Chris Minor

Nutrition and Food Service Director; Mercer County Schools; Harrodsburg, Kentucky

When Chris joined the school district’s foodservice team, he inherited a situation with plenty of room for improvement. Participation numbers were extremely low, and everywhere he looked, Chris saw opportunities to enhance the lives of students through better food choices. Over his relatively short tenure in his position, Chris has made remarkable strides in enhancing school meal programs as well as the overall community.

Originally hired at Mercer Country Schools at a different tier, Chris quickly transitioned into the foodservice director role where his expertise as a chef and his upbringing in the foodservice industry have been invaluable. His mother successfully ran a restaurant for over 20 years, instilling in him a love for food and hospitality. Chris attended culinary school at the age of 30, furthering his knowledge of the culinary world before stepping into K-12 foodservice — a space where his wife also works.

One of Chris’s key initiatives has been Second Chance Breakfast. Noticing how many students skipped the first meal of the day because of late arrival and other factors, Chris created a solution that has had direct, immediate results.

Second Chance Breakfast is served between first and second period in the mornings and provides students with grab-and-go options such as yogurt, bagels, and biscuits, as well as at least one hot item to ensure variety and satisfaction. This initiative has helped address hunger in schools and provides students the fuel they need to focus and perform well academically. It has been a huge success: breakfast participation numbers doubled and almost tripled overnight. Chris says, “It was an absolute hit from the beginning. The first day we sold out; we had absolutely nothing left.”

Beyond making breakfast more accessible, Chris also strives to include as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. For example, the district’s beef is sourced from a local farm just 40 miles away, ensuring students receive delicious meals while also supporting local businesses — strengthening ties with the community.

Chris’s dedication extends beyond the school year. Under his leadership, the district’s 2024 summer feeding program, supported by the USDA, served an incredible 180,000 meals from June to July alone. This initiative ensures students continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session. For many families, these meals provide essential support. Teah Collins, customer account specialist with General Mills Foodservice, notes that Chris helped raise over $250,000 for this program.

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The summer program is a monumental effort that requires a dedicated team, and Chris is quick to acknowledge the hard work of the many people involved. He describes his team as having big hearts, and their collective goal is to see the good in what they do and make a tangible difference in students’ lives. The program partners with local businesses and churches to reach more students, offering shelf-stable options like cereal and cereal bars for breakfast and heartier heat-and-serve meals for lunch and dinner.

Chris’s leadership style is a defining feature of his success. He embraces the role of a servant leader, never asking his team to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Whether it’s preparing meals or serving food, Chris leads by example, fostering an environment of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. Teah notes, “Chris has worked so hard to feed the children in Mercer County. His program is top notch! While other districts have struggled retaining staff, Chris has thrived!”

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His team is the backbone of the program, and he works hard to ensure they feel valued and supported. He jokes, “Never in my life did I think I’d be a lunch lady, but it is so rewarding to lay my head down at night knowing that I helped someone, knowing that there are kids who got to eat because of the work we’re doing. That keeps me going.” When hiring new staff, he tells them, “This job will not make you rich, but your heart will grow three times bigger.”

When asked about his most rewarding experiences, Chris reflects on seeing his first group of students graduate — knowing he played a role in their well-being throughout their school years. For Chris, it’s the knowledge that his work has a direct impact on the students’ lives that keeps him motivated. Many of these students rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition, and Chris is determined to provide the best possible options for them.

Chris is also passionate about changing the way school meals are perceived. He knows school food often gets a bad rap, but he hopes to shift the narrative. By introducing creative solutions like Second Chance Breakfast and focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chris is showing that school meals can be both nutritious and delicious. He believes that prioritizing students’ health and well-being is key to their success in the classroom and beyond.

In addition to his daily responsibilities, Chris works with local and state legislators to advocate for improvements in child nutrition programs. His advocacy efforts are driven by a belief that every child deserves access to healthy, nourishing food, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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As Chris looks to the future, his top priority remains steadfast: the students. From their education to their nutrition, he is deeply committed to making sure they have all the resources they need to thrive. Under his leadership, the district’s foodservice programs have flourished, and his impact on the students and community will be felt for years to come.

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Chris Minor

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