The beet

Kevin Silvia, Resident District Manager at Lexington Public Schools, MA was recently honored by the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts. He received the Trail Blazer award at “The Snammies” – SNA Massachusetts’ Celebration of Excellence in School Nutrition.

Among several innovative programs Kevin leads in Lexington, a partnership with the organization Fork Farms™ has brought vertical hydroponic indoor growing capabilities to each school in the district.  His leadership in implementing the K-12 Flex Farm Program has introduced hands-on STEM and Nutrition Education programing through this student-led sustainability and nutrition initiative. Various produce grown in each school through this educational program is implemented in the school nutrition program, allowing the students to have hand in growing the very food on their menu.

Principals, teachers, and staff who operate the Flex Farms are enthusiastic about this hands-on learning experience and have been innovative with how they use their harvests.  For instance, the same students who helped grow basil through the K-12 Flex Farm program suggested menu items using their harvests that made their way into the cafeteria, such as Caprese Flatbread, Quinoa Basil Salad, and Basil Lemonade Sorbet. “Kevin is always at the forefront of innovative programs that contribute to providing the students his team serves the very best quality in the school nutrition program and the sustainability efforts of the community,” said Dennis Gomez, Regional Vice President of Operations.  “He’s a staple in the Lexington community and has been invaluable at building relationships that benefit the students and the district community.”