School Lunch Hero: Chiles Elementary food service worker honored by state
An Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) nutrition professional was honored Monday afternoon with the 2024 Florida School Lunch Hero Award during a surprise ceremony at Lawton Chiles Elementary.
Representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, No Kid Hungry of Florida and the Dairy Council of Florida announced that Angela Kelly had been selected as one of just five Florida School Lunch Heroes.
A news release said Kelly was highlighted for her dedication to her students' nutrition, happiness and health, and her compassion and support of students and families
Kelly hasn't always been in the school food service industry. Formerly a secretary for a construction company, she became a food service assistant after her son, now 21, went into anaphylactic shock for the first time at just 3 months old due to a food allergy.
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Because of her personal background in food allergies, Kelly handles different foods for students with food allergies, along with her coworkers.
"I love my job," she said. "I love seeing the smiling faces on these kids every day, and to know that you can help them by filling their tummies or giving them food that's similar to their friends so that they don't feel that different because of their food allergies. Because a lot of kids with food allergies, they are different; they can't eat a lot of the same snacks and treats. So if I can make it similar, then that makes me happy."
Kelly was nominated by Minh Dang-Do, a parent of two daughters who have severe food allergies. A news release said Dang-Do praised Kelly for ensuring her daughters, who attend Chiles Elementary, have access to allergy-safe foods similar to the meals and snacks other students receive during lunch and after school.
"Initially, I was kind of hesitant, but over a period of time I was — I gained more confidence in [Kelly] and it's been over a few years now that I completely trust Miss Kelly," Dang-Do said. "If I knew that there was this award in previous years... I would have nominated her a while ago, I wouldn't have waited [until] this year."
Although Dang-Do packs her daughters' lunches, she said Kelly sometimes orders special allergen-safe options for them, so they have more variety in their lunches. Additionally, Kelly sends information to the family about any allergy-safe foods her daughters have enjoyed.
"I'm just forever grateful," she said. "It's not just Miss Kelly, but the whole entire school."
Dang-Do has had an opportunity to send her children to other schools with scholarships, a news release said, but has chosen not to — specifically because of the care by Kelly and school staff.
"For a parent to trust you that much, I mean, that's their most precious gift that someone could do is to trust you with their children, and the fact that it means so much to her just, like, it just melts my heart," Kelly said. "I don't need recognition for what I do; I do it because it's my passion and I love it. But to be nominated, and win, because a parent thinks that much of me is just — it's very humbling."
Since the ceremony was a surprise, Kelly said she was under the impression that she was taking school photos with her colleagues. When her name was called as recipient of the award, Kelly said she was surprised.
"I just want to make sure that they all have the same experience, and love that it's lunchtime, and enjoy the food and the people that are giving it to them," Kelly said.
Kelly will receive $2,000 from No Kid Hungry Florida, a prize pack from the Dairy Council of Florida, and a trophy and a superhero cape from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, among other prizes.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: ACPS food service worker named 2024 Florida School Lunch Hero
