GSNA Georgia Gems Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

Georgia

Gems

INSIDE: Tell Your Story for GSNA Embracing Change as a New Director The History Behind Georgia Gems

2023-2024 GSNA Executive Committee President Cathy Johnson - Richmond County

Chair of District Presidents Dr. Dana Bing - Columbia County School Level Section Chair Amber Martin - Butts County

President-Elect Kimberly Kiker - Calhoun City

System Level Section Chair April Cox - Hall County

Secretary Dee Mathis - Hall County

Advisor to the President Cheryl Jones - Hall County

Treasurer Sandra Thrift - Ware County

State Staff Advisor Dr. Linette Dodson - GADOE

Georgia School Nutrition Association GSNA Office 2372 Main Street Tucker, Georgia 30084 Phone: 770-934-8890 or 1-877-221-8733 Fax: 770-934-8917 www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com

Executive Director Laura Lynn Exhibits/Marketing & Communications Coordinator Patrice Cayce Financial/Membership & Meetings Coordinator Daphne Webb GSNA Instagram @georgiasna

GSNA Facebook www.facebook.com/GeorgiaSNA

GSNA YouTube GeorgiaSNA

GSNA Twitter @GA_SNA -2-

Inside This Issue From the President

4

From Past Presidents

5-8

Tell Your Story for GSNA

11

School District of the Month - September

13

Award Deadlines

14

Embracing Change as a New Director

15

Your Equipment IQ

17-18

Voice of School Nutrition

19

Fall Expo

19

GSNA Foundation

22-23

National School Lunch Week

23

School District of the Month - October

25

Did You Know? The History Behind Georgia Gems

26-27

School District of the Month - November

29

GSNA Officer Election 2024

30-31

Sparkle Where You Are! Manager‘s Retreat

32-33

Spooky Good Times - Halloween 2023

35

Celebrating World School Milk Day

36-37

Thankful Grateful Blessed - Thanksgiving 2023

39

Around the State

43-45

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From the President

Happy Holidays my GSNA Friends! I closed my eyes to blink, and the first half of the school year disappeared.

Therefore, my focus word for the next several weeks is savor. I want to savor all the moments and experiences that come during this season. One of my favorite things about working in a school district is the opportunity each year to experience the holidays through the eyes of children: school nutrition’s annual Thanksgiving feast, children’s handprint Christmas trees lining the walls of the halls, decorating our cafeterias and serving lines, all the holiday programs with students singing carols, staff luncheons, and in Richmond County, our Annual Holiday Ornament and Sock Exchange. Spend time each day savoring the sights and sounds around you.

Be present in the moment, not focused on the next project or event. Before we know it, we will be ushering in a new year!

Speaking of the new year, we have some amazing opportunities to grow, learn, and connect coming up in 2024! Equipment Academy is back and promises to be even more incredible than previous years with an expanded maintenance track and more hands-on activities. Join us at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia, January 10-12 for this one-of-a-kind event. Moving into late February we will have four, count them, four SNAP training events! With sessions located strategically across the state, this is a wonderful chance for nutrition programs to invest in our most valuable resource, our front-line staff. Lastly, I feel good because GSNA’s got a brand-new bag in 2024. So, get up offa that thing and join me in Augusta for a conference you will not forget!

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from my family to yours!

Cathy Johnson 2023-2024 GSNA President JohnsCa@BOE.Richmond.K12.GA.US

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From Past Presidents What Does GSNA Mean to You?

Teresa Stevenson 2009-2010

“Being a part of GSNA means collaborating with all members of GSNA for one purpose-to feed our future generation of children and allowing them access to nutrition education for a healthier generation. As I traveled around the State when I was president, I met so many wonderful people sharing this same vision and mission and I truly began to live my dream of us all being a family that cared for our children. When people ask me why they should become part of GSNA or become active in GSNA, I ask them why not? This is our professional organization where we have a voice in school nutrition, and we need that collaboration among each other to stand for our purpose presently and for our future generations.

And basically because…We are Family!!”

“What GSNA means to me: OPPORTUNITY GSNA was the tool, the Catalyst, for myself and my staff, providing the Opportunity: *To Grow in our profession *To Learn *To Develop Relationships *To Travel *To Share with others Challenges, Successes, Experiences *To have Fun and Develop life long friendships.

I am so thankful for this amazing organization that focuses on all aspects of School Nutrition from Industry to Legislation to Education and of course to the Students and the SNP Staff who are “Building Healthy Children Ready to Learn.”

Cindy Ham 2007-2008

“When I became a School Nutrition Director, it was the best thing I ever did. Becoming involved in GSFSA and GSNA cemented my desire to be a part of this great service to children. Through programs, leadership and learning the association showed me how important our programs are and how important we are to this service. My biggest enjoyment was seeing the “light bulb” going off when our managers and staff realized that they really did have a career and they were important.”

Lana ElliottFreeland 1997-1998

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“The Georgia School Food Service Association to me meant providing an exchange of ideas and sharing experiences among the members. I am proud of the association’s efforts and work to provide every child adequate school food services.

I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve some wonderful loving people. They were patient with me and shared some valuable ideas to help me to expand my knowledge. I appreciate all the people I met along the way. I will be forever grateful.”

Marian Tharpe 2004-2005 “GSNA has been and will always be an important part of my life. As a member, I increased my circle of lifelong friends tremendously.

Those friends helped me grow and develop many hidden skills and talents. With their encouragement and support I proudly became president of this wonderful organization, an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. As president, I tried to reciprocate, by encouraging others to become members and get involved in GSNA, develop pride in their profession, meet new people and most of all enjoy the ride. I am so proud to be a member of GSNA. I will treasure every memory of this voyage for the rest of my life.”

Jimmie Barnett 2006-2007

“When I first joined the ranks of school nutrition in July 2000 I was told I had to join the local association, state association and national association and here’s how much you pay in dues. There was no explanation as to what each of these associations were about, I was just required to pay dues and join. I soon learned there were local meetings to attend where members were selected to help with a committee, sell pans for a fundraiser and assist with the scrapbook for a gold scroll at the state conference – this was good because we always had the best refreshments. It wasn’t until I became a local nutrition director that I truly understood the role of our Georgia School Nutrition Association.Aside from the meetings, fundraisers, membership Cheryl Jones drives, and participating in fun events, GSNA is OUR voice in 2019-2020 school nutrition.

We’re not “JUST” cafeteria workers – we are an integral part of education and research shows that hungry kids don’t learn to their fullest potential. We see more students in a day than any person in the school – you and your staff are important, what you and your staff do for students is important, this program is important and we are professionals. School Nutrition Professionals Make it Happen Each and Every Day. I’m proud to be an active member of GSNA and I thank you for all you do.”

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“When I began my job as supervisor for the Gordon County Schools, my new friends told me, “If you want to know what’s happening in this program, you must join the Georgia School Food Service Association and the American School Food Service Association and attend the meetings.

Good advice! I immediately made new friends, learned from them and attended meetings sponsored by the Associations and the State Department. Before long, I realized that this was the profession for me… It was not just a job. Josephine Martin convinced me that I was working for the children…healthy children. Almost instantly, I loved the Georgia School Food Service Association and the American School Food Service Program. The names have changed Mary Nix over the years to reflect program changes. I wanted to be involved 1977-1978 because we were working for the children.

Through the years, I was fortunate to have worked on committees at the state and national level and to have served as president of both associations.

The Georgia School Nutrition Association and the National School Nutrition Association are still dear to my heart because they represent the work that is still being done by members for children. I am honored to be a life member of both associations.”

“GSNA, to me, means Family! As an active, passionate member of our association, I’ve been able to meet “family” from all around the state that I would not have met if it were not for GSNA. Those relationships have poured into me in various ways, but all have enriched me. GSNA provides opportunities for networking and professional development that supports learning and growth that can lead to career advancement. Maya Angelou said, “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach HEARTS is wise!” And GSNA is rooted in the hearts of our members.”

Alyssia Wright 2022-2023

“I served as President of GSFSA, as it was known in 1975 - 76.

During my time as President, we hired the first Executive Director for the association. School Nutrition was a wonderful life for me. I loved working with some of the most wonderful, dedicated, loving and caring people and they became lifelong friends. I had great opportunities to be a part of serving thousands of children every day. And hopefully making a difference in helping them to learn. I loved my job and was blessed to work in it for almost 30 years.”

Dot Dusenberry Pirkle 1975-1976 -7-

“GSNA means the world to me. The people and the mission that it stands for emulate the mission of school nutrition, to feed and care for our students.Twenty eight years ago I would have never imagined that a job would become my passion and this shy young girl would stand before hundreds of people as the GSNA State President. GSNA has guided me, nurtured me, encouraged me, and most of all become my family. GSNA helped me find my why.”

Nicole James 2018-2019 "I have often said that my involvement in GSNA gave me a greater purpose. Interacting with such dedicated and hardworking members who have the same satisfying career choice, and who want to make a difference by continuing to learn and grow, make me proud to still be affiliated with Georgia School Nutrition Association professionals.”

Nancy Rice 2000-2001 “After 25 years I am still filled with a bit of awe that I had the privilege of serving as President of GSNA. What an experience!! Representing Georgia school nutrition professionals was a great honor and enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. I am grateful!”

Tessany Lockhart 2020-2021

Joan Kidd 1998-1999

“Connection.

Relationships.

Friendships.

Fellowship. Family.

Memories.

Professional development.

Personal growth.

A voice. History.

Legacy. Love.

A journey of a lifetime!”

“I loved my time as the President of GSNA! I grew so much and the support was awesome!! I feel very blessed for the opportunity to have made lifelong friendships and memories!”

Regina Williamson 2016-2017 -8-

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Tell Your Story for GSNA Dee Mathis GSNA Legislative Chair How do you advocate for school nutrition? Tell your story. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of school nutrition employees and children? The best way to start is to tell your story and help make a difference. An advocate is someone who publicly supports a cause and GSNA wants you!

One of the first steps in advocacy is to become an active member in GSNA. Don’t say “I’m not good at speaking” or “there is someone else who can”. It’s important to become involved so you know what issues and challenges our state employees are dealing with daily. The GSNA Position Paper is a great way to stay informed on what we are advocating for each year. No other organization fights for you with one voice along with our children.

The GSNA position paper has talking points that help guide everyone in better understanding and presenting our issues to our representatives and other organizations. It is important to gain support through telling “our story” and the continuing struggles we face. Your legislator needs to feel impacted or emotionally affected by your story. Whether it is communicating face to face or by email, always have your information, pictures or stories, easily accessible to help make a difference. They want to know what is happening in the areas they represent and who it is affecting. How do their voting constituents feel about the issues? If you can make a connection then you can get their support. Let them see your love for school nutrition and always remember that you are representing every person in our field.

As a citizen, you have the most powerful tool by using your vote and voice. Hearing from you makes a significant impact by everyone having one voice in GSNA’s Position Paper. Your Representative, Legislators and Senators, along with their staff, don’t know what is happening in school nutrition unless you tell them. Invite your state and local legislatures to your school to have a delicious Georgia grown meal.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER

2023-2024 Award Deadlines AWARD

SEND TO

DUE DATE

GSNA AWARDS FORMS: https://www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com/awards -14-

Embracing Change as a New Director India Smith Assistant Director Muscogee County School Nutrition Program

The world has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, and the School Nutrition industry is no exception. Though we are all fatigued by the mere mention of the pandemic, it is important to recognize the unique experiences of new School Nutrition Professionals and offer encouragement as they dare to lead during such unprecedented times.

Stepping into the role of Assistant Director mid-pandemic has had its unique challenges. In many ways, I found myself becoming the face of all unwelcome change, tasked with navigating new territory characterized by staff shortages, limited resources, and altered processes.

The pursuit of learning the program's history and current state, coupled with the urgency to pivot for the future, required both focus and flexibility. It was much like learning to dance with a partner whose steps continued to change.

Today, we find ourselves in an industry reshaped by the aftermath of the pandemic, and this evolution necessitates a corresponding transformation in leadership. As leaders in the unfolding narrative of School Nutrition, we must embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement while navigating tough decisions and cultural shifts.

It's about transforming a mindset from "why" to "why not," challenging the status quo, and fearlessly championing what's best for the program. In a world where unpopular opinions may be the key to progress, our role demands boldness. Be empowered to challenge the "we've always done it that way" statement as a necessary step towards fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Each day, strive to cultivate a culture that values open dialogue and encourages team members to question existing processes. Although this approach will undeniably present hurdles, it serves as a catalyst for guiding your team toward a brighter, healthier future. We know change is inevitable, but, as leaders, we have the ability to cook up our own recipe for success (pun intended).

To all new directors, assistant directors, coordinators, and managers, this is not just a job; it’s a commitment to nourishing potential. The joys woven into School Nutrition are profound and multifaceted.

While the challenges of our roles may be complex, our mission at its core is quite simple-feeding children. So, keep striving, keep leading, and know that your efforts are making a difference.

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Your Equipment IQ Tiffany Ridley, PMR When I was asked to write an article about commercial kitchen equipment, I thought to myself “Wow, where to start?”. I gave the topic considerable thought, and I decided that a 100-foot view would be my best starting point and approach. From one hundred feet, I see a magnificent school kitchen footprint. In the footprint I see double stacked convection ovens, combi ovens, tilting skillets, kettles, fryers, serving lines, and dish machines all appearing as squares and circles on an architectural blueprint. As I move in to a closer more reasonable 10-foot view, suddenly the equipment sparkles with its stainless-steel exterior, polished doors, and colorful display screens.

Each of these magnificent pieces of equipment awaits the caring touch of a school nutrition staff member, eager to prepare thoughtful and delicious meals for students of all ages and grade levels. The allure of the shine can make some staff members excited to get started pushing buttons, opening doors, being creative on new menus and entering them into the smart technology of the equipment.

But on the other hand, there are staff members in the same kitchen, standing shoulder to shoulder with their eager peers, who are riddled with fear. This feeling of fear comes from a lack of knowledge and little experience with commercial kitchen equipment. For an individual who is new to a commercial kitchen the magnitude of it all can be very intimidating. In my experience the best way for someone to overcome these feelings of intimidation and fear is to improve their equipment IQ. To increase a person’s equipment IQ, there must be levels of training.

Like all things, more knowledge and practice make things easier.

With knowledge and successful practice comes confidence and the feelings of fear and intimidation begin to decrease and may disappear altogether.

With staff shortages and lack of financial resources finding the time and means for training can be extremely challenging. I have no doubt that in school kitchens across Georgia cafeteria employees are working hard to complete their own set of tasks, much less finding time to train their peers. (continued on page 18) -17-

(continued from page 17) As in life, when things get tough it is always good to lean on someone or something that can make things easier. I have always considered the school nutrition industry the best industry to be associated with.

When I was at the school district level, I was so touched by the willingness of my peers in other districts to lend their knowledge and ideas. Now that I am on the other side of the fence as an industry partner, I can truly say support exists here as well. Industry partners all share the same goal as school districts, to feed students. Industry partners want to help and offer many resources. Often the most valuable resource they can offer is training.

Industry partners are eager to teach, train, educate and support in any manner necessary so that each student receives the caring and loving meals they deserve each and every day.

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Voice of School Nutrition Thomaston-Upson School Nutrition Hydroponics #13 Voice of School Nutrition Upson-Lee Elementary 5th Grade Gardening Club and the ThomastonUpson Nutrition Advisory Council are planting spinach, cucumbers, and various types of lettuce in Hydroponic systems to share with the school nutrition dept. The kitchen will prepare the produce and incorporate it into student meals. This form of gardening introduces healthy eating and food security with an interactive and hands-on approach.

Plants that grow in hydroponic systems have the potential to grow faster and have higher yields than those grown in the traditional method of soil. The students are eager to eat the harvest of their labor.

#gsnaminded #farm2school #schoolnutrition #ULProud #georgiaschools #georgiagrown

FALL EXPO October 16, 2023 Classic Center, Athens, GA

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We are happy to announce the hotel reservation link for the 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibits is now open. Make the most of the conference by getting your reservations early. See you soon in Augusta!

HOTEL RESERVATION LINK -20-

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

GSNA Foundation Alyssia Wright, Foundation Chair & Past President Greetings Family!

It gives me great pleasure to serve as your Georgia School Nutrition Foundation Chair, one of my first duties as immediate Past President. Well, this year is in “full swing”. Before I share what’s new, I’d like to share the purpose of the foundation. The Foundation collects financial donations either directly, through our silent auctions, fundraisers, or by our 50/50 events throughout each year. The funds go directly back to our members in a number of ways. Some that you should look into include: ● Scholarships: Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 are available each year to Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA) members and their children. The number of scholarships given depends on the budget.

In addition, the Frances Coleman Griffin Scholarship awards $1,000.00 yearly to a member who is getting state certified in school nutrition. All recipients must be pursuing college credit courses leading to a degree at an accredited college or university. ●Grants-in-Aid: Grants of $500.00 each are available each year to GSNA members. The number of Grants awarded varies each year according to funds available. Grants may be used for continuing education needs, including books or travel expense. ●Manager's Retreat: A training program targeted to the school food service manager. Eight hours of specialized topics and sharing of best practices in a small group setting. Funding includes overnight housing, meals, materials, and trainers. ●GSNA Leadership Academy: Foundation donations provide training facilities and materials for Leadership Academy members. Members commit to a yearlong process of training and meetings. The purpose of the Leadership Academy is to train GSNA members who show leadership potential to take on additional leadership roles and responsibilities within GSNA, at the local, district, and, eventually, the state level. The skills learned may be applied to leadership positions in the member's employment and community. ●Executive Leadership Workshop February 6-7, 2024 Courtyard Marriott – Decatur, Georgia GSN Foundation has the pleasure of hosting Professor Evelyn Williams from Georgetown University February 6-7, 2024. Professor Williams will conduct a transformational leadership (continued on page 23) -22-

(continued from page 22) skills workshop centered around creative thinking and the power of influence. See the GSN Foundation advertisement for more information on this event. The registration information is coming soon. ●GSNF Fundraiser – The Golf Visor Buy one for yourself or your whole school nutrition team. It’s PAR-TEE-TIME…you don’t want to miss out! Proceeds raised will support GSN Foundation Scholarships and Grants.

Cost is $15 each. Click HERE to order.

For more information about the Foundation check out the GSNA website today!

National School Lunch Week

October 9-13, 2023

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SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MONTH OCTOBER

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DID YOU KNOW? The History Behind Georgia Gems When we reached out to the Past Presidents to gain some insight on what GSNA has meant to them, Ms. Mary Nix sent us a very interesting story about the history of what we now call “Georgia Gems”. This got us looking Mary Nix for these newsletters and the history story of our organization found in these documents is fascinating to say the least.

If you are ever in Tucker, stop by and take a look at these historical documents that are so much a part of who we are today!

Since I joined the School Lunch Program Staff after the Georgia News Letter began, my memories do not start at the beginning but I soon learned that it was a good source of information. I looked forward to every edition.

I learned that the copies we received were typed on a green stencil. OOPS! If you made a serious mistake, tough luck, you just had to start over. There were no corrections on the stencil. The typing numbers and letters actually cut the stencil, printing on 8 ½” x 11” paper. If you were brave enough, you could try to draw or write on the stencil. Successes were few. The stencil was then placed on a drum that had some type of black ink or powder in it and we manually turned it so the “ink” would actually go through the stencil where the typing was, printing the page. When that black ink escaped and found your fingers or some of the clothes you were wearing, just relax. It would eventually wear off your fingers, but the clothes, well that was an excuse for a new outfit.

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I hear that in the very early beginning, the newsletters were addressed by hand. Then somebody figured out how to print labels. The typing for the labels was much easier and faster. The association decided to purchase a “machine” that used metal plates about 2 1/2” by 3 to 4”. Yes, I made the metal plates and using them to address the newsletter was not without drama, but it was better than before.

We didn’t have to retype the names and addresses every time.

This machine was located in my basement and the secretary brought the newsletters to my house. We folded and stapled them, ran them through the “machine” to put name and address on them, sorted them by the town, tied them up, and I carried them to the post office the next day. We sorted them because the postage was much cheaper if we did.

There were no zip codes.

The Executive Board decided to give the newsletter a name. They held a contest for a name and decided after much discussion, that the name would be Georgia Gems. (continued on page 27)

(continued from page 26) I was honored that I had submitted that name. After MUCH discussion and many rules or dos and don’t dos, we decided to have the newsletter printed professionally by one of the trade schools, type set and printed on “slick” paper and stapled like a book!!! We could use modern technology for addressing them, but we had to sort them.

The Board decided that we should allow advertising, but to set standards so the ads would support GOOD nutrition for children. Oh, it took a while for the standards to be set, but it was a good source of income for several much-needed projects, including the printing of the newsletter.

It was an honor for me to be involved with the newsletter and I am thankful for this opportunity.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER

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GSNA OFFICER ELECTION 2024 Voting in the GSNA 2024 Officer Election begins January 2, 2024, with members receiving an email announcement in late December containing voting instructions. Voting will take place through online voting only.

Election Details: To be eligible to vote, your GSNA membership must be valid and current as of Nov. 1st.

Eligible voting members with current email addresses in our system will receive an email from GSNA with your member ID and a link to cast your vote.

Anyone without an email can still vote by using the link or QR code below.

All you will need to vote is your GA member ID. Anyone unsure of their GA member ID should contact the GSNA office to obtain the correct number.

Duplicate votes or votes cast with the improper member ID will not be counted.

GSNA Corporate members are not eligible to vote in this election.

Eligible GSNA members will be able to cast their vote between January 2nd – February 2nd.

To cast your vote beginning 1/2/2024, click here ELECTION BALLOT or scan the QR code.

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PRESIDENT ELECT CANDIDATES

Candidate biographies can be found online by clicking here.

CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES

April Cox Hall County

Dawn Lewis Coffee County

TREASURER CANDIDATES

SYSTEM LEVEL CHAIR CANDIDATES

Donisha Harrison Marietta City

Ashley Whitener Richmond County

Robert Aspinwall Bacon County

National School Breakfast Week

March 4-8, 2024 -31-

Anna Dilcher Cobb County

Sparkle Where You Are! MANAGER’S RETREAT October 12-13, 2023

Testimony written by Donna Steadham, Butts County This year’s Manager's Retreat was a first for me. I was invited to go, not really knowing what was going to happen other than there would be glitter. Boy, was there a lot of glitter!

The ride, the rooming, the workshops (fun), the food, the atmosphere all cultivated in glitter! Maybe you’re reading this and thinking I was there, but I didn’t see much glitter. Well, that’s the thing with glitter; sometimes you have to really look.

There is glitter in the dirt that we walk on, but some people just associate it as dirt. When the light hits it just right, it sparkles. At this retreat you were pushed to create, you were pushed to bond with those you did not know, you were pushed to talk about uncomfortable things, how to fix them, how to work through them, how to conquer adversity, and how to dream again.

Well, if that’s not glitter then maybe my definition is wrong!!

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I bet that there are those out there that see it just as I do!! I know in our job, there are long days, trying days, but no matter your stance in life or how hard your situation is, you were given a chance to sparkle. Just remember, for a diamond to come there has to be pressure! So instead of viewing pressure as hard and uncomfortable, embrace it, become the diamond you’re meant to be and sparkle!! I learned in every possible situation that was presented to us to overcome, to sparkle, and when it’s uncomfortable, laugh, smile and have fun. Be the awkward one that is determined to know every potato at your table and leave with new friends!! I left with my heart full and overflowing with encouragement and hope!! Always Dream!! Pursue!! Love!!

Sparkle!!

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CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT GSNA WITH YOUR ORDER -34-

Spooky Good TIMES Halloween 2023

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Celebrating World School Milk Day The Blue Devil Nation Way - Tift County

In School Nutrition, meals just aren’t the same if there’s no milk. In Blue Devil Nation, our students LOVE milk!

Whether at breakfast or at lunch, you’ll find that our students have got to have their milk. So, it only makes sense that we celebrated World School Milk Day to show off our love of milk and to celebrate the goodness that does everything from making our cereal yummy to simply being a great way to quench our thirst.

As a part of our celebration, students, teachers, administrators, and school nutrition staff all got in on the fun. We had props, lots of photo ops, t-shirts, and milk mustaches to make the day great.

Days like this allow us to collaborate with our School Administrators to cover two key areas of our Tift County Strategic Plan: Student Success and Blue Devil Culture.

We foster Student Success with every meal that we serve. Breakfast and lunch help to ensure that our students aren’t hungry during the school day and we provide snacks for various afterschool programs so that students with a longer day will have something to hold them -36-

over until they get home. Removing the issue of hunger allows our Blue Devils to focus on learning so they can receive a quality education. Blue Devil Culture is cultivated in each building as our staff builds relationships with the students and school level staff that they serve daily.

There is something to be said about the way that our students interact with our school nutrition staff on a daily basis.

They hold meaningful conversations, share their achievements, and include us on everything they do, including making TikTok videos and providing us with paraphernalia to support the activities that they do in their buildings. The culture that we create makes it clear that every day is a great day to be a Blue Devil!

As we do with every celebration, we had a blast celebrating World School Milk Day! We are looking forward to more celebrations and smiling faces as the school year continues. Until next time.......Got Milk?

#WorldSchoolMilkDay September 27, 2023 “Dairy gives you GO for a healthy me and environment!

World School Milk Day aims to highlight the important role that dairy plays in the lives of school going children. The objective is to create awareness and inform the school communities of how dairy meets the nutritional needs of children, to give them the GO that they need throughout the day.

Let's get this day "Moo-ving"!

An Udderly Moo-velous Day Celebrating #WorldSchoolMilkDay Serving MOO-licious from Thomaston Milk Company, Inc. #gsnaminded #ULProud #ULProud #FuelingGA

Thomaston-Upson School Nutrition -37-

Thankful * Grateful * Blessed Thanksgiving 2023

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AROUND THE STATE

Bibb County members enjoying the fall vibes at our Sixth District Association meeting held at Cooley Farm.

District 7 meeting in Fulton County

The employees of Bibb County Brooks County – Homemade Pot Pie had lunch with the Superintendent.

Houston County David Perdue Elementary Feeding the little Bulldawgs!

Coweta County members attend Director's Conference.

Tesnatee Gap Elementary School Principal, Noel Cochran, and White County School System Board Member, Charlie Thomas, had a good time serving lunch at TGAP!

Eddy Middle School Muscogee County

Dublin City

Goshen Elem in Richmond County was visited by State Representative Gloria Frazier during NSLW.

Douglas County held their Culinary Contest and are ready to move on to the District Contest!

Richmond County District One Commissioner Jordan Johnson visits Hornsby K-5 for NSLW.

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Emily Hanlin, Cobb County Director, enjoys a Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich!

Manager Tessany Lockhart had fun with fair week in Perry.

Houston County

Beautiful smiles on the faces of our East Hall Middle Team building side salads together teamwork at its finest!

Level Up with Mario and Lugi and Toad in the Car Line at Settles Bridge Elementary in Forsyth County!

Richmond County Nutrition Managers spent Thursday and Friday honing their craft with Chef Bruce Marlette from Master Marketing Sunlow.

Bruce graciously donated two days of his time to meet with managers over four sessions.

Lowndes County enjoyed celebrating Wintersville week! Hawaiian Day, Camo Day, Hippie Day, Pink out-Ken and Barbie Day and Viking Plowboy Day!

The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlighted the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the week, Fulton County School cafes had special guest servers, prize giveaways, limited time only specials, and a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE at the end of the week!

Chef Bartlett from Unox & Wesley from TriMark visited Bremen City High School to give some students a fun and interactive experience. They made Sushi & Poké bowls. These kids absolutely loved it! They got to make their own versions of California Rolls and Philadelphia Rolls.

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Newton County Schools received local pumpkins from Veggie Patch Produce Market in Newnan, Ga to serve in all their schools.

Coffee County Eastside Elementary Café Manager Misty Blair, took a break from her usual duties to read to PreK students as part of Ga PreK Week. It's heartwarming to see our staff interacting with students beyond the cafeteria, especially when it helps to foster a love for reading and learning.

MAES in Houston County served delicious fair food and had some dress up fun!

Congratulations, the Coweta County School Nutrition Program made the Coweta County Cookbook!

Ada Johnson was Treutlen County School Nutrition Employee of the Month for September! She is always kind, and the students say the vegetables that she cooks are "BUSSIN!"

Hands on learning!!!!

Mrs. Dewese, 8th grade students at Arthur Williams Middle School in Wayne County, prepare pizzas from scratch with the nutrition staff. Smells so good!! Principal, Mr. Ward is showing them how to get it done.

Carrollton Middle School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month Wayne County School Nutrition had a fun time making homemade pizzas to celebrate Pre-K week!

Richmond County served blueberry cobbler made with farm fresh organic blueberries from BluStarr Farms

Todd from K-Bay 106.3 came out to be “PIED IN THE FACE” by the lunch ladies in support of National School Lunch Week in Camden County. He was also our celebrity guest helping serve our students a nutritious lunch!

Lowndes County Area Manager, Cansas Bussey had the privilege of reading to Mrs. Garbacz Pre-K class at WES to help celebrate Georgia’s Pre-K week! She read “If You Give a Dog a Donut” and she gave them a special treat to go along with the book. Donuts and Apple juice!

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods recently visited Mountain Road Elementary School in Cherokee County to present a Literacy Leaders award. Of course, no school visit is complete without enjoying a quality school meal.

Treutlen County 4th graders enjoyed digging up potatoes from the school garden for school lunch!

National STEM/STEAM Day! Cobb County high-energy wellness team travels to classrooms and school events with nutrition lessons! Core messages include adopting MyPlate, making healthy choices, and fueling our bodies for success.

Lithia Springs High School in Douglas County Staff Pink Out!

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Thank You to our Sponsors

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