As Dina Davis pushes a cart loaded with cups of sliced melon and berries down the hallway of Williamsburg Independent Schools, doors fly open and joyous cries of “fruit fairy” and “Dina Doordash” ring out from classrooms. There's enough for everyone, thanks to a fresh fruit grant Dina secured.

"Many of these kids are raised by grandparents and often don’t have enough to eat at home," says Dina, who became the school’s director of nutrition a year ago.

Dina never thought she would return to Williamsburg. She grew up as one of eight siblings on a large farm in the hills, but moved away to go to culinary school. Her childhood home was a busy one. Her mother, Pam, not only raised eight children of her own, but took in countless children from families in need. Dina says that her mother’s generosity and selflessness inspire her work for the community.

“We were hungry growing up sometimes, so she relates to these kids,” says Dina’s younger sister, Sharon S. Davis. “She has a special place in her heart for them.”

Dina's homecoming came after 25 years in big cities and a career as an executive chef and restaurant owner. She now cares for her mother Pam, 79, on a farm not unlike the one where she grew up. “It’s a blessing to see my mother every day,” Dina says.

Now, Dina knows most of the school’s 833 students by name. Even during school breaks, Dina continues working, delivering 500 meals a day to children in need in her van.
“She is a really hard worker,” says Beth Woodford, a cafeteria worker.

Dina’s day starts at 4:30 a.m., and by 6 a.m. she is already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast and lunch. “This is more rewarding than any fancy wedding I’ve ever catered," she says. "I’m helping kids. On a career day last year, a little girl dressed up like me. You don’t get that at a country club.”

Dina dabs the sweat from her forehead as she grills hot dogs and ribs at the homecoming football game attended by 300 staff and alumni, taking breaks only to give and receive hugs. Tomorrow she will do it all again.