Dear Students, Parents, and Community Members of Santa Cruz Valley USD,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I introduce myself as the new General Manager of Foodservice for Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District. My name is Richard Rodriguez, and I am honored to serve this vibrant district and its incredible students, families, and educators.

As a lifelong culinarian, my journey began in the kitchens of resorts and restaurants where I developed a deep appreciation for quality, flavor, and hospitality. Over the years, my path led me to the K-12 foodservice sector, where I discovered my true passion — creating meals that not only nourish students but inspire them. I firmly believe that great food has the power to fuel minds, build communities, and support lifelong healthy habits.

At SCVUSD, my vision is simple and heartfelt: to bring fresh, high-quality food to every campus and to ensure that every student looks forward to their time in the cafeteria. With the support of our dedicated team and our new partnership with Southwest Foodservice Excellence, LLC (SFE), we are committed to preparing meals from scratch using wholesome ingredients and offering diverse menus that reflect the tastes and cultures of our community.

But my mission goes beyond the plate.

I am deeply committed to educating and partnering with students, faculty, and families to promote healthy eating habits and a deeper understanding of nutrition. I believe our school cafeterias should be more than just places to eat — they should be places to learn, connect, and engage. Whether through student taste tests, interactive food demos, or nutrition-focused events, I’m excited to build a foodservice program that encourages curiosity and participation.

One of my key goals is to enhance the overall atmosphere and experience of our cafeterias, transforming them to feel more like inviting, student-friendly retail dining spaces. From improved layouts and engaging visuals to friendly service and comfortable environments, I want every campus café to be a space where students feel valued and excited to dine.

Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community. I look forward to working together to build a foodservice program that not only feeds our students — but empowers them.

Warm regards,

Richard Rodriguez

General Manager of Foodservice

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35

For a full listing of our staff and contact information, click here.

Parents

• Notification of Participation in the National School Lunch Program (SSO Participation)

• ChooseMyPlateProgram

• Food Service - Civil Rights Procedures

• Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Staff

• Catering Menu

• Catering Request Form

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation created a tool to assist in determining whether a snack is healthy.