May 2018
Operator of the Month: Jessica Neel
Title: Nutrition Services Manager
District: Southern Elementary & Colonial School District
Students Served: 600+ for Breakfast and 700+ for Lunch
Favorite Potato Hack: “I love finding ways to keep students and staff on their toes when participating in school lunches. Kids love mashed potatoes and what better way but to add a garnish of bacon, turkey bacon that is, mix in some cheddar cheese and voila, you have a recipe for success!
Mashed potatoes just happen to be on the menu this day in particular which lead me to have a discussion with staff Registered Dietitian Amanda Coen about adding turkey bacon and cheddar cheese as a garnish to the recipe and she agreed that it would be a great idea and to send her pictures. I always keep my phone in my pocket you just never know what you need to capture during prep and serving times.”
Jessica’s Loaded Ranch Style Mashed Potatoes were a hit with her students and staff. The best part, they’re so simple to prepare! Simply mix dehydrated mashed potatoes with water and ranch seasoning, then top with cheddar cheese, sliced turkey bacon, and parsley flakes. This stellar side dish credits for half a cup of starchy vegetables. Click here to the recipe out yourself!

Loaded Ranch-Style Mashed Potatoes
“I love tooting our own horn at Southern Elementary because you just never know who is watching! My goal is to prove that school lunches are no longer just a school lunch by doing what I love and putting love into my job!”