From Fire Hose to Future Leader: A Journey into a School Nutrition Internship

At Pisanick Partners, we often say hosting interns is our way of paying it forward. Mentorship isn’t just something we do - it’s part of who we are.

This month, we had the joy of sitting down with one of our standout interns, Emma Nemecek from Kent State University, to reflect on her experience in school nutrition. What unfolded was a powerful reminder of why investing in the next generation matters so much.

Unexpected Paths: Discovering School Nutrition with an Internship

Like many dietetics students, Emma didn’t enter her program thinking school nutrition would be her calling.

“I really didn’t know what to expect… School food service was nothing that I’ve ever been exposed to before.”

Over six fast-paced weeks, Emma experienced what she described as “drinking from a fire hose.” And honestly? That’s not accidental. This school nutrition internship provides hands-on experience in public health nutrition, Smart Snacks compliance, recipe development, and leadership growth across multiple school districts.

At Pisanick Partners, we believe interns should see the full picture:

• Public health impact

• Policy in action

• Recipe development and taste testing

• Smart Snacks compliance

• Administrative review preparation

• Professional development training

• Innovation initiatives like Mystery Chef

School nutrition isn’t just serving meals. It’s public health. It’s leadership. It’s compliance. It’s creativity.

And Emma got to experience all of it.

Small Wins Lead to Big Impact

One of the themes that emerged in our conversation was the power of small wins.

“They allowed me to take smaller steps… celebrate the small wins… even if it will be a part of the bigger picture in the long run.”

Rather than “busy work,” Emma worked on projects that will directly impact districts:

• Uploading Smart Snacks compliance PDFs into menu systems for easier district access

• Supporting recipe development and revision cycles

• Participating in taste testing

• Assisting with survey testing and compliance documentation

• Observing practice audits

She didn’t just observe - she contributed.

And that contribution matters.

Mentorship That Moves the Needle

Emma worked closely with Marge and Tina, two leaders who embody our mentorship culture. Mentorship isn’t about micromanaging - it’s about building confidence.

“They really set the path forward for me… being able to be successful.”

The beauty of mentorship is synergy. When a willing mentee meets invested mentors, growth accelerates.

And growth was visible.

Flexibility: The Most Underrated Leadership Skill

School nutrition moves fast. Regulations shift. Schedules change. Priorities evolve.

Emma captured it perfectly:

“You have to just be really fluid… you never know what’s going to come next.”

That adaptability is a core leadership skill - not just in school nutrition, but in life.

When asked how she approaches challenges, Emma shared something powerful:

“Celebrate your small wins… take a little bit of risk… step out of your comfort zone.”

She’s actively working to become a stronger public speaker and leader - and that willingness to stretch herself is exactly what makes someone exemplary.

The Bigger Picture: Public Health in Action

One of the most impactful parts of Emma’s internship was seeing how new dietary guidelines roll out in real time.

She saw:

• Policy translated into training

• Innovation embedded into menus

• Recipe development aligned with nutrition standards

• Compliance integrated into operational systems

School nutrition is often misunderstood as “just food service.”

In reality, it is public health nutrition at scale.

And when you serve 50+ districts, that impact multiplies exponentially.

A Fun Finale: Favorite School Lunch?

We always close our show with one lighthearted question: What was your favorite school lunch?

Without hesitation:

“The mashed potato bowl with popcorn chicken and gravy.”

A classic.

And a reminder that school meals aren’t just about compliance - they’re about memories.

What Makes an Exemplary Intern?

Emma demonstrated what we hope every future intern brings:

• Openness

• Eagerness

• Flexibility

• Initiative

• Willingness to step outside comfort zones

• Commitment to growth

Mentorship only works when someone shows up ready to learn.

She did.

Final Thoughts

Hosting interns isn’t about filling seats. It’s about shaping the future of school nutrition.

Emma reminded us that:

• Leadership starts early.

• Small wins matter.

• Exposure creates opportunity.

• Mentorship creates momentum.

The sky truly is the limit for her career in nutrition - and we’re grateful to have been part of her journey.

Interested in Interning with Pisanick Partners?

If you're a dietetics student looking for an immersive, real-world experience in school nutrition and public health, we’d love to connect. Email us at intern@pisanickpartners.com

Because the next generation of leaders?

They’re already here - and they’re ready.

Watch the full podcast episode: https://youtu.be/VDMjjVWHlkE

Listen on Wherever you get your podcasts: Search Nutrismart Snax