Serving Up Smiles: Hudson cooks with heart

Cooking with Heart: Hudson Brings Smiles to Students
June 4, 2025

Bennett’s Mill Middle School’s cafeteria manager, David Hudson, nourishes his Broncos with tasty, comforting meals. He relishes the chance to introduce students to new flavors and provide them with nutritious meals, especially for those who may not have much to eat at home. “I have a deep love for cooking,” Hudson expressed. “I strive to ensure that the kids receive high-quality meals here.”

His passion for cooking was instilled by his father, who made sure all male children in the family knew their way around the kitchen. Drawing from his mother’s teachings and experiences working with various chefs, Hudson has developed his own unique recipes, blending science and art. He emphasizes the visual presentation of food, using appealing colors on plates to entice the students to try new dishes.

Managing a team of seven at Bennett’s Mill, Hudson values the collaborative effort in serving top-notch food at their school. He prefers to lead by example, actively cooking alongside his staff rather than being confined to an office. With five years at Bennett’s Mill under his belt and previous experience managing multiple sites, Hudson has built lasting relationships with students, earning their trust to sample his culinary creations.

Additionally, Hudson serves as a training manager for the Fayette County Public Schools Nutrition Program, where he mentors and guides others to ensure that school cafeterias provide the best for their students. He believes that cooking with love is crucial for success in the kitchen, emphasizing the importance of passion in creating meals that he would be proud to serve.

“The Honor Role,” the official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, highlights various employees and their impactful roles in the school community. Through engaging interviews with teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers, listeners gain insight into their personal journeys, inspirations, and motivations. The podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts and promoted on Fayette County Public Schools’ social media channels.