Page 10 - April - June, 2017 CityLine

Beautification Committee Selects Yard of Quarter Winner

Congratulations! Ms. Judith Turner, 291 Bahia Lane East

David Schwake Named School Nutrition Hero

The national, non-profit School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has recognized Food Service Director David Schwake, MS, RD, SNS, of
the Litchfield Elementary School District #79, as one of five 2017 School Nutrition Heroes. Nominated by peers and chosen by the SNF
to represent the many professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving the needs of school children and the community, School
Nutrition Heroes hail from all over the United States.

In addition to working to provide a healthy environment for Litchfield Elementary School District students, David also volunteers his
time for various local organizations. He started multiple initiatives in his district, including a backpack program and the creation of
school gardens, along with the support of the local Kiwanis Club. David has been a board member of the Association of Arizona Food
Banks for nine years, bringing his child nutrition program expertise to help improve student access to healthy foods. The organization
credits David for helping them find opportunities to educate communities, schools and parents about available resources, including the
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and afterschool programs.

He is currently in his third year as board president for Aqua Fria Food & Clothing Bank and is a past board member of the Saint Mary’s
Food Bank Alliance (SMFBA). “David has a driving need to make sure kids are fed healthy meals, and in an environment that they can
learn,” said Troy McNemer, former board chairman of SMFBA. During his time with SMFBA, David was instrumental in their Kids
Café program, which has continued to grow over the years, serving thousands of children breakfast, lunch and afterschool.

David volunteers his time every other Saturday to coordinate a mobile pantry at one of his district’s schools and has recruited volunteers
from his local Kiwanis Club. He picks up food from various grocery stores and bakeries in town to help stock the pantry as well. “David’s
passion, caring and dedication makes him an ideal School Nutrition Hero,” said School Nutrition Association CEO Patricia Montague,
CAE. “His leadership and creativity, both in his district and in community food programs, is admirable.” David will be recognized at
SNF’s Celebration of School Nutrition Heroes, during School Nutrition Association’s 45th Legislative Action Conference in Washington,
DC in April. The annual Celebration is SNF’s signature and sole fundraising event to support the Foundation’s education, research and
scholarships for school nutrition professionals.

10 | Apr-Jun 2017 Issue litchfield-park.org