Hispanic Heritage Profile: Roberto Cantu Warehouse Supervisor, Food & Child Nutrition Services

By Editor On Sep 17, 2021

Taking pride in your hard work is one of the most important things Robert Cantu wants to convey to people about his Mexican-American culture. Cantu is the warehouse manager for Food & Child Nutrition Services at Dallas ISD. He has been working in this role for six years.

“I was taught to be proud of the work. Sometimes that’s the only way we can communicate, ”said Cantu. “Your own work represents who you are as a person”.

Cantu is a product of Dallas ISD and a proud graduate of Skyline High School, born in 2004. His father is a Mexican immigrant from Nuevo León who came to the United States to work in construction and to help his family live better. His mother is a homemaker from Clebourne, Texas. He has been married to Angelica Cantu for four years, a teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School.

Cantu initially followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and worked in construction. He later took the opportunity to work at the Dallas ISD as a cafeteria supervisor and administrative assistant before moving to his current position. He has been with Dallas ISD for eight years.

In addition to his belief in hard work, the Spanish language is the most important part of his Mexican-American heritage for him.

“There are words that cannot be translated directly from English to Spanish,” said Cantu. “But the Spanish language is part of connecting with people. I love how language conveys feelings, urgency and passion. “

Affecting student lives by offering something as simple as a meal is another thing that makes Cantu smile and feel validated. Every day he helps to ensure that every school canteen has all the products that are needed for a healthy diet for thousands of students. For some of them, it is the only meal they can eat all day.

“My job became a passion because I can make a difference every day,” said Cantu. “Sometimes I work 11 to 12 hours a day to make sure everything fits … it’s worth it.”

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