SCASD Food Service

Welcome, Marissa! We're excited for the next chapter under your leadership!

On Monday, May 18, 2026, the State College Area School Board of Directors approved Marissa Schaeffer to be the district’s next Food Services Director.

Schaeffer has decades of food service experience, including as executive chef of the Nittany Lion Inn and managing chef of the Rolling Lion Food Truck.

“This is truly a dream opportunity and I’m honored to join such an outstanding team,” Schaeffer said. “As a parent in this district, I've seen firsthand the incredible work already happening in our food program, and I'm eager to build on that foundation.”

Throughout her career, Schaeffer has managed large-scale kitchen operations, developed fresh, diverse menu offerings, and built partnerships with local farms and food producers.

“Marissa brings extensive experience in culinary leadership, food operations, and community-focused food programs,” said Randy Brown, finance and operations officer. “We are excited for her to join our outstanding food services team.”

Schaeffer and her family moved to State College in 2016. Most recently, she has operated several local food businesses, including Good for All Gluten Free Food, Media Luna Tamales, and Schaeffer Farm. She is president of the North Atherton Farmers Market Board.

Prior, Schaeffer worked as an executive chef and in operations management in restaurants in San Antonio, Texas, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Schaeffer earned an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Incarnate Word in Texas. She also holds a Level 4 certificate in school nutrition from the School Nutrition Association.

She succeeds Megan Schaper, who will retire at the end of the school year after 33 years with the district.