Episode 07
Episode Summary
In this episode of Cafeteria Confessions, we head to Mitkof Island, Alaska, where Carlee Johnson McIntosh, Director of Child Nutrition for Petersburg School District, proves that even in the most remote settings, schools can serve fresh, culturally relevant meals. From earning multiple Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) recognition awards to building partnerships with local fishermen and farmers—sometimes involving travel by boat and a hike—Carlee shares how her team brings real, whole food to students every day.
She dives into the challenges of access, the power of nutrition education, and the importance of honoring Indigenous and community food traditions. This episode shows what is possible when you believe feeding kids is just as important as teaching them.
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About the Guest
Carlee Johnson McIntosh is the Director of Child Nutrition for Petersburg Borough School
District on a small Island in Petersburg Alaska. Carlee strongly believes that feeding children is an essential part of their education, and she strives to provide nutritional foods that children, parents and staff can all enjoy. She has worked with many organizations such as Salad Bars to School, Healthy US School Challenge, Play Every Day, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the local community of Petersburg, AK to work on incorporating school meals as an essential part of the day. Carlee holds an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Management, a teaching Certification in Culinary Arts and further certifications in Holistic Health, and she consistently seeks out further educational opportunities to provide her students with healthy foods that they will enjoy. Currently she is seeking a Masters in Dietetics.
You can listen to Cafeteria Confessions: Serving Up Stories from Lunchrooms Nationwide on you favorite podcast platform:
