Special to IFN

After 25 years of service to Iredell-Statesville Schools students, School Nutrition Director Tina Wilson is retiring.

Wilson has an extensive background in feeding individuals of all ages, beginning her career at the age of 15. She worked her way up from waiting tables to becoming assistant manager at Prime Sirloin, where she served the public. Later, she worked as the dietary manager at the Gardens of Statesville, caring for the elderly. In 2000, Wilson began her career with Iredell-Statesville Schools, first as a cafeteria manager at Scotts and Celeste elementary schools, before moving to West Iredell High School as the manager, a position she held until 2009.

Believing her experience could be an asset to the district, Wilson applied for and was appointed school nutrition supervisor for middle and high schools. She served in this role from 2009 to 2013, building strong relationships with cafeteria managers and staff.

At the end of 2013, when the previous School Nutrition director retired, Wilson felt compelled to apply for the position.

She often said, “If it’s the Lord’s will for that door to open, I will do all I can to feed the children and support our School Nutrition Team.”

True to her word, Wilson took on the role of director and made a lasting impact on the department and the community.

A Legacy of Financial Stewardship and Innovation

When Wilson became director, the department was over $700,000 in debt. Under her leadership, the department not only balanced its budget but grew its fund balance to over $4 million, which represents a nine-month operating balance, exceeding the federal guideline of a three-month balance.

Wilson’s tenure as director has been marked by numerous successful programs aimed at feeding the children of Iredell County. She always said, “If I don’t take advantage of all available programs to feed the children, then I’m not doing my job.”

At the time Wilson took over, the I-SS Sool Nutrition Department served 35 schools and 30 feeding sites. Today, the department serves 36 schools and 28 feeding sites with a staff of 200 employees, providing meals to over 21,000 students—making it the largest restaurant in operation in Iredell County.

One of her early concerns was that, out of 21,000 students, only 11 percent were eating breakfast and 40 percent were eating lunch. In the 2013-2014 school year, with the help of her team, Wilson addressed this issue by enrolling in the Universal Breakfast Challenge through No Kid Hungry. This program focused on sites with more than 50 percent free and reduced-price students. The district implemented “Grab & Go” kiosks in hallways and breakfast in classrooms. By 2024, breakfast participation increased to 45 percent district-wide, while lunch participation grew from 40 percent to 75 percent.

Another challenge during the 2013-2014 school year was the implementation of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which introduced new nutrition guidelines, including lower sodium, lower sugar, and 100 percent whole grain products. In 2014-2015, the Smart Snack Guidelines were introduced, requiring further adjustments. Wilson and her team adapted to these changes, ensuring the program met federal standards.

Innovative Programs and Expansion

Under Wilson’s leadership, several innovative programs were launched to better serve students. In the summer of 2013-2014, she revived the Summer Feeding Program, providing hot meals to students during the summer while also offering employment opportunities for staff. In 2014-2015, she introduced the online Lunch Application Program, which expedited the approval process for free and reduced-price meals.

In 2017-2018, Wilson launched the After School Supper Program at the district’s three highest free/reduced schools. Recognizing that for some students, school meals were the only meals they received, she worked to ensure these students—especially those in afterschool programs—had access to three meals a day. This initiative was so successful that more sites were added in the 2018-2019 school year. Today, the program has grown to include 20 sites, ensuring that even more students have access to the meals they need to thrive.

In the spring of 2020, when COVID-19 forced school closures, Wilson and her team quickly adapted. They implemented grab-and-go meal services through bus deliveries, school pick-up lines, and enlisted help from other school staff to ensure meals reached every student who needed them. This effort continued until schools reopened in 2021. During this period, all meals were provided free of charge to students. As a result, the department saw a dramatic increase in meals served—growing from 45,000 to over 90,000 meals per week. This surge demonstrated the impact of offering free meals for all: more students were eating. It was also during this time that the department was placed on a “spenddown plan,” marking a significant turning point.

In 2022-2023, Wilson implemented the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, providing free meals to students at 22 schools. The program expanded to 23 schools in 2023-2024, contributing to the district’s current weekly meal count of over 85,000.

Realizing a Dream

One of Wilson’s dreams was to acquire a food truck and vans to serve meals during the summer months. In 2022-2023, with funds from the spend-down plan, this dream became a reality. The district purchased a food van, food truck, and food trailer, which were ready to serve meals by 2023-2024.

Recognition and Retirement

In 2024, the I-SS Summer School Nutrition Team, under Wilson’s leadership, was honored with the “Going the Distance in Innovation” award by the Carolina Hunger Initiative and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. This recognition was for strategies that increased participation, including the addition of the food truck and van.

As Wilson retires, the I-SS Nutrition Department remains strong and profitable, continuing its successful spend-down plan. Her legacy of dedication and innovation will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

When asked about her “Why,” Wilson shared, “No Kid Hungry!” She firmly believes that no child should go hungry, recognizing that hungry children cannot learn.

“In today’s world, there is no reason why any child should go hungry. Regardless of their background, it is not their fault if they are not receiving healthy meals at home,” she said. “We see this every day in our schools. It saddens me, and I knew I had to do everything I could to help feed our children in Iredell County.

“I am thankful and very humbled that God placed me in this position and gave me the wisdom and knowledge to serve His children. Even though I am retiring, I will never stop fighting for School Meals for All Children. I was blessed to never look at this opportunity as a job, but as a mission that God had planned for me.”

A Life of Service

Beyond her work in school nutrition, Wilson has been an active member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Hiddenite for 27 years. She serves on the church’s food committee and has also taught the Ladies’ Sunday School Class. As she enters retirement, Wilson plans to continue serving wherever the Lord leads her. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her family and traveling. Her favorite activity is going to the beach with her family, a time she cherishes deeply.

Mrs. Wilson’s legacy of service—both in her professional life and her personal commitment to her community—will continue to inspire those who have worked with her.