DeSoto ISD Celebrates School Lunch Hero Day and the Vital Role of Child Nutrition in Student Success
In honor of School Lunch Hero Day, DeSoto Independent School District proudly recognizes the dedicated school nutrition professionals who play a vital role in supporting student success by ensuring that every scholar receives nutritious meals every day.
Thanks to a districtwide partnership with Whitsons Culinary Group, DeSoto ISD is able to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, every school day. This critical initiative not only addresses hunger but also supports equitable access to high-quality nutrition—helping to remove one of the most common barriers to learning: food insecurity.
“Access to healthy meals is foundational for student learning and development,” said Gene Morrow, Executive Director of Student Support Services. “Our food service team shows up every day with purpose and pride, making sure our scholars are well-fed, cared for, and ready to thrive. They are true heroes in our school community.”
The meals served by school nutrition staff fuel young minds and bodies, helping improve focus, energy levels, and classroom engagement. For many families, these meals also provide vital nutritional support and economic relief, ensuring no child has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.
DeSoto ISD’s food service professionals, in collaboration with Whitsons, are committed to:
- Preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals that meet USDA guidelines
- Creating welcoming, positive cafeteria environments for students
- Supporting students with special dietary needs and food allergies
- Promoting healthy eating habits through menu variety and student choice
- Contributing to student health and wellness in alignment with the district’s whole-child approach
This year, campuses across the district are celebrating School Lunch Hero Day by decorating cafeterias, writing thank-you cards, and giving shoutouts to the staff who prepare, serve, and care for DeSoto ISD scholars each day.
“Providing free meals to all students helps us remove a key barrier to learning—hunger,” added Morrow. “When students are nourished, they can focus, participate, and succeed. Our school nutrition staff make that possible with every meal they serve.”
DeSoto ISD extends heartfelt gratitude to all school nutrition professionals whose daily work nourishes not just bodies, but futures. Their service is essential to the district’s mission of creating equitable, supportive environments where every child has what they need to reach their full potential.