For the past 12 years, Lily Ivanov has been at the heart of Downey Unified’s Food Services Department, ensuring that every meal served supports student growth, learning, and overall well-being. As the district’s Registered Dietitian (RD), Lily oversees everything from menu planning to ingredient sourcing, making sure each breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper meets federal and state nutrition standards.
Her ultimate goal? To provide balanced, nutritious, and appealing meals that not only meet dietary guidelines but also reflect the diverse tastes and cultural preferences of our students. “I want every child to have access to wholesome food that fuels their day,” she says.
A typical day for Lily includes collaborating with food service staff to refine recipes, working with vendors to source high-quality ingredients, and accommodating special dietary needs related to allergies or medical conditions. She also keeps a close eye on food safety, nutritional data, and student feedback to continually improve the meal experience.
One of the changes Lily is most proud of is the modernization of digital menu boards at our high schools, allowing students to easily explore daily options. She’s also excited about introducing new, flavorful recipes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like the BBQ brisket sandwich, featuring tender sliced beef brisket on a fluffy La Brea Bakery telera roll with homemade coleslaw.
When it comes to nutrition, Lily emphasizes the importance of meals that provide adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and balanced carbohydrates to sustain energy and focus. “Fruits and vegetables play a vital role by providing key nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and establish positive eating habits,” she explains.
When it comes to nutrition, Lily emphasizes the importance of meals that provide adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and balanced carbohydrates to sustain energy and focus. “Fruits and vegetables play a vital role by providing key nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and establish positive eating habits,” she explains.
Her personal menu favorites? The tomato bisque soup, baja fish street tacos, and tamales with salsa verde sauce…plus the local farm-fresh strawberries when they’re in season.
As for the most nutrient-packed choices, Lily points to dishes like Beef Rotini, made with 51% whole grain pasta and lean grass-fed beef from a local regenerative farm, served alongside steamed broccoli and a trip to the salad bar for even more color and variety.
Lily believes the ideal lunch for students includes lean protein, whole grains, plenty of vegetables, and fruit paired with water or milk. For breakfast, she recommends choosing a good source of protein, like our freshly made Greek yogurt parfait.
Her advice for students? “Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day, and be open to trying new flavors. You might discover something delicious that’s also good for you!”
And for parents: “Focus on balanced meals with whole foods and limit processed snacks. Encourage family meals and involve your children in meal planning. It helps build lifelong healthy habits.”
As Lily puts it, “Nutrition is a journey, not a perfect destination.” Each school day, Downey Unified’s Food Services team is proud to be part of that journey by offering wholesome, delicious meals that nourish our students’ bodies and minds.