Director of Student Nutrition Laura Woody, previously a culinary teacher, has taken initiative to improve our cafeteria. She most prominently added the Snack Shack to the cafeteria when students came back from winter break but has also changed the lunch recipes.
“My primary motivation was increasing student participation by offering things [students] would like while also remaining compliant with state and federal nutritional guidelines,” Woody said.
Woody was an AHS teacher for several years before transitioning to her current position. She said without that experience, she would not be able to understand students’ needs.
“When making changes to the menu, the first thing I consider is my customers—in this case, students,” Woody said. “Thanks to my background of working with students in a culinary setting, I had a good foundation of what students like and do not like.”
The Snack Shack offers a wide variety of treats for students including slushies, chips sushi and the most popular, frozen yogurt.
“My staff really loves being able to offer food our students enjoy,” Woody said.
During the summer of 2023, the cafeteria went under a complete renovation, which continues today.
“I think it’s improved a lot,” cafeteria staff Veronica Speed said. “We’ve been testing out new recipes and I think that’s helpful.”
Junior Alexia Alonso said she has a positive reception with Woody’s influence and is grateful for the work she has done.
“She had a great environment,” Alexia said. “When she was a teacher here, she had a tea and coffee bar in her room. For FCCLA she was a great adviser.”
The cafeteria has four different cuisine food lines with diverse food options.
“The selection here is crazy, especially for where we are,” junior Gace Justice said. “We are very lucky to have so many options.”