At the start of the 2024-25 school year, Williamson Central School District's Food Service Director Tina VanStrien took on a new dual position with Marion Central School District. She will now serve as the Director of Food Service for both districts.

“When I first took on this role, I really emphasized the importance of providing excellent customer service, day in and day out,” said VanStrien, who will also continue to serve as the food service director for the Williamson Central School District, a role she has been in since 2021.

As Food Service Director, VanStrien handles the entire school meal operation, from overseeing staff and budgets to the procurement of food, supplies and equipment, and the development of menus all of which must meet state and federal nutrition and safety regulations. Last school year, she oversaw the distribution of almost 216,000 meals to students in Williamson.

“During the school year, we are fortunate enough to see the students for two to three meals per day, five days a week, on average,” VanStrien said. “This means they will eat most of their meals per week with us. That is what keeps us going and focused on doing the very best that we can each day for the students."

While at Williamson, VanStrien has overseen the installation of a new kitchen at the Elementary School, increased staff training and professional development, including “ServSafe” training, and incorporated more student nutrition education programs. VanStrien has also used Supply Chain Assistance Funding to help offset the increased costs of supplies.

“It has taken several years to get where we are today,” she said, while giving credit to her staff. “They are the hardest workers I know, and they come to work every day to serve nutritious and tasty food to the students.”

VanStrien plans to implement several of the same strategies in Marion and is looking forward to building a strong bond with the students and staff.

VanStrien lives in Williamson and is a proud mother to two children. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Management from Rochester Institute of Technology and previously worked at the University of Rochester Medical Center as a dietary technician, and at the Al Sigl Center as a nutritionist.