Melissa Erman

In the world of school foodservice, where feeding thousands of students daily requires precision, creativity, and unwavering dedication, Melissa Erman has proven herself to be a standout leader. As operations supervisor for a district serving 14,000 students across six high schools, Melissa has spent the past eight and a half years doing more than feeding students, she’s investing in their futures.

Melissa’s leadership philosophy is refreshingly simple yet profoundly effective: trust your team and let them shine. Before she took the helm, menu decisions were not made at the school level, but Melissa made changes that allowed her managers to take control of what they serve. “I'm not a micro-manager," she explains. “I tell my managers that it’s their kitchen; they get to choose what they serve. They know what their kids love and what they’re going to eat.” This shift has helped them take more ownership and pride in their menus.

Her leadership style is built on being “very fair but open and honest,” and has helped her navigate the complex challenges of running food operations across multiple school sites. Whether it's working on facility remodels or ordering new equipment through Kid Funds initiatives, Melissa approaches each project with the same thoughtful dedication.

Her approach is clearly paying off. She was recently awarded Orange County Classified Employee of the Year for Nutrition Services AND State Employee of the Year for Nutrition Services, a testament to both her individual excellence and her ability to elevate those around her.

What sets Melissa's program apart is the innovative approach to student engagement and wellbeing. Her district operates a unique initiative called “Mood Boosts” that specially crafts foods designed to promote mental health among students. “We create recipes to help boost moods, catering to our specific student demographics,” Melissa shares. This forward-thinking approach recognizes that nutrition can do more than fill stomachs, it can support the whole student experience.

Melissa’s meal programs stay connected with students through social media. They have a robust Instagram following they use to gather feedback and ensure meals meet student preferences. This direct line of communication helps the team stay responsive to changing tastes and needs.

Another impactful aspect of Melissa’s leadership is the student worker initiative. Students can work before school or during open periods, providing them with valuable opportunities to earn money while building their resumes and learning essential life lessons. “It teaches them responsibility, work ethic, and gives them real-world experience,” Melissa notes. This program exemplifies her holistic approach to student development and show how her role extends far beyond meal planning.

The district is expanding its reach through the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), with dinner service launching at two sites starting in October. This expansion means even more students will have access to nutritious meals, addresses food insecurity, and supports families throughout the community.