Haleigh Savage Appointed New Food Service Director for Manistee Area Public Schools Manistee, MI — Manistee Area Public Schools (MAPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Haleigh Savage as its new Food Service Director. With a deep passion for nutrition, a strong background in culinary arts, and a commitment to student wellness, Haleigh brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the district’s food service program.
Haleigh earned her Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Sciences from Ohio University, a program that fueled her passion for the intersection of food, nutrition, and community health. Her journey into the world of nutrition began at a young age, as she developed a love for cooking and baking. During high school, Haleigh honed her culinary skills in a career tech culinary class, where she also competed in culinary competitions. She worked for a meal service company focused on whole food promotion and nutrition before pursuing her college education.
While in college, Haleigh fell in love with the nutrition side of cooking and its impact on the human body. Through a series of internships with both adults and children, she discovered her passion for community nutrition—a calling that has guided her professional journey. As a School Nutrition Specialist certified by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), Haleigh is committed to staying up to date on the latest regulations, trends, and products in child nutrition.
“I am thrilled to be joining the MAPS community,” said Haleigh. “Student involvement and nutrition education are incredibly important to me. I want to create a program that not only serves healthy, delicious meals but also educates students on the importance of nutrition and empowers them to make healthy choices.”
Haleigh’s vision for the future of MAPS Food Service includes expanding the availability of fresh, healthy options for students, including larger salad and fruit bars, and promoting whole food options. She is also excited to explore the possibility of urban farming through community gardens or hydroponics. With her background in community nutrition, Haleigh is eager to deepen the school’s involvement with local initiatives and expand the program to serve additional community groups, such as the athletics programs. She would also like to continue the work with the senior members of our community, which Keri did a fantastic job facilitating.
“I come from a school district that embraced ‘firsts,’ and I’m excited to bring that same mentality to MAPS,” said Haleigh. “There’s so much potential to build new programs, engage students in nutrition education, and give back to our community in creative ways.”
Outside of work, Haleigh is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. She’s also an enthusiastic sports fan, particularly when it comes to football and hockey. When at home, Haleigh continues to pursue her love of baking and cooking, and she is a proud cat owner.
Haleigh’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the MAPS Food Service program. She expresses her appreciation for the MAPS administration team and the support of the previous food service director, Keri Carlson, as she transitions into this role. “I’m looking forward to this first year and getting to know everyone in the district,” Haleigh added. “Together, we will work toward our goal of ‘Feeding the Future’ and ensuring that our students receive the nutrition they need to succeed.”
Superintendent Ron Stoneman commented “We are really excited to have Haleigh joining our team. She will be leading the hardworking and dedicated staff of our Nutrition Services Department. Keri Carlson has left enormous shoes to be filled but, we are fortunate to have such a great and experienced candidate with Haleigh.”
Manistee Area Public Schools is excited to welcome Haleigh Savage to the team and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the district’s food service program under her leadership.