Lunch Today, Leaders Tomorrow: 15 Years of FoodCorps

“This tomato tastes like sunshine.”

That’s what one student told alum Stephanie Conant after trying a tomato straight off the vine. A decade and a half later, FoodCorps is still standing on the same idea: kids deserve good food, and they deserve the chance to discover it for themselves. By advocating for these opportunities in food education and school nutrition, we can cultivate the next generation of leaders. 

As FoodCorps celebrates 15 years of working in schools across the country, we asked corps member alumni to reflect on what stuck with them, how their service shaped their leadership, and where FoodCorps took them next. Here’s what they told us.

Alumni share a moment with FoodCorps that stuck…

“‘This tomato tastes like sunshine.’ There were so many beautiful days in the garden with kids, and it made me realize this is really what it’s all about. Joy through food. Health through food. Connection through food.” —Stephanie Conant, IA ‘12

“There are so many moments from my time with FoodCorps that have stuck with me. One moment I come back to often is from a garden lesson I led with 4th graders. I was teaching students about transplanting the seedlings we started in class in the garden. I modeled for students how to use their trowels to create a hole, place the seedling, ‘tuck it in’ by covering it with soil and watering at the end. This was an approach I took with all my classes from Pre-K to 4th grade.

One of my Kindergarten students was tagging along with me for this lesson, as I checked in with different groups I watched my kindergarten student demo for my 4th graders all the steps to transplant. It was a full circle moment watching a younger student teach older students something he’d learn in his FoodCorps class. It also represented the power of outdoor learning, learning in community, and creating opportunities for students to learn as they go and teach each other. For me, it reminded me that we learn as much from kids as they do from us.” —Javonne Alonzo, NJ ‘20, ‘21

“One moment from my time with FoodCorps that has stayed with me was serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. I joined FoodCorps during an incredibly vulnerable and uncertain time. When I arrived at my service site, I wasn’t able to work directly with students because everything had shifted online.

What stood out most to me was how close our community became despite being physically apart. I had the opportunity to support a free Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that provided fresh food to families every week. Even during such an uncertain time, our community came together to make sure families and students had access to healthy food.

That experience shaped the way I approach my work with students and my community today. It showed me the power of collaboration, compassion, and community care, especially during times of hardship. Seeing people come together to support one another reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when we work together, even in the most challenging circumstances.” —Taty Trujillo, NM ‘21

“One thing FoodCorps showed me is that we as adults can lose sight of the fact that kids don’t naturally dislike fruits, vegetables, or a meal. More often than not, they were probably exposed or influenced by someone close to them to feel that way. For me, a perfect example is peas. When you overcook them, they turn that army green color and don’t look fun or vibrant. But blanched peas, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, a little butter, and fresh herbs? Totally different story.” —Dominick Cordero, AR ‘23

How FoodCorps shaped the way they lead…

“My time with FoodCorps grounded my approach to leadership in humility and resilience. Working in the garden with my students showed me that failure isn’t the end of a project; it’s an invitation to adapt and learn together. Because of those shared setbacks and discoveries, I lead with curiosity, inquiry, and a deep appreciation for the wisdom of those around me.” —Karen Davison, DC Metro ‘15

“My FoodCorps member experience taught me to always consider what other voices should be a part of the conversation. Every element of my service year was collaborative and required me to observe the practice of learning from others. Through this I was able to build genuine connections and delight in shared accomplishment. It’s something I really value and strive to consistently uphold in my leadership.”  —Becca Sanchez, CA ‘19

“Working closely with some incredible supervisors, kids, and community members to plan events such as community meals, and projects like building outdoor classrooms, showed me that big projects happen when you chip away at them a little every day, and when you delegate! I bring these experiences to my role as a Manager of Program Impact at FoodCorps, helping FoodCorps members make big strides one small step at a time.” —Malia Demers, ME ‘19, ‘20, ‘21

“My FoodCorps experience shaped the way I lead today by teaching me to listen first, build trust, and stay consistent. Working with students, families, and school communities showed me that meaningful leadership is not just about having the right idea, but about understanding people’s needs and helping them feel included, capable, and valued. It taught me that small moments, like helping a student try something new or showing up week after week, can build confidence and create lasting impact. That is something I still carry with me in the way I lead today.” —Joseph Lara, AR ‘23

“Because of FoodCorps, I now…”

“…get to be behind the actions that can change school food. I am one of the Food Service Managers with the Food and Nutrition Department for Lowell Public Schools in Massachusetts, overseeing the nutrition for our 14,300 students. One of my many hats is to proudly assist in making menu changes based on student voice and choice, as well as highlighting the many cultures represented by our students. This was something I was thrilled to continue after serving for the same department as a FoodCorps member.

I get to educate staff and students daily on proper nutrition and, most importantly, feed children a free, healthy, full meal. I truly believe that no child should ever have to worry about where their next hot, healthy meal is coming from. If it wasn’t for FoodCorps, I would not be in the position I am today.” —Jen Smith, MA ‘23, ‘24

“…empower the voice of kids and believe they can do much more than most adults in their life. At my current job I occasionally work with children, and most often I am advocating to utilize the tools I learned when teaching kids. I truly believe they can do much more, whether that’s cutting vegetables safely, measuring accurately, or taking ownership of their health. I am very grateful to have learned that at the beginning of my public health career.” —Clancie Sorrell, AR ‘23, ‘24

What “lunch today, leaders tomorrow” means…

“To me, ‘lunch today, leaders tomorrow’ means that if we invest in our youth through programs like Food Education for All and School Meals for All, they will flourish into strong leaders of tomorrow.” —Destiny Schlinker, AR ‘14, ‘15

Destiny with a former FC student.

“‘Lunch today, leaders tomorrow’ makes me think about what it means for young people to see their school cafeteria as a place where they have agency. Kids should be able to make informed decisions about their health and take action to influence school meals. When FoodCorps gives students the opportunity to give feedback on what they ate for breakfast, design new recipes for the menu, or advocate for food that tastes like home on their lunch tray, that’s leadership development in action.” —Aaron Poplack, OR ‘14, ‘15

These are just a few of the many moments our alumni shared with us. There are 15 years worth of stories out there, and we thank every corps member, alum, and community partner who helped write them. Together, we are proud to help cultivate the next generation of leaders in nourishing school food.

Interested in joining the corps? Take the quiz to see if you’re eligible. Want to support FoodCorps’ mission? Donate today.