Keyana Griffin

Keyana Griffin sees food as more than a source of nourishment. She views it as a way to connect, express love, and bring people together. That’s an amazing approach for any chef, but coming from a K-12 foodservice operator dealing with so many regulations, it’s even more impressive. During our interview, her commitment, passion, and enthusiasm were infectious as she shared stories about her decades-long life in foodservice that started in her late teens.

Although Keyana has only been with Brimhall Elementary for a couple of years, her experiences and impact have been tremendous — connecting with students, sampling exciting new menu items, and more. “I never thought my new love of K-12 feeding would be as powerful as it is, but the way the kids react to the food is amazing. I love when they’re interested in the menu and want to know what’s going to be served the next day.”

Keyana has a unique approach to making sure kids stay excited about their school’s menus. When she has an idea for something new to try, she makes up small sample cups for the students. Feedback is often a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down, but she knows they appreciate being a part of the decision-making process. Keeping them involved only furthers the bond she has with her students.