Our new Child Nutrition Programs Chef, Jason Dial, originally joined the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in October 2024 as part of the Farm to School team. Immediately before joining FDACS, he was owner-operator of a small hot sauce business based in Tallahassee, Florida. His time as an entrepreneur followed some time working as an R&D food technologist developing dry blends, seasonings, sauces and dressings for large food companies. Prior to that, he worked for many years in the restaurant industry, including a decade in management.
Chef Jason has a passion for food and knowledge that has driven him his entire life. He earned a bachelor's degree in food science and technology and an associate degree in physics, both of which he completed when he returned to college after a long tenure in restaurants. Along the way, he briefly worked in a few unrelated industries, including as a professional astronomer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and for a special effects studio helping make practical effects for movies. Jason is a proud dad and loves to spend time outside of work with his wonderful wife and kids. He is excited to support the meaningful work done by food service departments in schools around Florida.