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.
In the pursuit of building sustainable school nutrition programs, we often overlook the pivotal role that our industry partners play. As our programs evolve to meet the demands of new regulations, emerging food trends, and arguably most importantly the satisfaction of our students, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, it is essential to remember that we are not alone.
Here in Bremen City Schools, we have taken intentional steps to maximize the value of our industry partnerships, which has played a significant role in our success. By inviting multiple industry partners to engage directly with our district, we have enhanced both our operations and our students’ interest in our school nutrition program.
Benefits of Collaborating with Industry Partners
Collaborating with industry partners provides a wealth of benefits for school nutrition programs, including:
Innovative Menu Development: Partners often have insights into emerging food trends and can help districts develop creative, studentfriendly menus that comply with regulations and focus on quality.
Access to Training and Resources: Many industry partners offer training sessions for kitchen staff, including food safety, equipment maintenance, and culinary techniques, which improve overall efficiency.
Student Engagement Opportunities: By inviting partners to host tastings, demonstrations, or promotional events, schools can spark excitement among students, making them more invested in the school nutrition program.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Industry partners can provide guidance on navigating challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or adapting to new dietary requirements.
Our Approach in Bremen City Schools
In Bremen City Schools, we have made it a priority to establish strong, collaborative relationships with our industry partners. Here’s how we’ve done it:
Student-Focused Events: We host events where industry partners present new products directly to students. These events not only help us gauge student preferences but also make students feel involved in shaping their dining experience.
Professional Development Support: Many of our partners offer professional development opportunities for our staff. These sessions are tailored to address specific needs, such as incorporating new equipment or mastering updated food preparation techniques.
Open Communication: We maintain regular communication with our partners, inviting them to share ideas and feedback. This two-way dialogue ensures that our program stays dynamic and responsive to change.
The Impact
The outcomes of our efforts have been remarkable. By engaging industry partners, we have:
Increased student satisfaction and participation in the school meal program. Introduced diverse, innovative menu items that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Streamlined operations through training and access to better resources.
Strengthened our community’s confidence in the quality of our school nutrition program.
Final Thoughts
Collaborating with industry partners is more than just a business relationship it’s a partnership that directly impacts the health, satisfaction, and success of our students. When we embrace these partnerships with openness and a shared vision, we create a foundation for thriving, sustainable school nutrition programs that truly meet the needs of our communities. How is your district engaging with industry partners? Let’s continue the conversation and share best practices to elevate school nutrition programs across the board.
How AI is Making School Nutrition
Smarter and More Efficient
2024 GSNA INDUSTRY SEMINAR
Together We Thrive: Partnerships for Success
The Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA) Industry Seminar brought together school nutrition professionals and industry partners for an enriching experience at Chateau Elan in Braselton, GA, on December 12-13, 2024. The event combined education, collaboration, and entertainment, offering attendees valuable insights into the future of school nutrition.
Participants explored the Resource Room and Innovation Stations, where industry partners showcased cuttingedge products and services designed to enhance school meal programs. The Networking Lunch provided a platform for professionals to exchange ideas and build meaningful connections.
The General Sessions featured thoughtprovoking discussions, including a presentation by Ashley Morena, Founder/CEO of Project School Nutrition, who spoke on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in School Nutrition. Another highlight was the Interactive Student Panel, where attendees had the unique opportunity to ask students about their real-world lunchroom experiences, gaining firsthand insights into their preferences and challenges.
To cap off the seminar, attendees were transported back in time for a 1920sthemed evening of glamour and mystery at a secret location. Dressed in vintage elegance, guests enjoyed live music from the Emerald Empire Band and an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The night was a perfect blend of sophistication and celebration, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
With its combination of education, networking, and entertainment, the 2024 GSNA Industry Seminar at Chateau Elan proved to be a valuable event, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new ideas to enhance school nutrition programs across Georgia.
Saturday, March 15th
Jackson High School
GSNF Manager’s Retreat Focus: Teamwork and Leadership
October 10 & 11, 2024
The 2024 GSNF Manager’s Retreat & Training brought together School Nutrition Managers and Assistant Managers for two days of professional development and camaraderie at the historic Old Capitol Building in Milledgeville on October 1011, 2024
With the theme “All in This Together,” the retreat emphasized the importance of teamwork, reinforcing the T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) mindset. Attendees participated in engaging training sessions covering topics such as team building, leadership styles, selfcare, community partnerships, and school nutrition regulations.
A highlight of the event was the Murder Mystery Dinner, where participants enjoyed an evening of interactive entertainment and networking in a unique historical setting.
The retreat provided valuable skills, inspiration, and connections, equipping managers with the tools they need to lead their teams to continued success in school nutrition.
AROUND THE STATE
Lowndes County School Nutrition sponsors a Water Stop table for the Girls on the Run program in beautiful downtown Valdosta. This is something Lowndes County School Nutrition is very proud to do for Girls on the Run a few times a year. We see many of our very own students and are excited to cheer them on and encourage them as they run the 5k.
Happy Retirement Day to Debra Thomas! Debra has b ith CCS Nutrit years servin
Carrollton School and greatly mis staff and st
Wayne County School Nutrition was able to offer students fresh locallysourced broccoli for lunch. It was picked, then prepared in the kitchen for the students to enjoy this True farm to table goodness.
chool ool ool spirit!
Christmas Wellness Meeting (Thomaston-Upson) marked a significant milestone in their wellness journey, cultivating a sense of community and inspiring personal growth. Through engaging activities and enlightening discussions, they gained valuable insights into the importance of healthy nutrition and mental well-being.
Thomaston-Upson MS Cabbage -The Local Food for Schools Grant has enabled Thomaston Upson Middle School to offer students locally sourced food, promoting a healthier and more sustainable approach to nutrition. They have been able to serve fresh cabbage from Newman Farms in Thomaston, GA, which was showcased in January's Harvest of the Month.
The Thomaston-Upson School Nutrition Department embarked on a heartwarming community service project, collecting baby and toddler items for the Heritage Women’s Resource Center. On December 19th, these essential items were presented to the center’s directors, symbolizing a powerful commitment to nurturing strong, healthy families.
Fulton County SN hit the 100th day of school, and are super excited to share this milestone with all of you! Our cafes have been busy fueling young minds with nutritious meals for 100 days straight! We believe that a healthy start leads to a successful day of learning Here's to the next 100 d nourishing our i
Lowndes County School Nutrition celebrated National Cheese Pizza Day on Thursday 9/5/24.
Bremen City Schools had a phenomenal time taste testing with 20 second graders.
Chef for a Day: Tina Palumbo of Pace Reps came to visit the classroom! The students learned about flavors, menu planning, quality and so much more!
(Bremen City Schools)
Bremen City Schools enjoyed serving all their students a wonderful Thanksgiving Meal.
Cobb County Football stars love to eat apples!
Students and staff at Wacona Elementary are ready for Friday Nights Lights! GOOOOO Gators! (Ware County)
Richmond County School Nutrition celebrates World Milk Day with students.
Pete Ryan, Peterson Farms came to Sumter County to share information about his products.
Nutrition staff from Smith Barnes Elementary and the Academy of Advanced Studies in Henry County Schools prepare and serve their famous Thanksgiving Meal.
North Forsyth High School had their Holiday Dinner, and Ms. Kay and her amazing TEAM had some special guests visit the Raider Café, which included Central Office Staff, SN Director, Assistant Director and all Area Managers!
Sumter County Middle School celebrating Christmas cheer with faculty and staff by drinking hot chocolate with different toppings.
How wonderful it was to celebrate 20 years of service for the Manager at Lassiter School in Cobb County.
The Fulton School Nutrition Association held its 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off, celebrating community, great food, and the dedicated professionals behind our school meals!
Henry County SN Managers learned so much during their training event at Gordon Food Service.
County
Looks like Cobb County SN has a new employee!
Treutlen County staff are happy to be preparing Thanksgiving Lunch…will they have that same smile when all the dishes are done? Bet they do!
Thanksgiving is always a time to give back and that is just what Butts County SNA did…Baskets of food for those in need!
