Stephanie Stuemke, MS, RDN
Avon,IN
Summary
Awards, Recognitions, and Accomplishments
Grants:
- Grantee of SNA's Amtab signage and graphics grant for $100,000 (2024)
- Grantee of Indiana Department of Education's equipment grant for $17,000 (2024)
- Grantee of SNA scholarship to attend ANC 2025.
Other Awards:
- Recipient of Turnip the Beet USDA Outstanding Summer Menus (Silver 2025 and Bronze 2022)
-Recipient of USDA Healthy Meals Incentives/Action for Healthy Kids for the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals for scratch cooking (2025)
Affiliations:
Indiana School Nutrition Association (2018-current)
- Currently serving as the role of membership/public relations since 7/1/2024
- Have attended annual ISNA state conference and previously presented educational sessions in 2023 and 2025
School Nutrition Association (2018-current)
- Have attended SNA's Annual Nutrition Conference since 2022
Summary:
The food industry has played a major role throughout my life and I have experience in many food service settings, including restaurants, hospitals, and schools. I have always been interested in how the administrator of our cooperative has created our cooperative to be so efficient with amazing pricing, rebates, and product portfolio. I have had many conversations with her over the years wanting to learn more in hopes that I could potentially help other school districts. I love the world of K12 Child Nutrition and I knew that's what I've always wanted to do even in college. Being a director has given me vast knowledge on all aspects of Child Nutrition Programs, but my favorite part of my job has always been menu creation, product testing, and product procurement. Without access to affordable products and a vast ingredient portfolio, it's impossible to create menus that excel. I am very knowledgeable of how my school's cooperative is operated and can bring this insight to the table.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Service Director
Danville Community School Corporation
Danville, IN
07.2016 - Current
* Manage and ensure federal compliance of USDA Child Nutrition Programs, including National School Lunch Program, National School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program
* Manage a staff of 40 food service personnel and for two years, a total staff of 70 personnel as both the custodial and food service director. Focus on human resources and covid procedures during this time.
* Develop menus meeting USDA standards, focusing on high-quality, nutritious food, with a focus on scratch cooking.
* Manage the department budget and inventory as well as analyze food and labor costs. Focus on a profitable budget.
* Focus on increased meal participation, food safety, and standard operating procedures.
* Well-versed in biennial State Board of Accounts audits as well as Indiana Department of Education administrative reviews including procurement audits.
* Process free and reduced meal applications, verification, and direct certification.
* Participate in monthly KLIC co-op meetings, including participating in broadline distributer presentations during last two RFPs. Understand relationships of GPOs and distributors and national vs. local bids in addition to incentives within co-op RFP. Participate in food cuttings, RFP evaluation of fresh fruit and vegetable program; Served on KLIC board of directors; Procure and award equipment bids outside of co-op; Procured and evaluated beverage (soda) contract for both the district and food service program. Presented on equipment procurement at ISNA State Conference 2025; Familiar with other solicitations, such as bakery, milk, snack, and produce bids.
* Manage Food Distribution Program and USDA commodities, including monitoring pounds through K12 Foodservice and Processor Link. Maintain relationships with food brokers and manufacturers through co-op meetings.
* Successfully planned and opened high school coffee shop as well as other construction related projects including a new elementary kitchen. Currently planning for the high school kitchen and cafe renovation.
Assistant Food Service Director
Aramark K12
Clayton, IN
07.2014 - 07.2016
* Networked, trained, and worked with other Aramark regional K12 directors.
* Managed a staff of 20 food service personnel.
* Completed menu analysis for administrative review
* Worked in combination of both the food service office and filled in the kitchen when short staffed
* Recorded inventory, waste, payroll, monthly claims, and deposits.
* Assisted in gathering information for yearly budget.
Education
Master of Science - Dietetics
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Dietetics
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05.2011
Associate of Science - General Studies
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL05.2008
Skills
Leadership: Ability to lead a team, foster a positive work environment, and ensure high staff morale As a director, my job becomes easier when my staff can feel confident in what they do and also feel comfortable coming to me with any issues
Communication: Effective communication skills for working with administration, parents, staff, the community, and connecting with vendors, other directors, and affiliated associations
Technical Proficiency: Competence in Microsoft Office, Google Applications, and specialized inventory or POS software (Infinite Campus, PowerSchool, Heartland Nutrikids, PrimeroEdge, MenuLogic, and Health-E Pro Menu Planning)
Problem Solving: Quick decision-making to handle operational challenges, such as staff shortages or ingredient shortages Able to navigate disruptions and interruptions but still maintain deadlines
Certification
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, School Nutrition Specialist, Servsafe
Timeline
Food Service Director
Danville Community School Corporation
07.2016 - Current
Assistant Food Service Director
Aramark K12
07.2014 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Science - Dietetics
Eastern Illinois University
Associate of Science - General Studies
Lake Land College
Master of Science - Dietetics
Eastern Illinois University