Anne Payne

Although Anne Payne’s job carries a simple title, she is so much more than one who prepares meals. She’s been serving up passion, mentorship, and genuine care for students since 2012. What started as a natural transition when her youngest son entered kindergarten has evolved into a rewarding career that perfectly blends her love for cooking with her dedication to nurturing young minds.

Anne’s journey in school foodservice began as a baker, but over the years, she’s worn many hats, literally and figuratively. Because she used to enter students’ lunch money, Anne’s husband playfully called her the “lunch secretary,” though her role extends far beyond any single title. She shares that on her first day, “I hadn’t even finished my shift, and I fell in love with being a lunch lady. The excitement of the kids coming through the line for lunch just melted my heart.”

She currently works in the a la carte area where Anne has found her sweet spot, connecting directly with students and building relationships. "Sometimes they’ll just come up and stand on the side of the line and chat with me," Anne explains. This personal touch has become a hallmark of her approach, transforming the typical cafeteria experience into something more meaningful.

Success in school foodservice is not a solo endeavor, and Anne is quick to credit her team of four kitchen staff members. Even with two new team members joining recently, the group works seamlessly together. They’re united by a common mission: ensuring students receive nutritious meals and kindness every day.

The support extends beyond the kitchen walls. Anne has witnessed incredible teamwork throughout the school, including moments when the assistant principal/activities director stepped up to help during staff shortages. This collaborative spirit reflects the school community’s shared commitment to student welfare.

For the past three years, Anne has embraced an additional role as mentor. She works with high school seniors who complete kitchen internships at her location. These partnerships have created countless teachable moments and allow Anne to showcase the students’ hard work while passing on valuable life skills. Her guidance helps students understand not just food preparation techniques, but also workplace responsibility, teamwork, and the satisfaction that comes from serving others.