Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alneisha Lakin as the district's new coordinator of food services, effective July 1, 2026.
Lakin brings extensive experience in school nutrition leadership, public health, wellness programming, regulatory compliance and operational management. Her career has been dedicated to ensuring children and families have access to nutritious meals and health resources that support lifelong success.
Most recently, Lakin served as director of food and nutrition for The Nutrition Group, where she led school-based food service operations, directed menu planning in compliance with USDA and state nutrition standards, managed budgets and inventory controls, supervised staff and collaborated with school district leaders and vendors to deliver high-quality nutrition programs. Prior to that role, she served as a program coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and as health and nutrition manager for CDI Head Start serving Charleston County.
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Lakin's experience also includes serving as school nutrition site support manager for Bibb County School District in Georgia, where she supervised school nutrition managers, supported meal service operations across multiple schools, ensured compliance with federal and state regulations and participated in bid development and product evaluations.
A graduate of South Carolina State University, Lakin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics and holds a ServSafe Food Manager Certification. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to student wellness, operational excellence and innovative approaches to school nutrition.
"Providing nutritious meals is essential to student success," said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. "Ms. Lakin's extensive experience in school nutrition management, public health, compliance and operational leadership makes her exceptionally well-prepared to lead our Food Services Department. We are excited to welcome her to the OCSD family and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students, schools and community."
Beginning July 1, the district's Food Services Department will report to the Office of Finance under the leadership of Gail Sanders, assistant superintendent for finance. "School nutrition is about so much more than serving meals, it is about creating positive experiences that support student success," said Sanders. "Alneisha brings a fresh perspective, innovative thinking and a deep understanding of both nutrition and student wellness. I am excited about the creativity she will bring to our Food Services Department as we work to reimagine school meals, introduce new opportunities for student engagement and help students rediscover a love for school lunch. Together, we will focus on providing nutritious, appealing meals that students are excited to eat while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and fiscal responsibility."
Lakin said she is eager to begin serving Orangeburg County students and supporting the district's mission of educational excellence.
"I am honored to join Orangeburg County School District and serve its students, families and employees," said Lakin. "School nutrition plays a critical role in student achievement, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated Food Services team to ensure students receive nutritious, high-quality meals that support their health, well-being and academic success."
OCSD serves approximately 9,597 students across 27 schools and remains committed to providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to discover and develop their person, purpose and platform. Through innovative programming and a focus on whole-child development, the district continues to prioritize student achievement, wellness and community engagement.
