ScratchWorks

We are excited to introduce Jessica Shelly as the next member of our Advisory Committee! 🎉

As the Director of Student Dining Services for Cincinnati Public Schools, Jessica provides over 55,000 meals every day across 66 schools. Her innovative and forward-thinking approach to child nutrition has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious IFMA Gold and Silver Plate Awards, the FAME Golden Director Award, and recognition as the Ohio Department of Education’s Stellar Nutrition Director.

Jessica’s leadership has transformed school meals in Cincinnati. From salad bars and cultural spice stations in every school to reimbursable meal vending machines and the Clean Label Initiative, she has championed healthy, accessible, and delicious student meals. Her work with programs like the Good Food Purchasing Program showcases her commitment to creating a food system that benefits kids and the community.

Beyond her work in Cincinnati, Jessica serves on several national committees dedicated to improving school meals, including the Chef Ann Foundation Board of Advisors and the School Nutrition Association. We are thrilled to have her expertise, passion, and dedication on our Advisory Committee! 🌱✨

On March 12, California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) introduced Assembly Bill 2316, which would prevent public schools from serving food containing any one of seven toxic colorants. This bill seeks to safeguard Californian children from food dyes linked to a wide array of alarming health harms, such as a higher risk of hyperactivity and other behavioral problems, damage to the nervous system and cancer.
Titanium dioxide has been linked to damage to our DNA and harm to the immune system. In 2022, the EU prohibited it from use in food offered for sale, but it is still allowed in food sold in the U.S.