iBites Podcast – S2E2 – Rosalynn Ordonez
Welcome to iBites, the podcast from the Institute of Child Nutrition.
On iBites, we talk with school nutrition professionals from around the country. Our guests share real experiences, practical tips, and proven strategies to support your work. Whether you’re an experienced nutrition director, a manager, or new to child nutrition, this is your community to connect, learn, and get inspired.
Grab your coworkers or your earbuds, put on your walking shoes, or find a comfy spot. It’s time to dive in!
Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you, your dedication, and the difference you make each day in nourishing the next generation.
In this episode, Rosalynn Ordanez shares her best kept secrets for keeping staff engaged and motivated. Rosalynn is a compassionate leader for her school nutrition team.
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The Mix Up Podcast – Episode 30 – Finding Purpose in School Nutrition with Leah Botko
On this episode of The Mix Up, Patrick Garmong sits down with Leah Botko, who shares her journey from starting in food service as a teen to leading school meal programs in Massachusetts—and now stepping into a new role in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
Leah reflects on career growth, mentorship, and the impact school nutrition leaders can have in shaping healthier, more engaging meals for students. Her story offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for anyone working in child nutrition.
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iBites Podcast – S2E1 – Trailblazing Leadership with Tina Hastings
Welcome to iBites, the podcast from the Institute of Child Nutrition.
On iBites, we talk with school nutrition professionals from around the country. Our guests share real experiences, practical tips, and proven strategies to support your work. Whether you’re an experienced nutrition director, a manager, or new to child nutrition, this is your community to connect, learn, and get inspired.
Grab your coworkers or your earbuds, put on your walking shoes, or find a comfy spot. It’s time to dive in!
Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you, your dedication, and the difference you make each day in nourishing the next generation.
In the first episode of Season 2 of the iBites Podcast, Tina Hastings brings her transformative approach to school nutrition leadership. A passionate and humble trailblazer, Tina shares insights on career development, team building, and creating meaningful professional growth opportunities in school nutrition. Listeners will be inspired by her strategic vision and commitment to empowering nutrition professionals.
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The Mix Up Podcast – Episode 29 – Raising the Bar: Brittney Rodriguez
Raising the Bar: Brittney Rodriguez on Scratch Cooking and Food Quality in School Nutrition
In this episode of The Mix-Up, host Patrick Garmong welcomes Brittney Rodriguez, Nutrition Services Supervisor at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in California. Serving over 15,000 students across 28 schools, Brittney shares how her team is making strategic changes to improve food quality, expand scratch and speed-scratch cooking, and strengthen operational consistency. From menu development to workforce training, Brittney emphasizes how thoughtful leadership and strong systems can transform a school meal program. This episode is packed with practical strategies for directors and supervisors aiming to modernize their operations and boost meal appeal for students.
#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals #TheMixUpPodcast
Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
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The Mix Up Podcast – Episode 28 – Andrew Marshall
In this episode of The MixUp Podcast, host Patrick Garmong is joined by Andrew Marshall, Wholesaler-Distributor Relations and External Partnerships at the International Fresh Produce Association. Andrew shares insights into his role as a K-12 liaison and how he’s helping to shape school nutrition programs through fresh produce. The conversation dives into their shared history, the impact of initiatives like “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools,” and strategies for making fresh, healthy options more accessible to students nationwide. Tune in to learn how partnerships and innovation are transforming the K-12 nutrition landscape.
#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals #TheMixUpPodcast
Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
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The Mix Up Podcast – Episode 27– Chela Cooper
In this episode of The Mix-Up, Chef Patrick Garmong chats with Chef Chela Cooper, the Regional Culinary Implementation Specialist for the USDA’s FNS MARO Region at the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition. Chef Chela shares her journey from growing up in a food-focused family in Kansas City to her groundbreaking role in child nutrition. The discussion delves into her passion for culinary education, her unique position at the Institute, and her efforts to enhance school nutrition programs. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of food to nourish and educate!
#CulinaryJourney #SchoolMeals #ChefChelaCooper #TheMixUpPodcast
Music: Dirty Gertie by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe with: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | RSS | More
Announcing ICN’s new Child Nutrition Sharing Site!
Announcing ICN’s new Child Nutrition Sharing Site! Team Nutrition's Healthy Meals Resource System (HMRS) has moved to the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) and is now part of ICN's [Read More]
A Message from our Executive Director
As summer comes to a close, ICN has big things on the way! We continue to see great strides being made with training participants, as well as, with record-breaking [Read More]
30th Anniversary
Technology, means of communication, and many other things have changed, but the mission remains the same. Visit the 30th Anniversary Page to view a clip from a [Read More]