For more than three decades, Peggy House has been a familiar face in Metro Nashville Public Schools, serving nutritious meals with a warm smile.
As a manager in Nutrition Services, she splits her time between John F. Kennedy Middle School and Thomas Edison Elementary, overseeing a team that helps ensure every student has the option to eat breakfast and lunch each day, at no cost. For House, her job is more than the food – it’s about creating a welcoming environment, nurturing relationships with students and spreading kindness throughout her school. 
House’s journey with MNPS began in 1992, inspired by her family’s legacy. Her grandmother worked in a school cafeteria, known for her homemade peanut butter bars and sugar cookies. After graduating from Tennessee Tech and having children of her own, House considered following the same path.
Encouraged by her mother-in-law, a cashier at Apollo Middle School, she took a job in school nutrition for its flexibility. Thirty-two years later, she’s found not just a career, but a calling.
“It’s a career, but it’s also mothering,” House said. “At school nutrition conferences, they always tell us to think of what we do as a career. But for me, it’s more than that. It’s about taking care of the kids, making sure they have what they need.”
Her dedication extends far beyond the cafeteria. Over the years, House has trained and mentored countless team members, helping them grow into leadership roles. She takes pride in seeing her nutrition leads become managers, even though it’s bittersweet when they move on to different schools.
“I always tell them I’m just a phone call away,” she says. “I want to see them thrive.”
Paulette Parkhurst, nutrition lead at JFK, has worked with House for more than 16 years and has built a lasting friendship in and out of the cafeteria.
“Ms. Peggy is a very hard worker; most people cannot keep up with her,” Parkhurst said. “She has a heart of gold.”
Creating a Welcoming Space
At JFK, the largest middle school in the district, House and her team serve hundreds of students each day. She understands that for some, these meals provide a consistency they can count on. Every student who comes through the cafeteria line is guaranteed a meal, no questions asked.
Beyond serving food, House creates an atmosphere of warmth and calm in her kitchens. Her team is diverse, bringing together different cultures and backgrounds, but they all share the same goal -- taking care of MNPS students.
“We spend eight or nine hours a day together,” she said. “We grow together. It’s a family.”
One of the best parts of the job is when House gets to see current or past students outside of school.
“They’ll come up to me, all excited, and say, ‘Ms. Peggy, you were my lunch lady!’ And then they’ll tell me about going to college or their future plans. It’s the best feeling.”
As she looks ahead to another school year, House is excited to welcome new students, reconnect with returning ones and see the next group of managers step into their new roles. And while people often ask when she’ll retire, she isn’t in any hurry to step away.
For those considering a career in school nutrition, House has a simple message: “It’s flexible. You never work weekends or holidays, and you’re off in the summer. Try it out.”
At MNPS, Nutrition Services staff play a vital role in the school community. They do more than serve meals – they create a welcoming space where students feel cared for. And for 32 years, House has been at the heart of it all.
What's on the Menu?
Learn more about Metro Schools nutrition services, and check your school's daily menu online.