Portage Township Schools is proud to announce that Food Service Director Dawn Kelley has been selected as a 2026 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellow through the Chef Ann Foundation. Kelley is one of just 23 school food professionals nationwide chosen for this prestigious program, now in its fourth year.
The Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship is designed to empower experienced school nutrition leaders to create healthier, more sustainable K-12 meal programs centered around scratch cooking and equitable food access. Over the course of 13 months, Fellows build leadership skills, expand their expertise in school food systems, and collaborate with a national network of peers committed to transforming school meals.
Kelley serves as the Food Service Director for Portage Township Schools, where she has led significant enhancements to the district’s meal program. Under her leadership, the district has expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables, increased scratch-made offerings, and successfully implemented a Free Meals for All program to ensure every student has access to nutritious meals each day. Her department’s work has also earned multiple accolades from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recognizing excellence in school nutrition.
“This is an incredible honor for Dawn and a reflection of the innovative work happening in our schools every day,” said Dr. Amanda, Alaniz, Superintendent of Portage Township Schools. “Her commitment to student wellness and high-quality meals continues to make a meaningful difference for our students and families.”
Through the Fellowship, Kelley will participate in an intensive curriculum covering key topics in school food leadership, attend fully funded site visits and culinary trainings, and earn professional certifications, including a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate for School Food Directors. Fellows also receive funding to complete a capstone project aimed at further advancing scratch cooking and sustainable practices in their home districts.
This year’s Fellowship cohort represents school districts across 10 states, collectively supporting nearly 1,000 schools and more than 567,000 students. Participants share a common goal of transitioning school food programs away from ultraprocessed foods and toward fresh, scratch-made meals that better support student health and learning.
For further details about the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, visit the Chef Ann Foundation website.