family. I like seeing the students every day and seeing the items on the menu that they like. My team is like a family, and we do everything we can to make each student feel special.”
On the menu at Randolph Elementary are plenty of classics like pizza (often with stuffed crust) and popcorn chicken. Knowing presentation is important and that even youngsters eat with their eyes, My and her team use display trays so students can see what their options are and how fresh everything is. She says, “One thing that makes me very proud of the team, is when we go above and beyond to make fun, visual presentations for our farm-fresh foods. The team does such an amazing job.” Rounding out the menu are plenty of choices from General Mills Foodservice, including student-loved cereals, Pillsbury™ Mini Cinnis, Cheesy Pull-Aparts, and many more.
Along with delicious, filling dishes, kids in My’s cafeteria will also find plenty of other meaningful touches. “One of the things that excites the students is when we offer a special item,” says My. “For example, the gingerbread cookies at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Another way we get the kids excited is to get to know their names. The students love it when we call them by name and make their birthday special by singing to them in line.” It’s small acts like these that turn an ordinary school meal into something that feels comforting, familiar, and full of heart.
Shalom Patch (NUTR/FS) has worked with My for two years and says, “It always makes me feel so good to come to her school. She and her team give the most out-of-this-world custom service to the students.” She also shared, “Recently we were serving on the line, and they sang Happy Birthday to two different students. The kids just beamed with joy and pride, and that’s all thanks to My and her team. They treat everyone like family and are just amazing.”
My Dung Truong’s journey started with a few words of English and has grown into a life of service, showing what’s possible when skill meets heart. Her dedication, her creativity, and her deep care for every child who walks through her line have shaped a cafeteria that feels like home. And for the hundreds of students she nourishes each day, that care makes all the difference.