Staff Reports | Community Updates
For Patti Bilbrey, ensuring Scottsdale Unified School District students have access to nutritious food does not end when the school day is over.
Ms. Bilbrey, director of nutrition services for the Scottsdale Unified School District, has been named a 2026 Summer Hunger Hero by No Kid Hungry, a national nonprofit organization, according to a press release. The recognition highlights individuals working to address childhood hunger across the United States.
Ms. Bilbrey is one of 10 honorees selected this year.
Summer can present challenges for families who rely on free and reduced-price school meals during the academic year. When school is not in session, those meals are not available.
In response, Ms. Bilbrey and the district’s nutrition services team partnered with Scottsdale Community College to implement a “non-congregate” summer meals program. The program allows families to pick up a week’s worth of ready-to-eat, frozen and shelf-stable meals at one time instead of traveling daily to meal sites.
Under Ms. Bilbrey’s leadership, the district plans to serve 135,000 meals to local families during the summer break.
“Patti Bilbrey exemplifies the work of No Kid Hungry,” said Allison Dela Cuesta, associate director of No Kid Hungry. “She is out and about in the community doing what we work and advocate for. But she takes it to the next level. She goes above and beyond and it’s the kids that benefit. It’s always about the kids.”
Ms. Bilbrey said the program’s implementation required coordination across staff and partners.
“Expanding our reach to this new model was a massive undertaking, and there is absolutely no way we could have achieved it without our incredible SUSD Nutrition staff and our exceptional partners at Scottsdale Community College,” Ms. Bilbrey said. “In our department, we are known as ‘Team Awesome’ for a reason, because everyone gives 100% for our students!”
Ms. Bilbrey said the recognition reflects the work of the broader team and community support.
“While this formal national recognition is deeply humbling, the kind words and heartfelt support from our Scottsdale families mean the absolute most to me,” Ms. Bilbrey said. “We do this work with a simple daily reminder, because kids. I am incredibly grateful to ride along on this journey with such dedicated colleagues and friends.”
Ms. Bilbrey and the other honorees will be recognized by No Kid Hungry throughout the year as part of the organization’s efforts to address childhood hunger.
