APS Food Service Chief Honored With Tray Blazer Award

Sandra Kemp says award belongs to entire Food and Nutrition Services Staff and the school foodservice workers who go above and beyond.

Few people can say they’ve been featured on a box of Wheaties, but one Albuquerque Public Schools employee can now claim that honor.

Sandra Kemp, executive director of Food and Nutrition Services at APS, was recently presented with a box of Wheaties with her photo after being selected by General Mills as one of its Tray Blazers. The honor is given to individuals who go above and beyond to feed kids in their community, those who are “thinking big and taking action.”

Only a few dozen people across the country have received the award.

“I believe every day you can make a difference in a child’s life,” she said. “The nutrition we provide is crucial to children being able to learn what they need to become successful members of our community. At the end of the day, it makes it worthwhile to feel like you’ve done something good.”

In its write-up of Kemp, General Mills Foodservice notes that she’s been serving APS for 25 years and oversees a team that provides 32,000 breakfasts and 45,000 lunches every day across more than 140 schools.

“Described by colleagues as hands-on and ready to roll up her sleeves, Sandy inspires her team to give their best every day,” General Mills states. “Her mantra of doing whatever it takes and adapting to the needs of the moment underscores her commitment to the well-being of her students and staff alike. She is quick to share any praise, saying, ‘I want to make sure everyone understands that I really couldn’t do it without my whole staff—and I mean everybody.’”