Stories from the Report to the Community: District 6 Nutrition Director Wins Silver Plate Award

Danielle Bock might like to call herself a lunch lady, but the director of District 6's Nutrition Services Department is so much more. She is a staunch defender of providing free, healthy meals to all students in District 6, in Colorado, and nationally. She lobbies statewide and nationally for public school meal programs. And, she knows that good nutrition leads to good academic outcomes for students. 

Those are just some of the reasons Danielle Bock was recognized as the 2026 Silver Plate Award winner in the Elementary and Secondary Schools category. This prestigious national award, presented by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, recognized her exceptional leadership and dedication to improving food service for students. 

The award, often called the Oscars of food service, honors individuals whose career achievements serve as models of excellence in the foodservice industry. Award recipients are selected by a distinguished panel of trade editors and former award winners, celebrating those who have made significant contributions across various sectors of the foodservice field. 

"Danielle, your leadership has created a national blueprint for how we should serve students and families," said District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch at a recent school board meeting where Danielle was honored. " You remind us every day that children cannot learn if they are hungry, and they can't learn without healthy food in their bellies." 

Bock was recognized in May at a national event in Chicago. 

"I really, mostly want to say thank you to the 264 nutrition service professionals who work tirelessly every day in this district," Bock said. "This award is not about the work I am doing; it is about the work we are doing as a district."