Celebrating California leaders making a positive difference in communities through nutrition.
The Let's Eat Healthy Leadership Award celebrates professionals who advocate and take action to empower children, families and communities to develop lifelong healthy eating patterns. Since 2019, the award program recognizes leaders and organizations from diverse sectors and backgrounds that advance strategies to further evidence-based nutrition education, dairy-inclusive agricultural literacy and equitable access to nutritious foods that include milk and dairy. Their actions make a positive difference in the health of communities across California.
Learn the stories of this years' recipients & the positive impact they have made in their community.
Get InspiredWe are pleased to announce the Let's Eat Healthy Leadership recipients.
OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY, NUTRITION SERVICES
Anna Luciano-Acenas, RDN, is a supervising public health nutritionist with the OC Health Care Agency and a recognized leader in advancing nutrition education, garden-based interventions, access to healthy foods and safe physical activity opportunities across Orange County.
Gina Osborne, RDN, is a supervising public health nutritionist with more than 23 years of experience dedicated to advancing community health and wellness. At the OC Health Care Agency, she provides strategic oversight for the CalFresh Healthy Living Program, promoting healthy eating and active living through nutrition education and policy, systems and environmental change efforts.
Leadership, to me, is about listening deeply and empowering others. I strive to lead by example, cultivating inclusive environments where every voice is valued, and every effort contributes to a healthier, more resilient community.
JIMMY SANTOSJimmy Santos is the regional director for Beyond the Bell at Los Angeles Unified School District and brings more than 20 years of experience in the expanded learning field. He has dedicated his career to advocating for students and families across Los Angeles by strengthening connections between schools, after-school programs and community partners.
Santos’ work centers on nurturing the whole child, academically, socially and physically, by promoting wellness through nutritious eating, physical activity and inclusive enrichment opportunities beyond the school day. He is known for finding innovative solutions to engage students, empower families and create supportive environments where students feel seen, encouraged and inspired to thrive.
Passionate about student success, I strive to create inclusive spaces where learning, wellness and community thrive together.
DEBBIE FETTER, PhDDebbie Fetter, PhD, is an associate professor of teaching in nutrition at the University of California, Davis, where she teaches more than 1,500 students each quarter in her introductory nutrition course. Her work focuses on inclusive education, with research exploring differences in online and in-person learning environments, as well as health communication and food security.
Dr. Fetter is passionate about making nutrition science accessible and relatable so students and the broader public can confidently navigate health information. Dr. Fetter is a strong advocate of “variety in moderation” and believes there is always room in a healthy diet for foods people enjoy.
My goal is to empower students and the public with clear, inclusive nutrition guidance that supports healthier, more confident choices inside and outside the classroom.
CENTENNIAL FARMCentennial Farm is a three-acre working farm located at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, dedicated to providing high-quality agricultural education for the community. Established in 1989, the farm offers hands-on learning experiences designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of agriculture among participants of all ages.
From September through June, Centennial Farm reaches nearly 45,000 community members annually through free educational programs such as Jr. Farmer Tours, Discovery Days, the Ranch After-School Program and Imaginology. The farm also offers weekend farm and garden classes for adults, covering topics ranging from home gardening and fruit tree pruning to food preservation and hydroponic growing. As a living classroom in one of the nation’s most densely populated regions, Centennial Farm continues to connect communities to agriculture, food systems and healthy living.
Urban communities in Southern California have grown distant from their agricultural roots. There has never been a more critical time to educate children and the public through accessible programs that highlight the origins of their food, fiber and everyday essentials. —Allen Mesick, Centennial Farm Supervisor
Tune into the complete Let's Eat Healthy Leadership Award playlist on our YouTube channel at DairyCouncilofCA .
We share their stories to highlight their efforts and inspire others.