Katherine Huston
Bozeman
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in nutrition education and program management, notably as Food Program Director at Anderson School District. Proven expertise in menu planning and budget forecasting, coupled with strong grant writing skills. Committed to enhancing school meal programs and fostering collaborative relationships to achieve compliance and improve student nutrition outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Education Expansion Program Coordinator
Montana Team Nutrition
09.2024 - Current
- The purpose of this Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP) is to provide school nutrition program directors with professional school nutrition education and in-person support in key areas to enhance their school meals program.
- This training opportunity is ideally suited for new School Food Service Directors (in position for 0-3 years), or for a staff member stepping into the Director role, to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and support to manage an efficient school meals program with increased confidence and skills.
- This year-long school nutrition training program is specifically designed for rural schools.
- Kate Huston, the Project Leader and School Nutrition Trainer, provides direct School Nutrition Education to School Food Service Directors in rural, high free/reduced eligible school districts.
- The School Nutrition Trainer role has provided training on these topics: providing resources and support to aid districts in meeting state and federal food service requirements.
- Provide assistance and direction in the development of cycle menus that include healthy recipes, and local food options.
- Collaborate with school staff in communicating, developing, and facilitating all aspects of the school meals program, including program compliance and the implementation of policies and procedures.
- Purchasing foods through USDA Foods and local food growers.
- Menu planning (scratch cooking will be incorporated to meet meal pattern requirements), forecasting, and budgeting for this school year through the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
- Efficiently program kitchen operations.
- Preparing schools to meet the new, upcoming regulations of lower sodium and sugar in meals served.
- Instructions on getting to know your school meals program budget, and how to work with what you have.
- Provide training and support in successful grant-writing processes for funding. Participate in evaluation activities (which could include a pre/post survey, knowledge assessments, and provide feedback to determine outcomes and effectiveness of the program).
- Share feedback and project outcomes at the end of the project via an online webinar, phone call, or online survey.
- Monthly meetings via Zoom for regular check-in and support with the School Nutrition Trainer. Schools can request more meetings as needed.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer networking with other participating schools.
- Assistance in developing a tailor-made cycle menu for each individual school, along with support to purchase, prepare, and evaluate the menu.
- Purchasing and forecasting assistance for USDA Foods and DOD Fresh programs through the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
- Guidance and goal setting help schools progress from a heat-and-serve/processed food model to a made-from-scratch food model over the period of two years, utilizing local foods and federally funded entitlement programs.
- School Nutrition Trainer running Peer Education Expansion Program (PEEP) is part of Montana Team Nutrition.
Food Program Director
Anderson School District
Bozeman
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Food Program Director for NSLP and Breakfast Programming grades kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Farm to School Coordinator for school meal programming.
- Extension Teacher in School Kitchen grades 7th and 8th implementing meal programs and garden education.
Reading Specialist
Bozeman School District
Bozeman
09.2010 - 01.2021
- Reading Specialist K-5 Elementary School.
- Special Education Para K-5 Elementary School.
- Library Assistant K-5 Elementary School.
- Assistant Cook in K-5 Elementary School.
Education
B.S. - Elementary Education, Arts Education, Studio Art Diploma Program
The School of Museum of Fine Arts Boston/Tufts University
05.1999
Skills
- Menu planning
- Budget forecasting
- Grant writing
- Compliance training
- Nutrition education
- Customer relationship management
Timeline
Peer Education Expansion Program Coordinator
Montana Team Nutrition
09.2024 - Current
Food Program Director
Anderson School District
01.2021 - 05.2024
Reading Specialist
Bozeman School District
09.2010 - 01.2021
B.S. - Elementary Education, Arts Education, Studio Art Diploma Program
The School of Museum of Fine Arts Boston/Tufts University