Arianne Corbett
Nutritionist with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa, Florida
In April 2022, Hillsborough County Public Schools welcomed a new nutritionist with a passion for promoting healthy eating habits among students. She brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the district, utilizing her extensive experience in dietary health and government policies.
Before joining the district, Arianne was a successful consultant with a love for storytelling. As she kept hearing remarkable stories related to school nutrition, she couldn't help but be drawn to the field. Her journey began in 2007 as a dietician in healthcare, but it was her time in Washington, D.C., working with the School Nutrition Association and advocating for bills related to school nutrition and meals, that ignited her passion for the K-12 community.
When the opportunity to work in her hometown of Hillsborough County presented itself, she couldn't resist. It was a full-circle moment. Not only did she attend Hillsborough County Public Schools, but so did her mother, father, and husband — and her children are currently in attendance there as well. Her deep connection to the community drove her desire to contribute positively to the education and nutrition of local students. Arianne says, “It was the right opportunity to put my time and talent to work in a place where I knew I could really make a significant impact on the kids who live in my hometown.”
Hillsborough County Public Schools is not a small district. It is one of the largest in Florida with approximately 190,000 students. They serve around 115,000 lunches and 60,000 breakfasts daily across 235 schools — that’s close to 32 million meals in a school year. The student population is notably diverse, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. This diversity has driven Arianne to focus on providing culturally relevant meals that appeal to students while meeting nutritional guidelines.
Over the past year and a half, the district has undergone a transformative change in its approach to menus through the Farm-to-School Program. Working in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Locally Grown, which Arianne helped found prior to her role with the district, she has helped secure a grant that allows for strategic planning and execution of this initiative ever since.
