GEORGIA GEMS
See Inside:
Georgia Shines at ANC Back to School
GSNA Kick-O Luncheon Around the State
Georgia School Nutrition Association FALL 2025
GSNA: Core Purpose, Vision, Mission & Code of Ethics
Core Purpose
1. 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.
2. 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 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, communityand 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.
2025-2026 GSNA Executive Board
Executive Committee - Voting Members
April Cox
Dawn Lewis
Juana Moore
Anna Dilcher
Ashley Whitener
Kathy Brown
Jessica Peaden
Advisors
Valerie Bowers
Laura Lynn
Linette Dodson
President
President-elect
Secretary
Treasurer
System Level Chair
School Level Chair
Chair of District Presidents
State President Advisor/Parliamentarian
Executive Director
State Staff Advisor
Standing Committee Chairs - Voting Members
Cathy Johnson
Angie Brown
Condus Shuman
Angie Brown
Amanda Ridley
Kim Kiker
Scott Richardson
Dee Mathis
Vanessa Hayes
Susan Wickizer Blank
Conference Chair
Conference Co-Chair
Education Chair
Membership Co-Chair
Membership Co-Chair
Nominating/Foundation/Memorial Historian/Recorder
Nutrition Standards Chair
Public Policy & Legislation Chair
Resolution & Bylaws Chair
Industry Representative to the Board
District Presidents - Voting Members
Chandra Hooks
Becky Carroll
Takashia King
June Morris
Heidi Aselton
Jessica Peaden
Sandra Thrift
Sandy Entrekin
Kelly Fox
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4
District 6 District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
Sub-Committees - Non-Voting Members
Dawn Garrett-Martin
Tiffany Jones
Dawn Lewis
Jamie Nipper
Nicole James
Dawn St. Michel
Leslie Hill
Nicole Trunk
Jessica Brooks
Abby Rowland
Affiliations & Goals
Awards Chair
Conference Exhibits
Conference Exhibits Co-Chair
Culinary Arts Chair
Culinary Arts Co-Chair
Nutrition Advisory Council Chair
Conference Hospitality
Conference Hospitality
Conference Hospitality
Ad Hoc Committees - Non-Voting Members
Emily Hanlin
David Pearson
Shelley Daniel (South)
Erin Doane (South)
Siddhi Patel (North)
Anna Dilcher (North)
Nancy Bourke
Robert Aspinwall
Equipment Academy Chair
Equipment Academy Chair
Leadership Academy Chair
Leadership Academy Chair
Leadership Academy Chair
Leadership Academy Chair
Silent Auction Chair
Ways & Means Chair
Welcome to Our 75th Diamond Anniversary Year!
It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve as President of the Georgia School Nutrition Association for 2025–2026. This year, we proudly celebrate our 75th Diamond Anniversary, a powerful milestone that stands as a testament to the strength, passion, and perseverance of every individual who has contributed to the growth and success of our association over the decades.
Our theme for the year, “A Modern Legacy,” reminds us that legacy isn’t just about what came before; it’s about how we carry the torch today and pass it forward. Legacy is the bridge that connects the past, the present, and the future.
If you’ve spent any time in school nutrition, you’ve likely heard stories of the deep impact made by our professionals. Over the years, I’ve learned that long after students leave the classroom, they often remember the kindness of a “lunch lady or dude” who made their days a little brighter. What you do every single day matters more than you may ever fully realize.
Additionally, I’ve spoken with many team members who were inspired and motivated by others in school nutrition to grow their careers. Their journeys have been forever impacted because someone believed in them and encouraged them to move forward.
Legacy is about positively impacting the lives of others. Legacy is not built by one person or one moment. It is shaped through consistent daily service, authentic leadership, care for others, relentless innovation, meaningful relationships, and strong collaboration.
We have a rich tradition behind us and unlimited potential ahead. It is our moment to lead forward and define what the next 75 years will look like.
Shine bright. Build the legacy!
With love and gratitude, April Cox
President, Georgia School Nutrition Association
2025–2026
A Warm Hello
I’m both honored and excited to step into the role of President-Elect of the Georgia School Nutrition Association. My name is Dawn Lewis, and I bring to this role over 17 years of experience in school nutrition and 20 years in the restaurant industry. I currently serve as the School Nutrition Director for the Coffee County School System.
My journey into child nutrition began with a simple question to then-director Janet Littleton: “What exactly do you do?” She handed me a ServSafe book and said, “Take the test and apply.” The rest, as they say, is history. Janet Littleton is a legacy in Coffee County, having served as only the second director in the history of our school system. Her mentorship and example laid the foundation for the work I do today.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading several key initiatives: developing our summer meals program, reinventing our food service model during COVID, and helping our community recover and feed families after a devastating hurricane that damaged 98% of homes in our county and deeply impacted our farming community.
On a more personal note, Coffee County is not just where I work—it’s home. I live here with my husband, Larry, our daughter Macy, and near our daughter, Lauren and my son-in-law, Braden, and of course, our furry family: Sammie and three grand-dogs—Gus, Hank, and Suzie. Outside of work, I find joy in reading, painting, gardening, and fishing—activities that keep me grounded and energized for the work we do.
I am deeply passionate about the role nutrition plays in academic success, equity, and overall well-being. Moments that have profoundly shaped my perspective include a young kindergartener during COVID asking, "Where do I get my breakfast and lunch?" and, more recently, watching one of our own, JJ Johnson, become SNA’s National Employee of the Year—highlighting the power of inclusion and the value of all people in our workforce.
As your President-Elect, I am committed to listening, learning, and leading with integrity, energy, and care. I look forward to supporting President April Cox as we grow and evolve our association under her inspiring theme: A Modern Legacy. Together, we will empower the next generation of Legacy Builders in school nutrition.
I welcome your ideas, questions, and involvement. This association is stronger when every voice is heard, and every member feels valued. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your trust and for the incredible work you do every day to support Georgia’s students. I look forward to the journey ahead—and to building a stronger future for school nutrition, together.
Warmly,
Dawn Lewis President-Elect Georgia School Nutrition Association
Building Stronger Support
As the Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA) Foundation Chair, I am excited to share the opportunities we have ahead this year to strengthen our programs and expand support for our members and their families.
One of the highlights we are considering is a virtual 50/50 fundraiser, modeled much like SNA’s popular Golden Ticket events. This will be a fun way for members and supporters to engage with the Foundation from anywhere, with more details coming soon. In addition, we’ll continue our tradition of hosting 50/50 live drawings at every GSNA event this year—so don’t miss your chance to participate and give back while winning big!
Mark your calendars: our Annual Golf Tournament will take place at the Jekyll Island Golf Club on Wednesday, April 15th. This year’s tournament carries the theme “Fairways and Friendships,” celebrating both the competition and the connections we share across the school nutrition community.
Even more exciting, this year GSNA is celebrating our Diamond Year Anniversary—75 years strong! To honor this milestone, we’re inviting everyone at the golf tournament to dress in their favorite decade of golf clothing—whether it’s the 1950s, 1970s, or even a throwback to the classic knickers and caps of the early days. It will be a festive way to honor our history while enjoying a day on the greens together.
Beyond fundraising, the GSNA Foundation is proud to invest directly in our members and their families. Each year, we provide two opportunities to apply for scholarships, open to both GSNA members and their children. We also award grants to support a variety of projects throughout the year, reinforcing our mission to inspire and sustain growth across Georgia’s school nutrition community.
Together, we are building a Foundation that not only supports today’s needs, but also invests in the future of school nutrition in Georgia. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!
Kim Kiker Foundation Chair 2025-2026
In Loving Memory of Mary M. Nix
Mary McDougle Nix was a trailblazer in the field of school nutrition. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 3, 1936, in Calhoun, Georgia, she was the daughter of Lewis and Beatrice McDougle.
Mary’s journey from humble beginnings led to a lifetime of achievement, service, and love. After attending business school, she was encouraged by her devoted husband of 52 years, Gene Nix, to further her education. With his support, she applied to Morris Brown College, where she was awarded a full scholarship and earned a degree in Nutrition and Food Management in 1969. That same fall, she continued her studies at the University of Georgia, where she completed her Master’s degree. Mary’s professional legacy is one of remarkable leadership and dedication. She served as Nutrition Director for both Gordon and Bartow Counties, later becoming Area Consultant for the Georgia Department of Education and Nutrition Director for Cobb County Schools. Her impact expanded nationally as she rose to serve as President of both the Georgia School Food Service Association and the American School Food Service Association. In 1980, she was honored with the prestigious Silver Plate Award by the International Food Service Manufacturers Association, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field.
Mary also shared her knowledge through numerous publications. She was the editor of Georgia GEMS; author of Fan Fare—the Georgia Department of Education School Food Newsletter; co-author of ONE, a training series for new employees; and co-author of I Can Manage, a textbook on management techniques in school nutrition programs.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was known for her deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering generosity. She was a cherished member of Sandy Plains Baptist Church, where she adored her Sunday School class and found joy in her community. She loved flowers, sewing, traveling, and watching hummingbirds flock to her feeders. But most of all, Mary loved her family and friends. Her warmth, wisdom, and nurturing heart made her “Granny” to many, far beyond her immediate family. Her hugs, her smile, and the lessons she taught will forever be treasured in the hearts of all who knew her.
To read or listen to Mary Nix’s Oral History go to https://theicn.org/archives/oral-history-project/mar y-nix/ . The stories are unbelievably funny and meaningful!
Industry Advisory Board
Susan Wickizer Blank
PepsiCo Food Service 423-838-2003 susan.wickizer@pepsico.com
Bruce Marlette
Master Marketing
404-368-9424 bruce@mm-reps.com
Michael Rooks
SAM Service, Inc.
229-439-0450 mrooks@samserviceinc.com
Evan Chanin
General Mills 404-918-5581 evan.chanin@genmills.com
Ti any Ridley
PMR
678-303-6070
tiffany@pmreps.com
Pete Ryan
Peterson Farms Fresh LLC 404-642-4340
pryan@petersonfarmsinc.com
Chip Conner
Gold Star Foods 404-218-5424 chip@goldstarfoods.com
Teresa Graham ES Foods
865-386-1274
TGraham@ESFoods.com
Will McWhirter
The Dairy Alliance 404-313-9083 wmcwhirter@thedairyalliance.com
Georgia Shines
The 2025 School Nutrition Association Annual National Conference (ANC), held in vibrant San Antonio, Texas, brought together thousands of school nutrition professionals from across the country — and Georgia made a powerful impact with one of the largest delegations in attendance.
Georgia’s presence was not only strong in numbers but also in leadership. Among the featured speakers were Dr. Linette Dodson, Georgia Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition; Bridgette Matthews, Director from Elbert County; and Dawn Lewis, Director from Coffee County. Each brought valuable insights and inspiration to sessions that highlighted best practices and innovative strategies in school nutrition.
The Peach State also took home top honors. GSNA State President Kim Kiker was recognized with the SNA State Award of Excellence – Large Division, a prestigious national award honoring outstanding leadership and achievement at the state level. Adding to the celebration, Georgia’s own J J Jackson was named SNA National Employee of the Year, a testament to his dedication and impact in the field.
From powerful presentations to national recognition, Georgia’s school nutrition professionals made their mark at ANC 2025—demonstrating leadership, excellence, and a commitment to nourishing students across the state.
J J Jackson was named SNA National Employee of the Year.
was recognized with the SNA State Award of Excellence - Large Division.
GSNA State President Kim Kiker
Back to School
Bleckley County
Bleckley County School Nutrition staff “Saddled Up” for a new school year at the Mini Middle GA Co-op Inservice. The training featured speakers focusing on food safety, leadership, hospitality and nutrition.
Bleckley’s very own Stella Greene, spoke on the importance of Farm to School and family farms.
Douglas County
Butts County
Butts Co had a great kick off to their 2025-2026 school year with BCSS Opening Ceremony. They are proud to be a part of this school system and are honored to be able to serve this amazing community. Here’s to an amazing year!!
New Manchester High School in Douglas County: In-Service 25-26 Growing Together!
During Brantley County School Nutrition's Back to School meeting they got a refresher course on the health codes and the new USDA sugar standards for the year. They also got to introduce everyone to their new Director of School Nutrition & Operations, Dr. Christopher Harris.
Bibb County
Brantley County
Vidalia City
Cherokee County
Cherokee School Nutrition kicked off the start of the school year with their annual In-service Training! Their CCSD School Nutrition professionals are ready to ELEVATE CULINARY EXCELLENCE!
energized, and ready to serve up scratch-made meatball race that
Glynn County
Glynn County is 5 Star ready for back to school.
Clayton County
Clayton County had a blast kicking off the new school year with their amazing community at the Back to School Bash! As the CCPS Nutrition Association, it's our joy to help fuel student successand what better way to start than with fun, food, and fantastic giveaways?
Coweta County
Coweta School Nutrition had a great back to school training day. It was a comprehensive, hands on event designed to re-engage staff, refresh critical skills, and align everyone with operational goals for the new school season. “Peaching for the Stars”included compliance training, defining quality meals, leadership development, team motivation, and some games to keep everyone laughing. At lunch they stocked the local food pantry.
Sumter County
Sumter County is excited to launch another incredible school year! From welcoming staff during orientation to getting back into the cafeteria, Sumter County has been hard at work preparing for a fantastic year ahead. They are proud to serve fresh, nutritious breakfasts and lunches each day - fueling students for success in and out of the classroom.
Haralson County
Decatur County
Decatur County School Nutrition employees enjoyed a great training with Teresa Adkins from the UGA Extension on Safe Food Handling!
Fulton County
Introducing the 2025-2026 Fulton County School Nutrition Managers!
Elbert County
Elbert County welcomes back their staff for the beginning of another wonderful school year and can’t wait to begin feeding their students!
Forsyth County
Forsyth County School Nutrition Program welcomed back their amazing Managers & Assistant Managers for SY 25-26 with lots of learning, laughter, and getting back in the rhythm! To kick things off, they had a yummy popcorn + water bar and then enjoyed a delicious lunch from the SuperTaco Truck! Great start to a great year!
Grady County
Grady County staff had the opportunity to sharpen their skills during a hands-on culinary session with Chef Brady Benson. From mastering knife techniques to getting creative with the equipment already in their kitchens, it was a full afternoon of learning and flavor!
Fulton County
Fulton County SN Café Manager Training: Leveling Up! Some of the things this intense 3 day workshop included: Managers explored new software systems to streamline operations; Focused on menu compliance to keep offerings consistent and delicious.
District 7
Haralson County
A HUGE shoutout to the Haralson County High School Cheerleaders for creating a spirited and fun atmosphere to welcome the Haralson Co School Nutrition Professionals back for the 2025-26 school year during their annual in-service! Their smiles, personalities and Rebel Spirit was a great start to a day of learning. And a big shoutout to Royal Foodservice, the recipient of our Above and Beyond Award for SY 2024-2025! Your continued support helps make our Farm to School efforts and local produce program shine!
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett Co spent a day and a half with their amazing team of Managers and Assistant Managers learning, laughing, and gearing up for the new year. It was the perfect way to reconnect before the first day of school on August 4th! Gwinnett celebrated their incredible school teams with well-deserved awards! They loved recognizing the hard work, dedication, and heart their team brings to the serving lines every day.
Toombs County
TCSS Nutrition is getting ready for the first day of school! We had a great first day of training. Thanks to everyone who helped get our new space ready for our crew.
Valdosta City
During day 1 of Valdosta City School Nutrition bootcamp they experimented with fresh protein and learn how to make better use of their equipment.
Marietta City Schools
Marietta City School Nutrition is so excited to welcome back their managers and staff to serve up high quality, delicious meals to their students! Thank you to Dietitian Sherry for providing her expertise to their team so that they can be allergy aware. Their very own Chef David teamed up with MHS Chef Watson in showcasing new recipes for the upcoming year!
Bremen City
Coweta County
Wayne County
Wayne County School Nutrition held their back-to-school managers meeting, gearing up for an exciting first day of school. They are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to nourish and support their incredible students and staff.
Lamar County
Lamar County Director Dawn St.Michel was excited to welcome back her dedicated School Nutrition employees! She along with Mrs. Towerk, SNP Assistant, kicked off the day with support from Mrs. Julie Hawkins, Assistant Director of Student Services, Dr. Jessica Watson, Superintendent, and Dr. Jarrod Fletcher, Director of Technology. The morning included SNP mandated reporter training, safety and security updates, and well wishes for a fantastic school year ahead. Lamar County School Nutrition is thankful for their school nutrition team and their commitment to keeping their students healthy and ready to learn!
Bartow County
Kicking off the new school year with our amazing team of nutrition managers!
Thomaston-Upson
Thomaston-Upson School Nutrition launches the 2025-2026 school year with thorough training, focusing on safety procedures, meal standards, USDA regulations, civil rights, precise record-keeping, inventory control, temperature monitoring, menu development, collaboration, and rigorous hygiene practices. They are dedicated to serving students safe, nutritious, and appealing meals.
Vidalia City
There's no feeling like stepping out into a new adventure -a new school year. Bon Voyage! Vidalia City School Nutrition welcomed back their School Nutrition Staff for a day of in-service training. This staff is continuously working to improve our daily practices and productivity.
Mini Middle Co-op
Barrow County
Welcome Back, Nutrition Managers! The incredible school nutrition managers in Barrow County are back and already diving into a new year of learning and leadership. They kicked things off by touring Ken's Foods to get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the delicious products we serve are made. It was a fun and informative way to start the year—and a reminder of the care that goes into every meal we serve our students. Huge thanks to Core Group and Gold Star Foods for setting up this amazing experience!
District 2
District 2 had over 400 School Nutrition Professionals from over 15 school districts at their annual PEP Training at Bainbridge High School. They had a wonderful session from Chef Rachel with the GA DOE, on quality school meals, line design, food presentation & customer service. An amazing team player session from Mrs. Janet Mitchell along with other annually required training topics. They also had a wonderful lunch catered by Catering by JLo and The BCC. A big thanks to Integrity Foods for always sponsoring breakfast & doing whatever they can to help & Pepsi from Bainbridge for donating drinks!!
District 8
Part of our summer preparations each year includes training staff. Coffee County was delighted to host the 8th District Georgia School Nutrition Association Professional Enrichment Program (PEP). This year's training brought 600 school nutrition professionals from 13 counties, 22 vendors, multiple manufacturing partners and even Georgia School Nutrition Program Chef John Huff. Many thanks to all of the presenters who took the time to prepare and train attendees Special thanks to the industry partners who donated items for this event: Gold Creek Foods, Williams Institutional Foods, PepsiCo, Super Bakery, and Flowers Baking Co.!
District 10
District 10 started off the year strong with multiple county in-service hosted by Richmond County and included Lincoln, Warren and Taliaferro County. Guest Speaker, Ashley Moreno, discussed self-care, standing up for our team and utilized an interesting exercise, which allowed us to see anonymously what some of our team members may be going through in their personal lives. District 10 Industry Partner, Will McWhirter, from the Dairy Alliance, discussed the benefits of milk and other dairy items and provided Dairy Alliance aprons to staff members. A delicious lunch was prepared and served by Richmond County Central Office staff. There was a silent auction and door prizes, as well as, Civil rights training to gear everyone up for a fantastic start to the school year. Congratulations to everyone who earned the Clean Sweep awards, ONE and ServSafe participants, and to the amazing team behind the scenes selling snacks and 50/50, handing out door prizes, and preparing lunch.
K12 FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
LEARNING MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
Training That Grows With Your Team.
Clarity, Compliance, and Control in Real Time.
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All Dollars Accounted For: Track both income and expenses across all child nutrition programs in one realtime dashboard.
Built for Child Nutrition: More than generic references, FIG is trained on the Food Buying Guide, Child Nutrition Database, and USDA CN regulations—and it applies that knowledge directly to your district’s own data, automatically giving answers that make sense for your program.
A Partner, Not a Replacement: We connect to your existing systems and make the numbers clear, so you stay in control while leading with confidence.
Compliance First, Always: Every CEU—whether from conferences, PD days, meetings, webinars, or inside our app—is tracked and prepared exactly the way an auditor will want to see it.
Put Knowledge in Their Hands: Empower employees with direct access to training that builds skills, confidence, and stronger program results.
Your District, Your Way: Upload your own district policies, procedures, and custom trainings so your staff learns exactly what matters most in your program.
Support for Every Step: From first-day orientation to longterm professional growth, FIG is built for school nutrition professionals at every level.
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GSNA Kick-O Luncheon Inspires
The Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA) recently kicked off the year with its annual Kick-Off Luncheon, bringing together members, industry partners, and special guests for a morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration of school nutrition leadership.
The event opened with a thoughtful "Thought for the Day" from Melissa Mabry, Past GSNA President (1995–96), followed by warm greetings from Cheryl Jones, School Nutrition Director for Hall County Schools. Attendees were then introduced to special guests including Dawn Lewis, GSNA President-Elect, and Dr. Fred Rayfield, representing the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Legislative support for school nutrition was highlighted by Dee Mathis, GSNA Public Policy and Legislative Chair, alongside GA State Representatives Lisa Campbell and Matt Dubnik, and GA State Senator John F. Kennedy, all of whom shared encouraging messages for the year ahead.
The luncheon also celebrated excellence within the association. April Cox recognized the 2025–26 Tiered Sponsors and National Winners, while Kelli Cook honored the 2024–2025 Tray of the Week recipients. Dr. Linette Dodson from the Georgia Department of Education delivered an inspiring message, and the 2025 Cafeteria of Excellence Award highlighted outstanding school nutrition programs. The event concluded with closing remarks from April Cox.
The GSNA Kick-Off Luncheon set the tone for a year of innovation, collaboration, and recognition of the vital work school nutrition professionals do across Georgia.
Kick O Luncheon School-Level Session
The school-level education session held the morning of the Kick Off Luncheon with our Georgia Chefs was truly uplifting. Together, they crafted some of the most delectable dishes, showcasing how a simple dish can be both flavorful and easy to implement in school cafeterias.
GSNA extends heartfelt appreciation for sharing their time, talent, and expertise with our school-level members. Their creativity and passion for nutritious, delicious food continue to inspire innovation across Georgia’s school nutrition programs. A special thank-you goes to Chef Boyd Rose (CGA Reps), Chef Jeff Lett (Pace Reps), Chef Bruce Marlette (Master Marketing Sunlow), and Rep Tina Palumbo (Pace Reps) for helping GSNA members bring global flavors and cultural creativity to Georgia’s school meals.
Looking ahead, 2025 National School Lunch Week is sure to be a hit with students and staff alike as members put into practice the tips and tricks presented in this year’s school-level education sessions.
Kick O Luncheon System-Level Session
The session “A Recipe for Legacy: Past Wisdom, Future Goals” invited attendees to reflect on how the leadership and lessons of the past can shape the vision for tomorrow. Through engaging discussions and planning activities, participants explored ways to honor the achievements of school nutrition trailblazers while identifying actionable goals for a stronger and more impactful future.
GSNA extends heartfelt “Thank You” to the following leaders for sharing their insight and wisdom on the current state and future of school nutrition in Georgia: Vanessa Hayes, MPA, CC, SNS, GSNA Past President (2015–2016), Director of Nutrition, Valdosta City Schools
Representative Matt Dubnik, Georgia House District 29, Chairman, Appropriations: Education Subcommittee
Senator John F. Kennedy, Georgia Senate District 18, Vice Chairman, Banking & Financial Institutions
Their voices and perspectives continue to inspire us as we build on Georgia’s proud legacy of excellence in school nutrition.
Chef Je Lett (Pace Reps) during the School-Level Session.
Vanessa Hayes, Director of Nutrition for Valdosta City Schools, during the System-Level Session.
the School-Level Session.
Representative Matt Dubnik, Georgia House District 29, and Senator John F. Kennedy, Georgia Senate District 18, during the System-Level Session.
Rep Tina Palumbo (Pace Reps) during
Chef Bruce Marlette (Master Marketing Sunlow) during the School-Level Session.
Back to School Expo
September 17, 2025
Meetings & Events
Manager’s Retreat & Training
Oct 23-24, 2025
Great Wolf Lodge, LaGrange, GA
Equipment Academy
January 13-16, 2026
The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Legislative Advocacy Conference
February 3-4, 2026
School Nutrition Assistants’ Program
Spring 2026
Annual Conference
April 15-18, 2026
Jekyll Island, GA
the State Around
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The incredible School Nutrition Team of Bremen City showed up and showed out in this year's Homecoming Parade! Whether it’s in the cafeteria or on the parade route, our team is ALL IN for our students, our school, and our community.
Cherokee County School Nutrition Association (CCSNA) o cers representing at the Chick-fil-A #Moveit5K!
Great Community Involvement!
Bartow Co SN had an inspiring day at the Common Market Open House. They were able to connect with fellow school districts and share ideas on how to strengthen partnerships with local farmers. They also enjoyed a delicious farm-to-table lunch featuring ingredients from the very farmers The Common Market supports - a true taste of the impact local food can make!
Bulloch County School Nutrition showed o their made-from-scratch skills with homemade cinnamon rolls. They whipped up a breakfast menu choice using one of their recipes from 1988 - talk about nostalgia!
Decatur CountyBainbridge High School students and sta celebrated Peanut Day!
C •ytnuo nodroG C o unty•
Summer Feeding 2025 was one for the record books -- two crews, at Tolbert Elementary and at Sonoraville High School, fed thousands of meals to hundreds of children all over our county. In brutal heat and humidity and sometimes in the rain, they brightened the days of many families and brought smiles along with the food.
Just a little of Homecoming dress-up spirit in the Sonoraville High School feeder schools -- Red Bud Middle and Sonoraville Elementary School! They work hard, but they sure do have some fun, too!
Richmond County SNP and our local association are donating book bags to our student services to help students get ready for a great new school year!
Brooks County SN Director, Chynna Silvernale, and Area Manager, Paul Brown, crafted a versatile meatball recipe that will be used across multiple dishes on the menu. Both the Board of Education and Nutrition sta got a sneak peek (and taste!) — and the reviews are in: delicious!
Dublin City Schools served yummy Georgia Grown, locally sourced Muscadines from Montrose, GA. They are very thankful to Mr. Torrey English for this delicious shipment of muscadines. Schools take pride in providing fresh, farm-to-table produce for our students.
An unforgettable first day of school!
Elbert County District School Nutrition Director Bridgette Matthews spoke at the DE Essentials of Healthcare class about proper nutrition and hydration for the body, as well as fueling the body with correct macro- and micro-nutrients to stay healthy!
Bartow County SN served over 220,000 free meals to Bartow County youth, thanks to their dedicated school nutrition sta . This summer, they loved incorporating school-grown produce into meals and hosting smoothie taste tests to get kids excited about fresh, healthy food.
Lithia Springs’ first day of school!
Barrow County's amazing School Nutrition sta is back in action! They’ve hit the ground running—receiving deliveries, stocking kitchens, and prepping for the first day of school.
G
From early morning breakfasts to hearty lunches, our Grady Co. School Nutrition teams kept the ovens warm and the serving lines full all week long!
Whitfield County School Nutrition Department provided breakfast and lunch for their new teachers during the district’s three-day New Teacher Induction event. The food was incredible, and the Moo Brew co ee was a big hit.
A BIG SHOUT to Corporate Imaging Concepts and All for Lunch! These two organizations joined forces to feed students in Forsyth County Schools. Their generous donation paid for 6,400 lunches for students who did not have money for a meal.
Students across Cherokee County Schools enjoyed special moments in their cafeterias as they recognized Patriot Day. From themed decorations to thoughtful touches from the amazing School Nutrition teams, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was a great day to come together, enjoy a delicious meal, and celebrate community spirit in our schools!
Hephzibah Middle and Hephzibah High School Rebels teamed up with the incredible Williams drivers to help feed our students. From the truck to the tray, it’s all about teamwork and making sure every student is nourished and ready to learn.
The Cherokee County School District celebrated the winners of its third annual School Nutrition Team of the Year awards! R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy is the elementary division winner, and E.T. 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 sta . Congratulations to the winners!
Bibb County School Nutrition hosted their first Employee Resource Fair, which was a groundbreaking success! Thank you to their valued vendors for their significant contributions of time and resources, which have empowered their employees and paved the way for a brighter future.
Whitfield County School Nutrition team was recognized by the USDA and Action for Healthy Kids with two awards for their creativity and commitment to serving fresh, nutritious meals to students. Innovative School Lunch Makeover Award and Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award! Great Job Whitfield County!
Barrow County SN is excited to feature locally grown beef on the menu this August. A Big Thank You to Potts Bros Farm for providing our schools with fresh, high-quality ground beef!
Whitfield County Schools brought a taste of game day to students with the launch of Football Fridays in all school cafeterias. Each Friday this fall, the School Nutrition team serves a special lineup featuring chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs, giving students the perfect fuel to power through the school day. The kicko event was a hit, with students excited to enjoy their favorite game day meals while celebrating football season. Football Fridays are designed to create a fun, engaging cafeteria experience that brings the school community together each week.
The Cherokee County School District celebrated the winners of its third annual School Nutrition Team of the Year awards! R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy is the elementary division winner, and E.T. 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 sta . Congratulations to the winners!
Takeover Tuesday was a tasty success at Allatoona Elementary in Bartow County. Their garden club members stepped into the kitchen to make apple nachos - September’s Harvest of the Month. Students learned all about the health benefits of apples and how to turn them into a quick, nutritious snack with just a few simple ingredients. From slicing to drizzling, they got hands-on and had so much fun creating their own delicious masterpieces!
A big Thank you to the incredible sta and partners of Whitfield School Nutrition for helping keep feeding sites running smoothly! They are especially grateful for their dedicated School Resource O cers who stepped in to carry meals and boxes, and the amazing Summer Literacy Team who shared books with students visiting our sites. Your support truly made a di erence!
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
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 22 schools for this prestigious award. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your commitment to serving quality school meals.
Atlanta Public Schools
Butts County
Commerce City
Dodge County
Fayette County
Fulton County
Glynn County Hall County
Heard County
Murray County
Peach County
Rabun County
Sumter County Terrell County
Atlanta Neighborhood Charter
Fayette County
Fulton County
Heard County
Heard County
Butts County
Treutlen County Whitfield County
Leadership Training Kicks O
Gainesville, Georgia was the proud host of the GSNA 2025-2026 Leadership Training, where a dynamic group of school nutrition leaders from across the state gathered to "Build A Modern Legacy." The energy and enthusiasm were undeniable as incoming local, district, and state officers came together to prepare for a strong year ahead.
A huge thank you goes to April Cox, GSNA’s incoming President, and her outstanding team from Hall County, for hosting an engaging and memorable event. Their hard work set the tone for a successful year of leadership and collaboration. Training included district leaders mapping out their goals and strategies for the 2025-2026 school year. Each session had a room filled with forward-thinking ideas, excitement, and commitment to excellence.
The fun didn’t stop at training sessions! Leaders enjoyed a lively game of Bingo, with two lucky winners each taking home $100 prizes, and plenty of additional giveaways thanks to our incredible industry partners who joined the fun and generously provided prizes. The evening wrapped up with a crowd-pleasing Taco Bar from Amanda’s Farm to Fork
Catering, and the sweetest ending of all — District 9’s peach cobbler and ice cream!
With star-studded speakers, hands-on planning, and lots of fun, GSNA Leadership Training 2025 proved to be the perfect launchpad for an exciting year in Georgia School Nutrition! Special “Thank You” to our Leadership Training Sponsors: Master Marketing, ES Foods, Royal Foods, Wild Mike’s Ultimate Pizza, Tek Vision, Cool Tropics, Peterson Farms Treats, Owens Equipment, PMR and Pro Rep Marketing.
National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role that school meals play in nourishing students across the country. It highlights the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals who provide healthy, delicious, and affordable meals every day, ensuring students have the fuel they need to learn and thrive.
The 2025 theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport,” was chosen to inspire curiosity, cultural appreciation and adventure through food. By featuring international cuisines and flavors, this theme encourages students to explore new tastes and traditions, making school meals exciting and engaging. It celebrates the diversity of cultures both within our schools and around the globe, lifting up school meals as a gateway to learning about the world. School lunch is not just about eating, it’s about experiencing and connecting with a wider world, one delicious bite at a time.
Global Article
Hello there. I am Susan Wickizer Blank, your Industry chair for this school year. As you may already know, the theme for National School Lunch Week is Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport! After being at the fabulous NSLW Kickoff Luncheon in Macon, I knew I wanted to share some information with you all about why I think this is such a fitting theme, and ways to help your cafeteria have more globally inspired foods. During this back -to-school season, I had the privilege of spending several days in school buildings setting up new a la carte programs. While at those schools I noticed so much diversity in the teaching staff, students, as well as the nutrition staff. I was VERY excited to see many culturally authentic dishes and wanted to share some information on this topic.
Why have globally inspired menus:
• Increase participation
• Increase community engagement – families, chefs, advisory councils
• Educate students and expand their knowledge and palates you are creating the “foodies of tomorrow”
• You are the largest restauranteur in town!
• Students are looking for your cafeteria to reflect how they eat outside of their homes when they are dining out
• QSR, c-stores are FULL of global foods
We all know that the K-12 kitchens, students, and requirements present unique challenges. Here are some tips from K-12 culinary specialists on balancing practicality with authenticity within school nutrition constraints. You may want to get input from your community (students, parents, local chefs). School nutrition staff often represent the diversity of your school community and can provide great input on the feasibility of preparation.
Next, think about the ingredients; what do you already have in your kitchens? Spices, herbs, USDA foods, grains, etc. that can provide global flavors or a base that students are familiar with (maybe rice or bread, pasta, corn chip). Ask K-12 manufacturers for globally inspired recipes; fellow school districts; and websites like the CIA’s Healthy Kids Collaborative, SNA, and www.pepsicoschoolsource.com. Staff training is also going to be important. Recipes may require some scratch/speed scratch cooking. Start by producing small-batch quantities and introduce the recipe as a sample before adding to the menu. Don’t neglect nutritional standards and consider that globally-inspired recipes may contain allergens not in other menus (nuts, seafood/shellfish, soy, sesame).
Last – Feedback! Feedback! Feedback! And don’t be afraid of criticism. We all have different ways of testing with kids – samples, QR codes, sticker charts. Take the feedback and don’t give up; sometimes just a small adjustment to the recipe can be all that’s needed to get a thumbs-up from students. When you find that recipe that works – put marketing behind it – just like at restaurants, if it doesn’t sell you can’t keep it on the menu!
I look forward to seeing some of your globally inspired dishes in cafeterias across Georgia. I hope you and your families enjoy this fall season!
Susan Wickizer Blank PepsiCo Food Service
Announcing the SY2026
Georgia School Nutrition Association
Culinary Arts Competition
Date: TBA
Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Jackson High School, Jackson GA 30233
Who is going to the state competition?
Reduced Sugar
Lunch Entree
Vegetable Side Dish
Breakfast Entree Blast from the Past Featuring the Sub Groups Looking into the Future Celebrating Today
Three Categories
Whole Grain Breakfast Entree, Legacy - Looking into the Future: Prepare a delicious and nutritional breakfast entree Breakfast e ntree must focus on reducing the sugar in student favorite breakfast items. Breakfast entree must credit as a 2 grain equivalent and include a Georgia Grown or USDA product Please show crediting documentation on the recipe
Lunch Entree, Legacy - Blast from the Past: Prepare a delicious and nutritional lunch entree from a past student favorite Highlight how a blast from the past can meet current regulations and nutritional requirements. Lunch entre e must credit as a 2 M/MA and 2 grain equivalent and include a Georgia Grown or USDA product. Please show crediting documentation on the recipe
Lunch Side Dish, Legacy - Celebrating Today: Prepare a delicious and nutritional lunch side dish using a favorite student recipe Lunch side dish must feature at least one vegetable sub group (example: red/orange, dark green etc.). Lunch side dish must cre dit as a ½ cup vegetable and include a Georgia Grown or USDA product. Please show crediting documentation on the recipe. State winners will receive a monetary award and be recognized
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GEORGIA GEMS FALL 2025
