1. Work for the highest standards for school food and nutrition programs with an emphasis on nutritionally sound meals which are acceptable to children.
3.
Encourage and promote the maintenance and improvement of the health and nutrition of children by supporting the implementation of nutritionally adequate, educationally sound, financially accountable, nonprofit school food and nutrition programs.
Encourage and promote united efforts between school personnel and the general public to assure every child an opportunity to receive the benefits of school food and nutrition programs which incorporate nutrition education.
4.
Encourage and develop the highest standards and provide appropriate education programs for professional growth of the school food and nutrition personnel.
5.
Promote legislation and research designed to foster adequate school nutrition programs.
6.
Assist in making the school nutrition program a laboratory for nutrition education and other related education activities.
Vision
Preparing children for a lifetime of learning and good health.
Mission
To advance the availability, quality, and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education.
Code of Ethics
Members of the Georgia School Nutrition Association are pledged to the improvement of school, community and national health through well directed quality food and nutrition programs.
Worthy members fulfill an obligation to the Association, their school, their community, themselves, and to related professional groups when they accept these responsibilities.
To guide their personal conduct by the Golden Rule.
To uphold the ethical standards by which they and their profession are judged.
To place service for the good of others above personal gain.
To seek newer knowledge in their professional work and apply this knowledge and skill by serving in community activities.
To cooperate with related professional groups in achieving common goals
To take an interest in pertinent legislation and promote public support which will improve the status of school food service personnel.
I hope you have all had a fantastic start to your school year and are feeding many happy faces across the state. I love seeing pictures on social media highlighting your beautiful meals, staff, and the students you serve. Please keep those pictures and posts coming so we can highlight your work this year. Your nutritious meals nurture your students' bodies, minds, and hearts. The meals you prepare help students forge a great journey, which I call life, and all the adventures it entails The high school diploma that they receive upon graduation is a combination of the efforts of many. Everyone working together helps that child walk across that stage and receive their diploma. As your 24-25 Georgia School Nutrition Association President, I am honored to lead you into this school year and to help you understand your importance in a child's education I honestly believe that building partnerships and relationships with our school and system-level teams and our community and industry partners will help us to meet the goal of 100% of Georgia students graduating high school. As said by the great Aristotle, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
As members of the school nutrition pro hope you understand that you are es filling a student's buckets The food and you provide a child with each day helps t bucket and allows them to have self-con hope you can proudly embrace the th Are All in This Together” for this school for many years to come. This theme deeply with our mission to ensure th nutrition is an integral part of education each child has daily healthy meal optio powerful reminder that every aspect of educational experience is interconnected our collective efforts are crucial in fo supportive and effective learning environ
Let's unite and work together as a team because each of us is an essential part of the whole to ensure the success of every student. I read a book years ago titled, "How Full is Your Bucket?" The theory behind this book is simple: each person has a bucket and a dipper, and with positivity, you fill your bucket and the bucket of others. And with negativity, you deplete other's buckets as well as your own. This concept can be applied in many components of the educational process You have students, parents, teachers, administration, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and many others that I have not mentioned. When these components work together in unity, they fill a child's bucket, so that a child has a better opportunity to graduate, go into the world, and be successful. When we work together, we fill a student's bucket with the tools and selfconfidence needed to help them achieve their goals. In other words, by working in unity, we will be more likely to meet our overall goal of having 100% of our students walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas.
So, when envisioning my theme and logo for this school year, I thought about the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." It is not just one entity that helps a child to graduate but the entire organization, school environment and local community. As we begin our journey into this year united, let's take a deeper look at how each part of a child's education is essential to their success. Then, we can work with each component to help students receive their diplomas and graduate In other words, think of it as a reimbursable meal. A child can only graduate when each component is provided. Then, that student can be reimbursed for their efforts and achievement by receiving their high school diploma and finding a career path that leads to success and happiness.
1. Cafeteria Staff: The Heartbeat of School Nutrition
Our lunchroom staff are more than just providers of meals; they are integral to creating a nurturing and positive atmosphere in schools. By embracing the theme "We Are All in This Together," we recognize our essential role in meeting nutritional needs and providing students with a sense of community and love during mealtimes. Our cafeteria staff provides the nurturing students need when taking a break from instruction Our smiles and caring hands are essential to a child's day. This comforting environment may be the only time a student feels at ease during the day and can relax. When our cafeteria staff works with all the components of a student's support system, it fosters a unified environment that enhances student well-being and learning.
2. Custodians: Ensuring a Clean and Safe Environment
Custodians are the unsung heroes who maintain the cleanliness and safety of our school facilities. Their work ensures that students and staff have a safe, healthy environment to thrive. The theme, “We Are All In This Together”, highlights the
importance of their contributions, emphasizing that their efforts to keep dining areas and other school spaces clean and sanitary are crucial to the overall educational experience. When custodians are valued as critical school community members, it reinforces the collaborative spirit that helps everyone. Working with school custodians, our School Nutrition team can provide meals in a clean environment.
3. Teachers: Collaborating for Student Success
Teachers play a fundamental role in shaping students' educational journeys. By aligning with the theme "We Are All in This Together," we emphasize the importance of collaboration between teachers and nutrition professionals. When educators and school nutrition staff work together, they can ensure that students' nutritional needs are met in ways that support their learning and development. This partnership helps create a more integrated approach to student health and education, reinforcing that every member of the school community contributes to student success.
4. Administration: Leading with Unity and Vision
School administrators are instrumental in fostering a culture of support and collaboration. Embracing the theme "We Are All in This Together" means creating an environment where every member of the educational community, from nutrition staff to teachers, feels valued and supported. Administrators are crucial in setting policies, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that resources are distributed effectively. By championing this unified approach, they help build a cohesive and effective team dedicated to the well-being and success of students
5. Bus Drivers: Ensuring Safe and Reliable Transportation
Bus drivers are essential in providing safe and reliable transportation for students, ensuring they arrive at school and return home daily. Their role
is critical in supporting school attendance and overall student safety The theme "We Are All in This Together" emphasizes the importance of their contributions, acknowledging that their commitment helps students access educational opportunities and contributes to a smooth and effective school day. By valuing and supporting our bus drivers, we ensure our students make it to school daily to enjoy nutritious meals.
6. Industry Partners: Providing Essential Support
Industry partners play a crucial role in the success of school nutrition programs by providing essential food, equipment, and supplies. Their support is vital in ensuring that schools can offer nutritious and high-quality meals to students. The theme "We Are All in This Together" focuses on the importance of these partnerships, highlighting how industry partners' contributions help enhance school nutrition programs' effectiveness. By working collaboratively, we ensure that schools have the resources necessary to create a supportive and healthy environment for every student.
7. Parents and Families: The Foundation of Student Support
Parents and families are central to a student's educational journey and success. The theme "We Are All in This Together" highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration between families and our school nutrition programs. Parents entrust school nutrition programs responsible for providing nutritious and safe meals to their children, reflecting their confidence in our ability to support their children's well-being We can ensure students receive consistent support at home and school by fostering open dialogue and working together. This united approach helps to create a more supportive environment that addresses students' needs comprehensively.
I hope you will proudly champion the theme of "We Are All in This Together” with me this year. This theme reflects our commitment to working collaboratively with every member of the educational community from lunchroom staff and custodians to teachers, administrators, community partners, industry, and families. By embracing this collective spirit, we ensure that every effort is aligned towards a common goal and that every student's health, well-being, and success are our top priority. Together, we can build a more supportive, effective, and unified educational environment where every student can thrive Your Executive Board has worked hard at creating meetings this year to help "fill your bucket" with the tools you need to succeed and work together with your school systems, community, and industry. We have meetings planned throughout the year to continue filling your buckets with what you need to succeed. Please visit our GSNA website often and watch your emails and social media for announcements.
And remember ..........
"We are all in this
Kim Kiker, GSNA President kikerk@calhounschools.org
FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
APRIL COX
Greetings from North Georgia!
It is early in the year, yet I am already having an amazing experience serving as President-Elect. Earlier this summer, I attended SNA Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA and then SNA Annual National Conference in Boston, and I can tell you that people love to hear what is going on in the state of Georgia!! I am proud to be on President Kim Kiker’s team. She is passionate about school nutrition and service to others and I am thankful to call her my friend. Her plan of action is solid and works to help us remember that we are “All in this Together”.
I became a “lunch lady” and GSNA member in 2004, and since then I have been blessed with many special experiences and the honor of making many wonderful friends across the state of Georgia I cherish the friendships
we share and the personal/professional growth made possible to us through looking forward to a wonderful year and to seeing each of your smiling faces at G If I can do anything to support you, please reach out.
April Cox - 2024-2025 GSNA President-Elect april.cox@hallco.org
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
June 13-14
Unicoi State Park & Lodge – Helen, GA
FROM THE SECRETARY DEE MATHIS
Hello to you all!
I am so excited to be serving as your GSNA Secretary for the school year 2024-2025
I started my career 19 years ago as a school nutrition assistant and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with school nutrition and GSNA. I can not say enough about how GSNA has helped me grow as a person and leader. I’ve had the privilege to serve on the board for my local and district association. I continued to be blessed to have served as GSNA Treasurer, PPL Co-Chair and
PPL Chair I have benefited professionally by being able to attend Leadership Academy and receive several scholarships from not only GSNA but SNA. The opportunity to attend events for further training has let me grow in my career and allowed me to make friends who share the same passion for GSNA.
Thank you for your trust in me as your GSNA secretary and I promise to record meetings to the best of my ability and have the minutes available in a timely manner. Thank you for your commitment to GSNA and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Dee Mathis - 2024-2025 GSNA Secretary Dee.mathis@hallco.org
FROM THE TREASURER
ANNA DILCHER
GSNA Family, I am thrilled to serve as your Treasurer!
As I embark on my fourth year in school nutrition, I reflect on my journey with pride. From volunteering during Covid, to managing a cafeteria, and working as a project specialist for Cobb Food & Nutrition Services, I have seen firsthand how we all contribute to student success.
Early in my career, I was fortunate to be introduced to GSNA, and I have embraced every opportunity since GSNA scholarships helped me complete my college degrees, I graduated from the GSNA Leadership
Academy. I have served as president of our local association and have been a speaker at two GSNA conferences.
As your Treasurer, I will: Work closely with the board and members to ensure our financial decisions align with the association’s goals.
Deepen my understanding of the board’s roles and responsibilities to better serve our association. Be committed to participating in continuous learning and professional development within GSNA, seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills to better support our association.
I am looking forward to working with all of you to ensure a successful year for GSNA.
Anna Dilcher - GSNA Treasurer 2024-2025
FROM THE SYSTEM LEVEL CHAIR ASHLEY
Hello to all of you, my GSNA friends,
WHITENER
Welcome back to another fabulous school year where we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students! I hope that amidst the hustle and bustle of all that the back-to-school seasons entails, you have been able to find a rhythm that keeps you going and motivates you as you show up daily doing the valuable work of building healthy children ready to learn
My goal as System Level Chair is to utilize creative ideas and strategies that help to form a bridge that connects members and resources.
I know that there is strength in numbers, there is support in community, and together we thrive. Because “WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER” our President, Kim Kiker, has already begun leading us into the next amazing chapter of our shared success story.
GSNA is one of my greatest passions and I know that is true for so many of you. Thank you for trusting me to serve you as System Level Chair. I am looking forward to this journey with you!
Ashley Whitener - System Level Chair
WhiteAs@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us
FROM THE SCHOOL LEVEL CHAIR AMBER
MARTIN
Hello, GSNA Peeps!
We have survived the first month of school!! I am so excited to be serving you on my second year as School Level Chair. I love school nutrition and GSNA. I have always and will always say that we are so much more than just putting food on a tray. We are moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles. We are also cheerleaders, counselors, and coaches. Our smiles at breakfast or lunch can set the tone for a lot of our students. I believe we get the best version of our kids each day. My goal as school level chair is to hopefully bring out the energy and passion in all of you that was brought out in me I am here because others believed in me
I want everyone to know the opportunities that are in front of them, becau you CAN do it, no matter what role you play in the kitchen Whether you are a manager, assistant manager, lead cook, cashier, food assistant take that step, take that opportunity I promise you won’t regret it.
Amber Martin - 2024-2025 School Level Section Chair amber.martin@bcssk12.org
FROM THE STATE STAFF ADVISOR
DR. LINETTE DODSON
Dear Georgia School Nutrition Professionals,
As we settle into a new school year, I want to express my gratitude for an excellent start. This marks the beginning of my sixth year as the State Director for the Georgia Department of Education, and I am continuously proud of the remarkable work everyone is doing to provide quality school meals and make them a priority in your programs. It has been rewarding to witness the outstanding examples of these meals highlighted through various district social media channels and our Georgia Tray of the Week campaign.
The focus on creating a “K12 Culinary Culture” within our local Georgia programs has been evident and exciting to witness In October, we will gather with local school nutrition leaders at our annual Director’s
Conference to further discuss and expand the vision of quality school meal y Georgia School, Every Day.
As we progress through the school year, please continue to grow your school meal programs, striving to meet and exceed student expectations, with valuable professional development to support that success. Remember the unique opportunity we have to elevate Georgia's education system by providing quality school meals that fuel academic success and prepare students for life.
Thank you for your dedication and the incredible work you do to serve all Georgia students Wishing you all a fantastic school year!
Dr. Linette Dodson - State School Nutrition Director Georgia Department of Education
We’re all in this TOGETHER!
Our esteemed GSNA President, Kim Kiker, could not have chosen a more appropriate theme for 2024-25. It signifies all that is special about GA School Nutrition and what makes each of you “Best in Class” in the foodservice industry. I am honored to serve as your Industry Advisory Board Chair for 2024-25 and excited for what we will accomplish TOGETHER.
As I look back on my career in Foodservice, the prevalent theme is Partnership. I grow personally and professionally as I build new partnerships. Within GSNA, I have continued this path to career growth, and most importantly, amazing friendships. I learn something new from my I with every event, meeting or social gathering. GSNA continues to provide a clear path to my success, and I am extremely grateful to everyone for this opportunity.
In Industry, we strive to build lasting partnerships. These partnerships are the foundation for our success and what drives our passion. Your 2024-25 Industry Advisory Board will continue to grow these partnerships within Industry and District Leadership and Staff and forge new ones. We are also excited to reinstate the GADOE Director’s Council meetings to better understand how we, in Industry, can support your initiatives I encourage each of you to partner with all Industry members We are eager to help in any way possible and communication is how we continue to build our partnerships I often say, “I can’t fix it if I don’t know it is broken ” Let us know what is “broken” and we will work to provide solutions
TOGETHER, we accomplish our ultimate goal – The smile from a student when they are served an incredible meal. Sing it with me…..
Georgia Schools Celebrate NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK
“School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure”
It’s no secret that pirates have long captured the imaginations of children and adults alike with their tales of high-seas adventures and hidden treasures. By tapping into this timeless fascination, #NSLW24 aims not only to boost participation in the National School Lunch Program but also to foster a sense of excitement and camaraderie among students as they gather to break bread together.
In recognition of the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30 million children daily, Georgia schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 14-18, 2024. This year's exciting and imaginative theme, "School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure," emphasizes the vital role that nutritious school lunches play in helping students thrive both academically and beyond the classroom. Research indicates that children receive their healthiest meals at school, with lunches offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk, all while adhering to federal nutrition guidelines that limit fat, calories, and sodium. National School Lunch Week provides an opportunity to inform parents and students about the many benefits of our school lunch program.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
& how to achieve it
In today's fast-paced world, sleep often takes a back seat to work, social life, and entertainment. However, sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional issues. Here, we'll explore why sleep is important, how much you need, and practical tips for improving your sleep quality.
WHY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL
Physical Health Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining your body’s physical health. During sleep, your body repairs tissues, grows muscles, and strengthens your immune system Without enough rest, the body becomes more susceptible to illnesses, such as infections, and increases the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function A well-rested brain is better equipped to handle daily tasks and challenges. Sleep helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, creativity, and overall cognitive performance Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and difficulty concentrating. Chronic sleep deficiency is also linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Emotional Well-being Ever notice how much more irritable or emotionally reactive you are after a poor night’s sleep? Sleep helps regulate emotions. When you don’t get enough rest, you're more likely to experience mood swings and stress. Long-term sleep deprivation can contribute to emotional instability and hinder your ability to cope with everyday challenges.
Hormonal Balance and Appetite Control
Sleep affects the regulation of hunger-related hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin. Lack of sleep can increase ghrelin levels, which makes you feel hungrier, while decreasing leptin, the hormone that signals fullness As a result, sleep deprivation can lead to overeating and weight gain.
HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED?
The amount of sleep needed varies depending on age and individual factors According to the National Sleep Foundation, here are general guidelines for different age groups:
Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours per night
Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours per night
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours per night
Children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per night
These are general recommendations, and some individuals may need slightly more or less depending on their specific needs and lifestyle.
SIGNSYOU’RENOTGETTINGENOUGHSLEEP
It can be hard to recognize sleep deprivation, especially if you’ve been operating on low sleep for a long time. Some signs that you aren’t getting enough rest include:
Struggling to wake up in the morning
Feeling drowsy or fatigued during the day
Experiencing difficulty focusing or making decisions
Increased irritability or mood swings
Relying on caffeine or naps to get through the day
Tips for Better Sleep
If you’re struggling with sleep, making simple adjustments to your routine and environment can make a big difference. Here are some tips to improve your sleep quality:
Establish a Sleep Schedule Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine Wind down with calming activities like reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath. Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV, working, or using electronic devices before bed.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycle. Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening, and try to avoid alcohol close to bedtime.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment
Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool Investing in comfortable bedding and a good-quality mattress can also enhance your sleep experience.
Limit Screen Time The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Try to avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bed.
Exercise Regularly Physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. However, avoid vigorous exercise right before bedtime, as it may make you too energized to sleep.
Manage Stress Stress and anxiety can keep your mind racing at night. Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or journaling into your daily routine can help alleviate stress and improve your sleep quality.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
If you’ve tried improving your sleep habits but still struggle to get enough rest, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider. Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome, can interfere with your sleep despite your best efforts A doctor can help diagnose any underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments.
CONCLUSION
Sleep is a vital part of your overall health. By prioritizing rest and making simple changes to your routine, you can enjoy better sleep and improved physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. With enough quality sleep, you’ll be better equipped to face the challenges of the day with energy and focus.
Back L to R: Cathy Johnson 23-24, Vanessa Hayes 15-16, Cheryl Jones19-20, Jimmie Barnett 06-07, Nancy Rice 00-01, Lana Freeland 97-98, Karen Green 01-02, Alyssia Wright 22-23, Laura Lynn 17-18
"How
ChatGPT Works: Simple Examples and Explanations".
ChatGPT works by reading the text you give it and using patterns it learned from lots of different examples to generate a response. It predicts what words should come next based on what you've said so far It's been trained on a huge amount of text, so it can answer questions, have conversations, and help with tasks Basically, when you ask it something, it processes the input, figures out a response, and sends it back to you.
Here are a few examples of how ChatGPT works:
Example 1:
User: "What is the capital of France?"
ChatGPT: "The capital of France is Paris."
Here, ChatGPT reads your question, recognizes you're asking for a capital city, and gives you the correct answer.
Example 2:
User: "Can you help me write a short story about a dog?"
ChatGPT: "Once upon a time, there was a friendly dog named Max who loved to explore the forest near his home "
In this case, ChatGPT understands you want a short story and starts creating one based on common story patterns.
Example 3:
User: "How do I bake a chocolate cake?"
ChatGPT: "To bake a chocolate cake, you'll need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and butter. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F..."
Here, it interprets your request for instructions and provides step-by-step guidance.
Each time, ChatGPT processes the information you give and generates a response based on what it has learned from similar text. September 19,
Front L to R: Melissa Mabry 95-96, Emily Hanlin 21-22, Tessany Lockhart 20-21, Valerie Bowers 13-14, Regina Willamson 16-17, Teresa Stevenson 09-10, Marion Tharpe 04-05, Joan Kidd 98-99, Gretchen Schulz 02-03, Nicole James 18-19
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH KICK OFF LUNCHEON
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
GSNA set sail to celebrate National School Lunch “pirate style” with the annual Kick Off Luncheon on September 19, 2024!
The 2024 theme for National School Lunch Week is “School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure,” and GSNA had a great time recognizing school nutrition programs that excelled and captured the bounty. Pirates from the state house joining us were GA House of Representative Matt Dubnik, Leesa Hagan, and Chris Erwin. They each had a word of encouragement for the work SN does every day.
The prestigious Georgia Department of Education SNP Cafeteria of Excellence Awards were presented by State Superintendent Richard Woods and State School Nutrition Director, Dr Linette Dodson Tray of the Week award winners for 2023-2024 were also recognized for their hard work and beautiful trays of school lunch! Earlier in the morning there were great school and system level education sessions.
School Level Sessions were:
Customer Service: Attitude before Action –Ben Tanner, Nutrition Trainer - Hall County Schools
Workplace Culture for Dynamic Teams – Sally Palmer, Education Specialist - Gordon Foods
Making Connections – Renate Durham, Segment Leader - Education – DYMA Brands, Inc.
The System Level Session featured Autism Speaks information from Josh Cobbs, Director, Employment Initiatives, Autism Speaks.
Dr. Eric Coleman, Director for the Office of Nutrition Services, Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria, VA asked the question, Are you aware of how others view you as a leader? His workshop guided participants in selfreflection exercises in efforts to become aware of how they engage as a leader. It all starts with the leader!
This day was a grand adventure for the over 400 participants who joined in the fun! Now it is time for you to find the treasure in school nutrition!
SCHOOL NUTRITION CAFETERIA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The School Nutrition Cafeteria Award of Excellence is an award recognition opportunity given by the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division (GaDOE SND) that upholds both the standards of Georgia School Nutrition and the excellence envisioned by Dr. Josephine Martin. This award is aimed at recognizing the work of local school-level nutrition professionals and their commitment to serving quality school meals while providing excellent customer service and maintaining program integrity. The award criteria included a formula reflective of menu standards, service of Georgia Grown products, student meal participation, school nutrition promotion plan, and health inspections scores for each nominated school The application also required a letter of support from a school or district-level administrator or a community partner that demonstrated the customers service and student engagement at the school GaDOE SND was thrilled to recognize 24 schools for this prestigious award Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your commitment to serving quality school meals.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
DISTRICT 1
The nutrition staff at Dublin Middle prepared these delicious strawberries for their students' lunch while indulging in food, fun, and fellowship!
Bleckley County Staff love their kids, love their staff, and love school meals
Dublin City Nutrition Department aimed for gold during open house, offering nutrition information, treats, and prizes. Nutrition staff challenged their students to pledge to nutrition, rewarding them with stress balls, keychains, or bracelets for committing to eating in the cafeteria.
GSNA District 1 had over 350 dedicated school nutrition staff members from Dublin City, Bleckley, Laurens County, Dodge, Wilkinson, Baldwin, Johnson, Dooly, Emanuel, Pulaski, and Telfair County joined together for a day of fellowship and learning while completing their School Nutrition Annual Training. They also covered GSNA information and updates. We appreciate our special guest speakers Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Dr Ellen Steinberg and Brenda Merritt with the GADOE School Nutrition Program, and Tonia Spaulding Director of Mental Health and Social Services with Dublin City Schools, for their time and knowledge they shared with us. We were thrilled to have the Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler Harper. He spoke highly of the Georgia School Nutrition program and the relationship with our Georgia Farmers.
DISTRICT 2
GSNA District 2 kicked off the 24-25 school year with an awesome PEP Training! GSNA Executive Director, Laura Lynn shared about the importance of being an active member in GSNA. Mr. Michael Rooks (Sam’s Service), District Two IAB Representative, stopped by to share information and to say “Hello”. His company also helped sponsor the lunch. Chef Warren DeShields spoke about how to be the best at what you do each day. Chef Chynna Silvernale, Director for Brooks County School Nutrition, spoke about Line Presentation and Staging Robert and Amy with Integrity Foods provided delicious breakfast items!
n at Northside Elementa School in Tift Coun decided to let th cafeteria staff know ju how much they enj dining with them. things like this that ma each day worth it. T staff says “We absolute love knowing that o students love our me
Shelia Cooper, Coordinator/ Training Manager for Coffee County School Nutrition and fellow GSNA Member, went to District 2 PEP and gave everyone a refresher on Offer vs. Serve.
Thomas County School Nutrition hosted UGA Extension Thomas County-FACS who provided continuing education for nutrition staff at their B k to School training!
DISTRICT 3
Byron Elementary SN Staff, in Peach County, introduces to their students local farm fresh ingredients on a daily basis! For example, they enjoyed hot buttered biscuits with local honey on top!
Matt Arthur Primary School in Houston County honored the 9-11 heroes of our nation.
Hardaway Cafe Manager and Assistant Manager in Muscogee County enjoy getting outside and bonding with their students every chance they get.
Rockbridge Elementary SN staff in Gwinnett County were so happy to see all the smiling faces The team is always excited to provide nutritious meals that will energize their students for a successful day!
Bike Fun at McClure Health and Science High School of Gwinnett County! You make it, you blend it combining a little culinary creativity with some exercise for a whole lot of nutrition!
DISTRICT 4
Gwinnett County’s Back to School In-Service for Managers & Assistant Managers wrapped up successfully with an Awards Luncheon. Day 2 promised breakout sessions packed with valuable insights and information to ensure the school year is the best one yet!
DISTRICT 6
Lamar County School Nutrition Staff returned to their kitchens and received training on large pieces of equipment. Thank you to CGA reps Ms. Peggy Lawrence and Mr. Sam and David Pearson and Tina Palumbo from Pace Reps for their time and knowledge!
Nourishing meals and joyful experiences empower students! Thomaston-Upson cafeterias create a positive environment where students can enjoy delicious food and connect with peers and mentors.
Crawford County SN staff are getting a head start on making preparations for their mouthwatering dressing for Thanksgiving!
Butts County SNP kicked off the 24-25 year with a fun filled in service with inspirations and team building Chef Boyd with CGA Reps provided training on knife skills Peggy Lawrence with CGA Reps gave a positive, inspirational challenge in how to “Be a Better Me”. There was also a handbook and civil rights training And of course, GSNA and all the fabulous things that are involved with it! Everyone left excited and inspired to start the new year.
Smoothie
DISTRICT 7
All the amazing Café Managers in Fulton County are now CPR-certified! Thanks to a wonderful partnership with Fulton County Schools Health Services, the team has undergone comprehensive CPR training to ensure the safety and well-being of our students This certification is a crucial step in our commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for our school community.
The Cherokee County School District is celebrating the winners of its second annual School Nutrition Team of the Year awards! Holly Springs ES STEM Academy is the elementary division winner, and Teasley Middle School is the middle school/high school/center division winner of the program, which gives school cafeteria teams the opportunity to win prizes by improving their service to students, teachers, and staff.
Douglas County School Nutrition Managers showed up with school spirit at their Back to School Convocation!
One of the best parts of SN is getting to experiment with new recipes Chef Rian and the Kitchen Support team in Cobb County were hard at work creating innovative ways to serve fresh corn on the cob as part of their September Harvest of the Month.
lunches!
An amazing group of managers dedicated and ready to serve Fulton County Students!
Cherokee County’s Knox Cafe is serving up "gold" with their breakfast and
When school starts back; it means that the summer feeding program has come to an end. You never go into this program knowing how many meals you will serve to children in your community; Haralson County is PROUD to announce that their summer feeding team provided over 58,000 meals to children in their county this summer. They are certainly proud of the hard work and dedication their team showcased each day during this program
Bartow County School Nutrition staff served nearly FOUR TIMES as many summer meals as last year! What an incredible service to their community! About 30,000 meals were distributed in 2023 and more than 115,000 meals were handed out this year!
Day 2 of Fulton County school nutrition back-to-school training for café managers was a huge success! This dedicated team engaged in hands-on and interactive sessions, ensuring everyone gained essential information to kick off the new school year with confidence.
Whitfield County SN in-service meeting was a success! The event kicked off with a welcome and a celebration of achievements. Attendees then participated in various breakout sessions focused on enhancing skills in customer excellence, merchandising, reimbursable meals and sanitation. The meeting concluded with inspiring speeches from Mike Ewton, Whitfield County Schools superintendent, and Jackie Lopez, the newly re-affiliated local Georgia School Nutrition Association chapter president. They are excited for the upcoming school year and can't wait to continue building on their success!
Lunch featured fresh, locally grown watermelon! Sliced to perfection and sweeter than a summer breeze (Fulton County)
The Blue Devils Cafe in Bremen City had the honor of serving 55 local first responders as a part of the Bremen City Schools heartfelt remembrance of 9/11. Before the meal, Bremen High’s Principal and students gave a moving tribute with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem & Taps. Thank you, first responders, for all you do!
Cartersville School Nutrition hosted the 2nd annual Back-to-School Communit Luncheon at Cartersville High School. A fu day was had as staff from all kitchens cam together to prepare the delicious food Th event was an overwhelming success a they served over twice as many people an sold 700 cinnamon rolls! Grea community’s support in helping to fee food insecure families.
A school nutrition shoutout to Bartow County School Nutrition, who recently hosted a session with their community partners at the Northwest RESA STEM Forum. The session aimed to show STEM teachers how to engage with their County Wellness Coordinators in Farm-to-School through their Nutrition Departments to support projects addressing student food insecurity and selfsustainability
Cherokee County School Nutrition Association officers had a great time volunteering at the Give A Kid A Chance events in Canton & Woodstock! They love helping families & students prepare to enjoy CCSD school meals in the new school year!
Donut Day at Pine Log Elementary in Bartow County! Plenty of smiles to go around!
The Douglas County Nutrition Team was making MAGIC at their Welcome Back for all SN employee in-service training. A special thanks to Ms. Vanessa Hayes for sprinkling her magic on all of the staff and inspiring everyone for the upcoming 24-25 school year.
DISTRICT 8
Sterling Elementary superstars preparing their famous Grit Bowl with nothing but smiles this morning! The joy of fueling students for learning! (Glynn County)
Glynn County Nutrition Central Office staff, Erin Doane, Training and Compliance Specialist and Megan Strickland, Registered Dietitian, were featured trainers on Team Building at the District 8 Professional Enrichment Program in Coffee County this week. There were approximately 600 nutrition employees in attendance from surrounding counties who were all gaining inspiration and leadership skills to make Back to School a huge success.
The awesome Lowndes County staff enjoyed celebrating National Cheese pizza day today with their students!
Calhoun City Schools
Jeff Davis Prek Manager Crystal Jowers with her staff Caitlin Kline and Diane Boyett welcome their students back during Open House and hosted a drawing for the prek students who were present.
Brantley County School Nutrition attended the Annual 8th District PEP Training, where they learned so many new ways to better serve their students.
Screven Elementary kindergartne in Wayne County learned the app life cycle and discovered the secret ingredient status in o favorite treats. Parents, get read for nonstop apple fun at home!
Katrina Flannery of Camden County at PEP
All in Together: GSNA 8th District Leadership Meeting in Waycross.
Brantley County School Nutrition had a 'sweet' time at the annual OREMC meeting! We were proud to participate by giving out free cookies to everyone who stopped by.
Glynn County had a fabulous Back to School Training! Their theme this year is “Reaching for the Stars” They are bringing their best and aiming high! Everyone is inspired, motivated and ready to serve the students of Glynn County Schools with a bright and shining smile.
DISTRICT 9
Hall County leadership team had a wonderful time at The Hansen Group. A huge thank you to Dimple Mitchell, Chef Danny and team for a lovely breakfast and tour.
Forsyth County SN held their first Annual BOOT CAMP for leaders with 3 years or less experience and it was a huge success! There was lots of learning and preparation for the upcoming school year.
District 9 had a wonderful time at their PEP! Shout out to Scott Richardson for leading District 9 this year with gusto! Special thanks to David Pearson and Tina Palumbo for hosting a fun Family Feud game and they had a welcome from GSNA President, Kim Westfall Kiker!
DISTRICT 10
Have you ever heard of International Dot Day! Austin Road Elementary in Barrow County enjoyed celebrating with their students with these cute shirts.
As part of her weekly wellness program, School Nutrition Director Teena Carr presented Mrs. Harvin's 5th grade class with Dragon Fruit, highlighting its origin, nutritional benefits, and health advantages through a taste test and interactive discussion. (Putnam County)
Richmond County Nutrition Services partnered with Warren County for their Inservice. Lots of great resources, lots of great partnerships and lots of fun. Special thanks to Matt Rigdon, Hansen Group, David Pearson, Cafeterias Redefined, Tina Palumbo, Pace Reps, Bruce Marlette, Master Marketing, Frank Sanson, Integrity Foods and Andie Thompson, Simplot.
