In the world of school nutrition, Dr. Betty Crocker, recent SPH Alumnus of the Year recipient, stands out for her tireless dedication to transforming the food environment for students. As the Director of Nutrition Services at Lodi Unified School District in Northern California, Dr. Crocker aims to reclaim the food landscape in her region, working hand in hand with the farming community to empower every child with healthy meals each school day.
Dr. Crocker's path to becoming a leader in school nutrition was anything but conventional. Her journey began with a spark of inspiration from Chef Ann, who introduced her to school nutrition when she was a student at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. Initially aiming to gain culinary credentials for a bed and breakfast, Dr. Crocker's plans took an unexpected turn when Chef Ann came down from Berkeley Unified School District and she witnessed the joy on children's faces as they grew gardens and vegetables that became their lunch. It was that moment that changed her life, and she knew what her calling was.
A Journey of Resilience
Driven by her Type A personality, Dr. Crocker decided to pursue her nutrition credentials and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This decision led her to Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLU SPH), where she found not just an education, but a supportive community that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
Dr. Crocker completed her Master of Public Health in the coordinated dietetics program, where her passion for nutrition truly shone through.
Her academic journey, however, was not without its challenges. Dr. Crocker faced moments of doubt and temptation to quit. During these trying times, the LLU community truly shone. Her perseverance was bolstered by mentors like Dr. Rajaram and Dr. Dwight Barrett, whose advocacy and support proved crucial.
"My academic friends believed in me. My professors believed in me," Dr. Crocker reflects. "When you don't believe in yourself and you let love carry you, it's where life really begins."
Following her master's program, Dr. Crocker discovered a passion for policy and leadership. This realization led her to the Health Policy and Leadership DrPH program, where she found her true academic home. The resilience she developed during her studies served her well as she navigated the complexities of her professional career, including launching her role as a director in school nutrition and later tackling the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making a Difference in Times of Crisis
When the pandemic hit, Dr. Crocker and her Redlands Unified School District team rose to the occasion, serving over 9 million meals from March 2020 to August 2022. This experience not only showcased her leadership skills but also provided the foundation for her dissertation, combining her academic pursuits with real-world impact.
Dr. Crocker's innovative approach to meal distribution during the pandemic led to the implementation of a "grab and go" service in Lodi. This initiative, part of the USDA's non-congregate summer meals program, served an astounding 275,000 meals in the summer of 2024 alone, reaching families who drove up to 45 minutes to access these vital resources.
Leadership and Innovation in School Nutrition
Today, Dr. Crocker's influence extends far beyond her district. She has been tapped to lead the largest USDA Foods collaborative in the country, Super Co-Op, overseeing a $106 million single-bank commodity program. Her roles as public policy and legislative co-chair for the California School Nutrition Association have provided her the opportunity to advocate and work alongside colleagues to influence policymakers and shape new laws impacting school nutrition and the food system.
Dr. Crocker's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was awarded the Let's Eat Healthy Leadership Award by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Dairy Council of California, recognizing her outstanding contributions to nutrition education and healthy eating initiatives.
Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals
When asked what advice she would give to current students at LLU SPH, Dr. Crocker's response is heartfelt and passionate, emphasizing the importance of passion as a driving force, especially when faced with challenges.
"Follow your heart in all that you do.," Dr. Crocker said. "It's really cool to talk about, but it's not easy to do. You will need that passion to fuel your pursuits.”
Dr. Crocker also speaks to the importance of community and collaboration. "There is no us and them," she states, encouraging students to break down barriers and work together towards common goals. She credits the supportive environment at Loma Linda University for helping her through difficult times, reminding students that it's okay to ask for help and lean into their academic community.
A Legacy of Service and Innovation
As Dr. Crocker accepts the Alumna of the Year award, she stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to service. Her journey from a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef to a leader in school nutrition policy and practice demonstrates the diverse paths that public health professionals can take to make a significant impact.
Through her work, Dr. Crocker is not just feeding students; she's nourishing the future of school nutrition. Her innovative approaches to food distribution, her advocacy for policy changes, and her commitment to connecting farms to schools are setting new standards in the field. As she continues to push boundaries and inspire others, Dr. Crocker embodies the values and mission of Loma Linda University School of Public Health, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Alumna of the Year award.