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Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools kitchen teams were honored for outstanding service as Food and Nutrition Services marked National School Lunch Hero Day on May 6, 2026.

FCPS kitchen managers and staff collectively serve more than 100,000 student meals each day. Operations specialists nominate exceptional teams annually based on technical performance and their connections with students and school communities.

This year’s honorees stood out for health and safety, adaptability, customer service, collaborative leadership and increased meal-program participation.

Annandale High School

Annandale High School’s kitchen team serves more than 1,000 breakfasts and lunches daily. The school also frequently becomes a community feeding site during severe weather and special events.

Staff members were recognized for continuing to provide nutritious meals and attentive service regardless of the circumstances.

Brookfield Elementary School

Brookfield Elementary’s team earned recognition for serving quality food while treating every student with kindness and respect. Its organized, efficient work behind the scenes helps create a cafeteria where children feel valued and cared for.

Hayfield Secondary School

The distribution kitchen team at Hayfield Secondary was honored for its professionalism, flexibility and willingness to take on added responsibilities.

Team members cover additional schools, assist multiple managers and respond wherever support is needed. Drivers were also praised for their punctuality, reliability and commitment to the schools and students they serve.

Herndon Elementary School

Herndon Elementary’s kitchen team provides nutritious meals and consistent customer service every day. The team has also maintained 100% health inspection scores.

Katherine Johnson Middle School

Katherine Johnson Middle School recorded a 12% increase in breakfast participation and made significant progress with lunch participation.

The team’s creativity and focus on student satisfaction helped drive that growth while maintaining caring, respectful service.

Lemon Road Elementary School

Lemon Road Elementary’s cafeteria staff was recognized for teamwork, appealing food presentation and personalized service. The cashier knows nearly every student by name, while the server keeps fresh fruits, vegetables and hot food available on the line.

Lynbrook Elementary School

A six-person team works from a Lynbrook Elementary kitchen designed for three people. Despite the tight space, the staff provides Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program snacks three times weekly.

Lynbrook is also the only elementary school serving hot meals for after-school programming four days a week. Its early-childhood, breakfast and lunch programs serve approximately 450 students through a single line.

Mount Vernon High School

Mount Vernon High School’s distribution kitchen operates two breakfast lines, offers second-chance breakfast at two locations and runs four lunch lines.

Drivers also deliver and serve food at Bryant High School and Quander School while completing their regular routes. The team frequently assists other Area 6 schools and was recognized for meeting new challenges with a positive attitude.

Orange Hunt Elementary School

Orange Hunt Elementary’s staff efficiently manages two serving lines so students receive their meals promptly. The manager and employees work across the kitchen to keep operations moving, including when staffing is limited.

Their cooperation helps provide nutritious, well-prepared meals in a welcoming environment.

Spring Hill Elementary School

Spring Hill Elementary’s cafeteria team was honored for taking care of students throughout breakfast and lunch service. Its recognition highlighted food quality, customer service and a persistent focus on student satisfaction.

Union Mill Elementary School

Union Mill Elementary’s kitchen staff creates a welcoming cafeteria where students can feel safe and supported. Their behind-the-scenes work and friendly service contribute to students’ health, well-being and daily success.

Woodburn Elementary School

Woodburn Elementary’s kitchen team was recognized for its efficient, professional operation. The kitchen, office and storage areas remain exceptionally clean and organized, supporting a safe workspace.

Staff members also make student care a priority, serving nutritious meals with kindness, respect and personal attention.