At Claremore Public Schools, the Zebra Nutrition team is working to redefine what school lunch can be.
Gone are the days when school meals were viewed as simply a quick stop in the middle of the day. Today, Zebra Nutrition is focused on introducing students to fresh ingredients, diverse flavors, and nutritious meals that encourage healthy eating habits and a spirit of culinary exploration. Helping to lead that mission is Chef Ryan Dunlap.
Working alongside the Zebra Nutrition Director Janna Ragland, Chef Ryan has played a key role in developing new menu items that bring both flavor and nutrition to students across the district. Beyond creating meals he is helping to change the culture surrounding school nutrition by encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.
One of the ways Chef Ryan accomplishes this is through Elementary Try Days. Throughout the school year students are introduced to foods and flavors they may have never experienced before. From dragon fruit and jackfruit to smoothies and dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, these opportunities expose students to a wider world of food.
Not every item becomes an instant favorite, but that's not the point.
The real success comes from seeing students become curious, ask questions, and willingly try new foods and flavors. Those moments help build confidence and create positive experiences around nutrition.
At Claremore High School, Chef Ryan leads Chef Exhibitions, which share a similar goal while offering students an alternative option during lunch. These exhibitions introduce foods from a variety of cultures and culinary traditions, helping students expand their palates while learning about the world around them.
Some of the highlights from the 2025-26 school year included Bahn Mi Sandwiches, Gyros, Bruschetta Pasta Rosa and Chicken Curry.
"My fondest memories are watching the kids and teachers try something new and seeing their faces light up," Chef Ryan said. "From kindergarteners all the way to the seniors hitting up the chef line, it lets me know that we are heading in the right direction with this program."
For Chef Ryan food has always been about more than cooking.
At an early age he learned from his parents and grandmother, who taught him not only how to prepare meals but also where food comes from and the importance of bringing people together around the table.
"Cooking was and still is a major part of my life," Chef Ryan said. "From watching my parents cook amazing home-cooked meals to my grandmother teaching us about where food comes from, learning to grow vegetables, and raising animals. Food has a way of bringing people from all walks of life together. It makes us smile, laugh, and come together as one, no matter our differences."
That passion eventually led him into a culinary career that spans a wide range of experiences. Before joining Claremore Public Schools, Chef Ryan worked in healthcare food service, fast-food restaurants, retirement communities, and even at a fishing lodge in Alaska.
"My first job was washing dishes," he said. "Then I worked at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a couple of fast-food places, in Alaska at a fishing lodge as a sous chef, and at retirement centers before joining Claremore Schools."
His experience has impacted much more than the menu. Chef Ryan has also helped improve kitchen operations by training staff, implementing new procedures, and establishing standards that allow Zebra Nutrition to serve fresher meals more efficiently.
Outside of Claremore Public Schools, Chef Ryan shares his culinary knowledge as an instructor at Tulsa Tech, where he has spent the past six years teaching classes ranging from kitchen fundamentals and pasta making to sushi preparation and food safety certification.
"It is amazing to meet different people, hear their stories, and learn more about them as we cook," he said. "Teaching also helps keep my skills sharp."
His passion for food education extends beyond the classroom. Recently, he partnered with the YMCA to provide healthy snacks and nutrition education to local families during a community event.
"I had a former colleague who became a manager at the YMCA ask if I could be involved with a food education event," Chef Ryan explained. "I accepted and got to talk with local families about food. It was a great experience, and the children were engaged and full of questions."
Whether he's teaching students in a cafeteria, adults in a classroom, or families in the community, Chef Ryan remains committed to helping people build positive relationships with food.
That commitment aligns perfectly with the mission of Zebra Nutrition.
By introducing students to fresh foods, diverse flavors, and new culinary experiences, Claremore Public Schools is changing how school lunch is perceived. In just a few short years, the district's nutrition program has made tremendous strides, creating experiences that students genuinely look forward to.
Zebra Nutrition is continuing to move forward one meal, one student and one new flavor at a time.