Meet the "Lunch Man" — Connor Arteaga

In DeKalb District 428, students know him simply as "The Lunch Man." Connor Arteaga, OrganicLife's District 428 Manager, oversees every aspect of the district's food service program, from compliance and menu standards to financials, staffing and daily operations.

While the responsibilities are extensive, what Connor enjoys most is being part of a community. "In traditional hospitality, you serve guests," he says. "In a school district, you're part of something bigger — a community."

According to DeKalb D428 Food Services Manager Mike Chamness, that community focus is exactly what sets OrganicLife apart. "The communication is excellent. Every member of the OrganicLife team listens to our feedback and when we ask for something, we get results," Mike says. "We all share the same vision to continually elevate the program."

That partnership has made a measurable difference. Mike proudly shared that since partnering with OrganicLife, the district has seen a dramatic increase in fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. "It was important to me when we started working with OrganicLife that we focus on providing healthy menu items. Since then, we've never gone through as many fresh fruits and vegetables as we do now and the kids enjoy them," he says. "That's been a huge success for us."

Connor's creativity shines through initiatives like the district's popular Pizza Challenge, inspired by the TV series Chopped, where students create their own pizza masterpieces while a panel of judges — who have included principals, Board of Education members and the district's superintendent — select a winner. The initial challenge was such a success that other OrganicLife district managers have implemented similar challenges.

Beyond the food, Mike says it's the responsiveness and collaboration that stand out. "You kind of feel like you're their only client because they give you that level of individual attention," he explained. "It's just been a really good partnership."

Whether he's launching a new student-driven initiative or working behind the scenes to strengthen operations, Connor remains focused on supporting his team, staying connected to the school community and ensuring every student looks forward to lunchtime.