Brandon Rabbitt, the Director of School Nutrition for Watertown Public Schools, has been honored as the top school nutrition director in Massachusetts.

The School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts selected Rabbitt as their Massachusetts Director of the Year. In announcing the award, the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts highlighted Rabbitt’s “leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the world of school nutrition.” He was also lauded for his “dedication to student wellness, [his] ability to lead and inspire [his] team, and [his] efforts to increase accessibility of school meals.

“I’m so honored to receive this recognition, but it’s really all about our school nutrition team,” said Rabbitt. “I’m beyond lucky to work with such a hardworking group of people who care deeply about our students. Together, we’re part of a community that truly understands how important school meals are in helping our students succeed in everything they do.”

Shortly before the start of the 2023-2024 school year, Massachusetts became the 8th state in the country to make universal free breakfast and lunch permanent for all students. As a result, and under Brandon's leadership, breakfast participation in Watertown has increased by nearly 40 percent and lunch participation has increased by nearly 30 percent.

“Since Brandon’s arrival in 2017, our School Nutrition program has transformed into one the places student’s health and wellbeing at the forefront,” said Superintendent Dede Galdston. “Brandon and his team have created menus that rival Chipotle and Chick Fil-A. And he is a true advocate for sustainability, composting, and our farm-to-table initiatives, including the recent acquisition and soon to be delivered Freight Farm.”

Nominees for the award are judged in key categories, including program enhancement, staff development, and involvement with the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts. Rabbitt will be honored at the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts Fall conference in October.