Meet Our Child Nutrition Team
Supporting Healthy Students Through Nutritious Meals
At Harrisburg Global Academy, our Child Nutrition Team is committed to providing students with nutritious, balanced, and enjoyable meals in a safe and welcoming environment. Our experienced nutrition professionals bring decades of leadership, culinary knowledge, food-service management, and school nutrition experience to our campus.
Through participation in the National School Lunch Program, our team works to serve meals that support student health, learning, and overall well-being.
Robert “Bob” Schaffer - Regional Nutrition Director
Robert Schaffer brings 20 years of food-service management experience to Harrisburg Global Academy, including eight years focused specifically on K–12 child nutrition. Throughout his career, he has served as a Cafeteria Manager, Regional Manager, Food Service Director, and District Manager across the Southeast.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bob is a proud father of three and recently became a grandfather. His passion for school nutrition comes from the opportunity to positively influence students by nourishing both their bodies and minds.
Bob believes the school cafeteria should be a place where children can explore new foods, develop healthy eating habits, and strengthen social connections with their peers. He is committed to providing meals that taste good while meeting the nutritional requirements of the USDA National School Lunch Program.
Through participation in the National School Lunch Program, our team works to serve meals that support student health, learning, and overall well-being.
Lester Allen - Regional Executive Chef
Lester Allen is a Regional Executive Chef with more than 20 years of culinary experience. During the past five years, he has focused on child nutrition while serving in positions including Chef Manager, District Chef, and Assistant Food Service Director.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Lester discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager while preparing meals for his family. He later attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated from the Culinary Tech Center in New York City.
His culinary experience includes work with school districts, marine vessels, country clubs, private assisted-living facilities, and healthcare institutions throughout the Southeast, Northeast, and Gulf of Mexico. Although he is experienced in many cuisines, Cajun-Creole and Italian cooking remain among his favorites.
Lester and the Child Nutrition Team will follow National School Lunch Program standards during the 2026–2027 school year. Meals will emphasize nutritious components such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Lester Allen - Regional Executive Chef
Lester Allen is a Regional Executive Chef with more than 20 years of culinary experience. During the past five years, he has focused on child nutrition while serving in positions including Chef Manager, District Chef, and Assistant Food Service Director.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Lester discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager while preparing meals for his family. He later attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated from the Culinary Tech Center in New York City.
His culinary experience includes work with school districts, marine vessels, country clubs, private assisted-living facilities, and healthcare institutions throughout the Southeast, Northeast, and Gulf of Mexico. Although he is experienced in many cuisines, Cajun-Creole and Italian cooking remain among his favorites.
Lester and the Child Nutrition Team will follow National School Lunch Program standards during the 2026–2027 school year. Meals will emphasize nutritious components such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Sekou Brown - Regional Chef Manager
Sekou Brown brings extensive experience in kitchen leadership, menu development, food safety, and multi-site operations. His background includes eight years supporting food programs, six years of military service, culinary work aboard a United States Navy ship, and 15 years in the hotel and hospitality industry.
As Regional Chef Manager, Sekou is committed to developing nutritious, high-quality meals that students enjoy. He works closely with cafeteria teams to support consistency, safety, presentation, and excellent service while creating balanced menus that support student health and learning.
Erica Stevens - Cafeteria Manager
Erica Stevens is a dedicated School Food Service Manager with 10 years of experience in school nutrition and cafeteria operations. Originally from Aiken, South Carolina, she has built her career around providing students with healthy meals in a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment.
Her experience includes food safety, meal preparation, inventory management, staff leadership, customer service, and compliance with school nutrition standards. Erica is passionate about ensuring every student has access to nutritious, high-quality meals each school day.
Nourishing Students for Success
The Harrisburg Global Academy Child Nutrition Team understands that nutritious meals play an important role in student concentration, academic performance, development, and overall wellness. Together, our team is dedicated to creating a positive cafeteria experience where students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.
For questions about school meals, nutrition services, or meal applications, please contact Harrisburg Global Academy.
Nourishing Students for Success
The Harrisburg Global Academy Child Nutrition Team understands that nutritious meals play an important role in student concentration, academic performance, development, and overall wellness. Together, our team is dedicated to creating a positive cafeteria experience where students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.
For questions about school meals, nutrition services, or meal applications, please contact Harrisburg Global Academy.