For the second official episode of Taste Talks Studio, I had the privilege of interviewing Shaun Sawko, the Executive Director for Food and Nutrition Services at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Mr. Sawko opens up about his journey of getting into the nutrition health field, specifically for schools, and how he was able to take a role and improve different systems for food quality or inclusion. As an experienced nutrition coordinator for various school boards, Sawko has a clear vision of his goals and improvements he hopes to seek for FCPS cafeterias.
His projects include enabling better kitchen layouts for students to receive higher quality food and projecting a diverse food palette for all students from different backgrounds to enjoy and learn from. This includes an increase in Asian food dishes, a wider range of vegetarian/vegan-friendly and halal foods, etc.
Mr. Shaun Sawko’s passion for creating an inclusive and enriching dining experience for students is truly inspiring. His commitment to improving the quality and diversity of school meals goes beyond just nutrition—it aims to educate, celebrate cultural differences, and foster a sense of belonging for every student. By prioritizing accessibility and culinary diversity, Mr. Sawko is not only nourishing students' bodies but also their understanding of the world, one meal at a time.
To learn more about Mr. Shaun Sawko: https://www.fcps.edu/news/man-healthy-plan-welcoming-fcps-new-head-food-and-nutrition-services
Ep. 2 Shaun Sawko - Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services at Fairfax County Public Schools