Aaron Smith
Elementary & Secondary Schools Category
Aaron Smith serves as the Director of Culinary Services for Seattle Public Schools (SPS), overseeing the well-being and educational growth of more than 50,000 students across 118 school sites. Prior to joining SPS, Aaron had 10 years of K-12 nutrition experience. Under his innovative leadership, school dining has undergone a significant transformation, highlighted by the ongoing remarkable renovation of the Central Kitchen. Aaron's creative approach uses food as a tool for cultural education, and his collaboration with local vendors emphasizes freshness and authenticity. He is dedicated to giving back to the community, actively engaging in initiatives to address food insecurity and promote equitable access to nutritious meals for all students.
In Aaron’s Own Words
How did you get your start in the foodservice industry?
In college, I took up cooking as a hobby, never envisioning it as a potential career path. Following my departure from the tech industry, I joined AmeriCorps to engage in community redevelopment initiatives. It became apparent that while numerous organizations supported young men, there wasn’t much support for young women. Motivated by this observation, I founded a youth organization aimed at empowering young women in both academics and athletics.
In my pursuit of funding for this organization, I found inspiration to transform my hobby into a profession, leading me to seek further education in the culinary field. The goal was to establish pop-up restaurants as a means of generating resources for the organization. After gaining experience in various restaurants, a former colleague approached me about a position in the K-12 sector. Initially hesitant, my perspective shifted after visiting the district and recognizing the need for change.
Since then, I have been dedicated to making a difference in K-12 nutrition.
What do you enjoy most about your career in foodservice?
The impact I have on kids and the community is profound. Providing children with 20 minutes of stress-free time is vital for their social and emotional well-being. Food serves as an instrument through which we can explore different cultures and introduce children to dishes they may never have heard of or tasted. More importantly, it fosters social engagement and creates a welcoming environment.
Tell us about a proud moment you’ve had along the way.
I am deeply committed to ensuring that our students receive nutritious meals, which are crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. With Seattle being the first city impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I quickly formulated a comprehensive strategy to adapt our operations. This involved innovative measures such as delivering meals via buses, partnering with Amazon for home delivery services, beginning to support local businesses by purchasing goods locally when possible, and setting up 40 meal distribution points outside of school premises.
These meals weren't just about providing sustenance; they were carefully crafted to be culturally inclusive to represent the diverse student body that we serve, addressing the specific needs of our most vulnerable students. Through this coordinated and compassionate effort, we achieved remarkable results, serving an astounding 8 million meals during the pandemic years.
Additionally, this effort enabled us to keep staff employed, support local businesses, and provide families meals during this challenging time.
How would your team describe you as a leader?
I am often described as having a dynamic blend of qualities, marked by innovation, collaboration, resilience, and compassion. I lead by example, readily filling gaps within the team, and working alongside others to fulfill our department's mission. My approachability and skill in problem-solving are often noted, as I strive to foster a positive and proactive team environment, which contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and success.
What advice do you have for someone new to the foodservice industry?
In the food industry, you need to love what you do for the right reasons. If you enjoy your job, then success will follow.
What does being an IFMA Silver Plate recipient mean to you?
I am honored to have received this award. As someone hailing from the west side of Chicago, venturing into the K-12 food industry where Black male representation is scarce, receiving this award is not just a validation of my efforts but also a platform to inspire young Black men. It serves as a testament that perseverance and diligence can lead to recognition and success. Change can be made; you can make a difference despite the challenges you face in life.
What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is something that I will always remember and that was my grandma’s fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, potato salad and cornbread.
Aron Smith was nominated by Tyson
