As director of nutrition at Winona Area Public Schools, Jennifer Walters has developed many programs to increase student engagement, encourage healthy eating habits, and strengthen community connections.
It is because of that work that the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) named Walters the 2025 Minnesota Director of the Year. The award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of school nutrition directors who manage effective school meal programs providing healthy and appetizing meals to students.
On Thursday, with the Winhawk pep band belting out the fight song and the student body clapping along, Walters was announced as the winner in a surprise ceremony. Darcy Stueber, director of nutrition at Mankato Area Public Schools, made the announcement, and Walters’ recognition was celebrated by her husband, Tom; dad, Jim Ihrke; children, Lily and Sam; and the rest of the school nutrition staff.
Walters will be honored when MSNA members meet for their annual conference in Rochester, Minn., in August.
“An exemplary school nutrition program director, Jennifer is an active member and asset to our organization. We’re thrilled to honor her innovative thinking and commitment to her students, program, and profession,” said MSNA President Emily Malone.
Walters has significantly enhanced the district’s farm-to-school program by partnering with local farmers. A standout initiative involves cattle purchased from a student’s family to menu locally sourced protein in her schools. She also expanded the district’s hydroponic farm, which is harvested in the central kitchen to deliver fresh lettuce to schools. The effort improves meal quality, while serving as an educational tool to teach students about sustainable agriculture. Walters actively promotes these initiatives, engaging with parents and local media to highlight the importance of fresh, locally sourced food, while also fostering a sense of community pride.
Walters secured multiple equipment grants to provide critical kitchen upgrades without straining the department’s budget. These grants have modernized food preparation and storage equipment, improving efficiency and meal quality and helping to streamline kitchen operations, increase meal participation, and reduce maintenance costs.
To combat food insecurity and ensure students have access to nutritious meals during the summer, Walters purchased and renovated a school bus as a mobile meal unit to reach the community. She actively engages with the school board to advocate for meal program improvements, presenting data on meal participation, grant funding, and student health benefits to secure ongoing support for initiatives.
Walters is active in her local SNA chapter, continuously finding innovative ways to engage members, such as organizing virtual meetings with guest speakers and fostering collaboration among peers. Her dedication has strengthened chapter participation and enhanced professional development, helping members stay informed on industry trends. A speaker at multiple state conferences, she willingly shares her expertise, presenting on topics such as farm-to-school partnerships to help other directors improve their programs. Walters also coordinates regional training and food shows for area school nutrition staff, offering hands-on workshops and networking opportunities on new regulations, menu development, and innovative cooking techniques to improve staff knowledge and retention. She currently serves on MSNA’s public policy and legislative committee.