Nutrition is important to Jeremy Berry.

Berry, the director of the child nutrition program for the Lincoln County School District, was recently recognized as the state’s Director of the Year.

Only about 1,200 nutritionists in the world have certification to become a school nutrition specialist, he said.

“This Director of the Year award is not just for me, but also my staff, the students, teachers, parents and the community of Lincoln County,” he said. “It is with the support of all these people and the dedication and hard work of my staff, that I have been able to provide insight to districts throughout the State of Mississippi, of the astounding accomplishments of this county.”

Berry will represent the state at the National School Nutrition Association conference in Atlanta “in front of 20,000 peers and over 56,000 members,” he said. “It is my privilege to be able to see Lincoln County Schools receive the recognition they deserve in the child nutrition community. I hope that by receiving this award, I can encourage everyone to pursue his or her dreams, work hard and never give up.”

When the 35-year-old is not feeding the children of Lincoln County, he’s feeding his own — Brady Lucas Berry is 8 and Ruby Lou Berry is 3.

Originally from Copiah County, he’s lived in Brookhaven for eight years.

He attends Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and serves as chairman of the executive board of the district directors for the Mississippi School Nutrition Association.

He enjoys spending time with his kids, golf, working out and building unique furniture.

So what is a nutrition expert’s favorite food? Even professionals must indulge sometimes. Berry loves his grandmother’s homemade macaroni and cheese.

Berry said his best quality is his smile. “I’ve been told it can light up a room,” he said.

If Grandma Stuart is cooking, that will probably happen.