Mallory Whorton; School Nutrition Coordinator; Cartersville City Schools; Cartersville, Georgia
It’s not often someone describes their work as the “best job ever,” but that’s precisely how Mallory Whorton kicked off the conversation. Hearing her describe her passion and dedication for childhood nutrition was truly an inspiring experience.
With a background in culinary and hospitality management followed by a degree in HR management, Mallory initially entered the school system through the payroll/finance department. However, her involvement in foodservice paired with her skills in the kitchen and marketing paved the way for her current role. She displays a seemingly endless drive as she’s currently pursuing a master's and director certification from the University of Georgia.
Spanning primary, elementary, middle, and high schools, Mallory orchestrates a harmonious blend of administrative prowess and culinary magic that brings joy and nourishment to every student. While her office often deals in strategy and planning, she shared how the real enchantment happens in the kitchen where she engages in recipe development by collaborating with managers on menu planning. She takes pride ensuring every student is not just fed but experiences the joy of a well-balanced, delicious meal.
Beyond the regular school year, Mallory spearheads additional programs, running a summer feeding initiative that delivers meals to kids during school breaks. The Seamless Summer Option, supported by the USDA, ensures free meals for those under 18, extending the reach beyond the direct school system to encompass the entire county.
The Backpack Buddies program further addresses weekend food insecurity, with community volunteers ensuring discreet deliveries of backpacks filled with food to kids in need. The initiative has a unique fundraiser which Mallory will be partaking in this year. She and other contestants will be participating in a dance competition with the goal of raising around $2 million!
Mallory coordinates with local allies like the Toyo Tire plant to contribute to Thanksgiving meals, highlighting the community's crucial role in supporting these initiatives. Outside of holidays, providing meals during breaks can be challenging, emphasizing the important work she does to rally ongoing community support.
Under Mallory’s leadership, the school nutrition team takes pride in their made-from-scratch menu, challenging the negative stereotype that often surrounds school food. Innovations like Korean beef ramen and Taco Tuesdays with homemade salsas and guac keep the menu exciting. The famous homemade cinnamon rolls, known even to students from years past, are celebrated on special edition tee shirts with proceeds supporting students in need. In collaboration with General Mills, the team ensures quality, grab-and-go options, particularly important for breakfast in elementary hallways and classrooms.
A genuine source of gratification for Mallory is their annual back-to-school event where they open up the cafeteria for the parents and community members to come taste for themselves the delicious, high quality meals the schools serve. Engaging with the community this way not only brings awareness but crucial support for their initiatives. Mallory says, “Beyond highlighting the quality of the food, the event also showcases our staff and how hard they work every single day for all the kids in the community.”
Another proud moment for Mallory is Cane's Cooking Time where she works with middle schoolers to teach them to cook certain recipes from scratch. Engaging in hands-on education like this fosters skills and experiences that extend beyond the kitchen. Mallory says, “Building those relationships with kids gives them the strength to cook for themselves at home or to consider foodservice as a career.”
Mallory's infectious energy not only enlivens her role but also serves as a beacon of reassurance. We thank her for her unwavering dedication as she wholeheartedly commits herself to the crucial task of ensuring children in her community receive nourishment on a daily basis. Her relentless efforts reflect a profound commitment to the well-being of others, making her a source of inspiration and a driving force behind positive change in her community.