Nutrition edition, 2011 Fall

Nutrition Edition

The Official Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 1

Fall 2011

HIGHLIGHTS
SNA Annual National Conference Farm to School SNP Training for SY2012

Page 2 Nutrition Edition

The Official Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Georgia

3

Representation at

ANC

Farm to School

4

NSLW

5

Website Makeover

6

Welcome To Our Newsletter
Welcome to Our Newsletter

Welcome to Nutrition Edition: Our new official school nutrition program newsletter. This is the first of a series of quarterly newsletters that will update you with important information and resources about Georgia's School Nutrition Program.
Here, on the state level, we have taken strides towards providing you with the most effective means of keeping an open line of communication between the state staff and local programs that represent communities across Georgia. Last month, we debuted our Brand New Website including video

resources; great news segments featuring local SNPs; links to collaborating organizations; information and statistical data about our school meals and the USDA; and so much more. Now, in conjunction with our website, we have this newsletter that is tailored to provide you, our local School Nutrition Directors and Managers, with fun and innovative spotlights and resources that will assist with your continued efforts of providing healthy meals for the children of Georgia.

Georgia School Nutrition is On The Map
A Look Back Nancy Rice's Tenure as SNA President

Training Calendar

6

Training

7

Opportunities

Verification,

WebSupply and DC It

Share Your

8

BreakfastTM Grant

Healthy Schools

8

Program Awards

USDA Best Practice 9 Award Winners

School Nutrition

9

Resources

USDA News Release: 10 Choose My Plate

As School Year 2012 comes to a fresh new start, I must reflect upon the wonderful experience of serving as the National School Nutrition Association (SNA) President. This past year was one that welcomed a kaleidoscope of opportunities to make Georgia shine.
When I first accepted the position of SNA President, I never would have imagined that I would do so during a year that proved to be vital to child nutrition. It was in this past year that the health and wellness of our children catapulted into the forefront of our nation's priorities. President Barak Obama rolled out the Healthy Hunger Free Act of 2010; First Lady Michelle Obama introduced the Let's Move Campaign; and the USDA changed the eating guide from My Pyramid to Choose My Plate. These health and nutrition campaigns granted me an invitation to the White House three times during my tenure.
My fellow School Nutrition Professionals, I want you to realize that when I walked into the White House and shook our President's and First Lady's hands, it was not just me walking in to show support of the agenda to give our children and families the tools needed to live healthy lifestyles at home, work and school. It was YOU who walked in with me. I consider myself a representation of not just SNA members, but of all of you who makes Georgia's School Nutrition Program shine. Because of you, I was able to meet and speak to leaders in our nation about our common goal of building healthy student minds and bodies.
So it is with overwhelming gratitude that I thank you for supporting me in this tremendous journey. Now, I am back....so saddle-up and let's get to work!!

Nutrition Edition

Volume 1, Issue 1
Georgia Connects In Nashville
A Glimpse of SNA's Annual National Conference

Page 3

Page 4

News You Can Use
School Nutrition News in State and National Headlines

USDA Official Addresses School Nutrition Community on Efforts

to Promote Healthier Diets for Nation's Children

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 11, 2011 -- USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Janey Thornton today highlighted the importance of USDA Foods and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act during the 2011 School Nutrition Association national convention. Thornton joined thousands of school nutrition professionals at the three-day event which offers an opportunity for a dialogue on the administration's efforts to ensure healthier meals in the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs.
"The School Nutrition Association is a strong partner in the Obama Administration's effort to ensure that our nation's school children are provided the most nutritious food possible," said USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Janey Thornton. "For many children, the food they receive in school is their primary source of nutrition. By working closely with our school nutrition professionals, we are creating the healthy school environment needed to ensure our children are engaged and productive learners."
With one in every three children in America at risk for preventable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease due to overweight and obesity, school nutrition improvements are an investment in improving our children's future and are critical to helping them maintain optimal health. School meals currently reach nearly 32 million children each school day nationwide, and many children consume as many as half their daily calories at school.
USDA purchases between 15-20 percent of the foods served in school meals. USDA offers more than 180 nutritious foods, including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and foods that are lower in fat, salt, and

added sugars than ever before. Schools are choosing to use USDA Foods in more healthful ways. Many schools have eliminated fried foods and have opted to showcase
USDA Foods as part of lower sodium menu items that appeal to children. USDA Foods are 100 percent American-grown, support American agriculture, and help schools stretch their food budgets. The 101,000 schools and institutions that participate in the National School Lunch Program are thinking more and more creatively about how to serve healthful options that kids will enjoy.
Improving child nutrition is the focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act signed by President Obama in December 2010. The legislation, which reauthorized the Child Nutrition and WIC programs, will allow USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to the school meals programs, improve the nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children, and help a new generation win the future by having healthier lives. The Act is the legislative centerpiece of the Let's Move! initiative.
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service oversees 15
nutrition assistance programs that touch the lives of one in
four Americans over the course of a year. The programs
work together to form a national safety net against hunger.
The National School Lunch and School Breakfast
programs provide nutritionally balanced, free and low-cost
meals to nearly 32 million school children each school
day. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program,
puts healthy food in reach for more than 44 million
Americans each month, half of whom are children.
From the USDA Office of Communications

Farm to School--YES, You Can Do It!

Farm To School Resources

USDA Farm to School Assists schools in starting or expanding their Farm to School activities; assist in the communication between farmers and schools; share information about Farm to School activities across the Nation; and keeps you informed of the legislative and regulatory changes that influence Farm to School activities. http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/

USDA Farm To School Resource Library Creative pictures, fun-facts, posters, coloring pages and more to engage students and incorporate Farm to School into the classroom. http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/
Georgia Farm to School Network A resource for implementing the Farm to School

Program in Georgia. http://www.georgiaorganics.org/ farmtoschool.aspx
GaDOE School Nutrition Program Farm to School Handbook A reference and informational guide to assist in developing and starting a Farm to School program.

Nutrition Edition

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 5

National School Lunch Week
School Lunch--Let's Grow Healthy

October 10-14, 2011

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is our opportunity to shine. It is the time when School Nutrition Programs are given the spotlight to share the message that eating healthy and nutritious meals are beneficial to the academic development of our students.
Under the guidance of SNA, the theme for this year's NSLW is School Lunch Let's Grow Healthy. This is a

learning opportunity that will foster students' understanding of the source of food and how it is grown, cultivated and produced. NSLW 2011 is a catalyst for promoting locally sourced foods.
Since the campaign runs from August-October, plan early and begin implementing new ideas now. You can showcase a harvest-of-the-month menu; start your school garden; or plan a meet-the-farmer educational presentation and so much more.
For artwork, presentations, and resources on how to promote NSLW 2011; go to the SNA website at: www.schoolnutrition.org.

National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day
Parents See for Themselves Healthy School Lunch Options
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day is a timely promotional campaign that occurs during NSLW. This day is designed to inform your parents of the types of food options that are provided to their children while in school. Since the theme for NSLW, School Lunch Let's Grow Healthy, is focused on highlighting Farm to School; you can use this day as a chance to allow parents to take part in a meal that has locally grown items; or even take a tour of the school garden. If your school does not have a school garden, it is a way to gain their support for the induction of one in the future.
For guidance on how to celebrate National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, go to www.myhealthyschool.com for toolkits, check lists, presentation and promotional resources to assist you.

http://gadoe.org/fbo_nutrition.aspx? PageReq=FBOFNBSU
National Farm to School Network A collaborative network providing detailed information about the history, vision and implementation of the Farm to School Program. www.farmtoschool.org

Community Food Security Coalition Provides a variety of training and technical assistance programs for community food projects such as farm to school. Organizes the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference. Its upcoming conference is in Burlington, Vermont in Spring 2012. The 6th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference will showcase innovative and effective strategies for connecting schools

and colleges with local farms. http://www.foodsecurity.org/ farm_to_school.html
Food Routes Website with information for the food and farming community, community based nonprofits, and more. http://www.foodroutes.org/farmtoschool.jsp

Page 6
Check It Out
SNP Website Makeover
We are pleased to announce that the School Nutrition Program's website has been updated. Check out its new design and pertinent information that will prove to be useful for school nutrition professionals, school administration, parents and students. You will find an array of resources including (but not limited to) USDA policies, video highlights, nutrition tips and links.
Go To: http://gadoe.org/fbo_nutrition.aspx
To Contact the SNP Website Team, Email: NutritionComm@doe.k12.ga.us

Get Equipped with Professional Development
Upcoming Training Opportunities

APPLICATION PROCESSING DATE: August 16th; 9am-12pm LOCATION: East Georgia College; Swainsboro, GA
DATE: August 16th; 10am-12pm LOCATION: Henry County BOE; Stockbridge, GA
CRE/SMI TRAINING DATE: August 31st--September 1st LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA
DIRECTORS' CONFERENCE DATE: October 25th--27th LOCATION: UGA; Athens, GA
MENU PLANNING AND PRODUCTION RECORDS DATE: August 16th; 10am-12pm LOCATION: Buford City Schools; Burford, GA
DATE: August 17th 1pm-3:30pm LOCATION: Bartow County BOE; Cartersville, GA
DATE: August 17th; 9am-11am ; 1pm-3pm LOCATION: East Georgia College; Swainsboro, GA
DATE: August 18th; 1pm-3:30pm LOCATION: Pickens County Schools; Jasper, GA
DATE: August 23rd; 9:30am-11:30am LOCATION: Southwest Georgia RESA; Camilla, GA
DATE: August 24th; 9:30am-11:30am LOCATION: Lowndes County BOE; Valdosta, GA
DATE: August 31st; 9:30am-11:30am LOCATION: First District RESA; Brooklet, GA
MEAL COUNTING AND CLAIMING DATE: August 16th; 1pm-3pm LOCATION: East Georgia College; Swainsboro, GA

DATE: August 16th; 1:30pm-3:30pm LOCATION: Henry County BOE; Stockbridge, GA
NEW DIRECTORS' ORIENTATION DATE: August 17th--18th; Full Day LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA
DATE: September 20th--21st LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA
NEW BOOKKEEPER TRAINING For Non-Traditional Schools DATE: August 22nd--23rd; Full Day LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA
For Non-Traditional Schools DATE: August 24th--25th; Full Day LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA
USDA CHILD NUTRITION WEBINAR NSLP DATE: September 21st;9:30am-12pm LOCATION: Online Webinar
VERIFICATION WORKSHOP DATE: September 7th; 9am-12pm LOCATION: East Georgia College; Swainsboro, GA
DATE: September 7th; 10am-12:30pm LOCATION: Fayette County BOE; Fayetteville, GA
DATE: September 8th; 9am-12pm LOCATION: Houston County BOE; Perry, GA
DATE: September 21st; 9:30am-12pm LOCATION: First District RESA; Brooklet, GA
DATE: September 22nd; 9:30am-12pm LOCATION: Lowndes County BOE; Valdosta, GA

DATE: September 27th; 9:30am-12pm LOCATION: Southwest Georgia RESA; Camilla, GA

DATE: September 27th; 10am-12:30pm LOCATION: Clark County BOE; Athens, GA
DATE: September 27th; 9:30am-12:30pm LOCATION: Floyd County BOE; Rome, GA

For Non-Traditional Schools DATE: September 27th; 8:30am-11:30am
LOCATION: GaDOE Twin Towers West; Atlanta, GA

DATE: September 28th; 9:30am-12:30pm LOCATION: North Georgia RESA; Ellijay, GA
DATE: September 29th; 9:30am-12:30pm LOCATION: Cobb County BOE; Kennesaw, GA

For Non-Traditional Schools DATE: September 29th;12:30am-3:30pm
LOCATION: GaDOE Twin Towers West; Atlanta, GA

WEBSUPPLY TRAINING

LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA

DATES: September 22nd

October 12th

September 27th

October 13th

September 28th

October 19th

October 5th

October 20th

October 6th

PROCUREMENT TRAINING

LOCATION: Macon State College; Macon, GA

DATES: October 4th

November 16th

October 18th

December 13th

November 15th

January 27th

*BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY, FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGISTER FOR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES*

Nutrition Edition

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 7

Just for You

School Nutrition Verification Training Sessions

In an effort to assist School Nutrition Directors and their staff, the Georgia School Nutrition Program will conduct training sessions focused on the process of verifying free and reduced price applications in accordance with USDA procedures for the 2011-2012 school year. School Nutrition Consultants will conduct these regional workshops for local district staff. School Nutrition Directors are invited to attend with a staff member who handles verification of applications.
This training is offered to provide tools you need to be just in time for this important process that must be completed.
In order to register for this complimentary training,

please contact the appropriate program associate listed for the workshop you would like to attend. Registration is limited to two people per system with a maximum of 30 attendees per site. The program associate will provide directions to the site once registration is completed.
Participants should bring a calculator and a copy of the Eligibility Manual for School Meals that was released by the USDA in January 2008. The Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program sent a copy of this manual to each school system.
Additional copies may be printed at:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/CND/Guidance/eligibility_guidance.pdf

My Oh My,WebSupply
WebSupply is a modern Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system that provides integrated commodity purchasing, tracking and ordering systems for the USDA; and is currently in the process of full implementation in place of ECOS. As of April 1, 2011, WebSupply made its introduction and is NOW Live, but is still under limited functionality.
Changes are underway! Recipient Agencies (RAs) should have received an email in October 2010 for the e-authentication process. The State Food Distribution (FD) Staff, along with resources from the USDA will assist you in this crucial transition. For assistance, you may:
Contact your FD representative View resources online at : http://usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=WBSCM Attend the Mandatory WebSupply Training (see schedule on page 6)

DC IT...

Direct Certification Are You On Board?

In school year (SY) 2009-2010, 67% of Georgia students who were eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were approved for free meals by direct certification. Georgia was one of 24 states that were below the national median of 72%. Our goal is to increase our participation to 80% in SY2012 and 90% in SY2013.
We are committed to taking several steps towards reaching this goal:
More frequent matches with updated information from DHS and GaDOE. Increase use of statewide lookup and GO Screen. Look for students on the matched and unmatched lists. Use statewide lookup screen to search for new students.

Match new data when DC list updates are issued.
....so, What are the benefits of Direct Certification? In exchange for our total commitment, as a state we will see:
.
Increased number of children eligible to receive free meals. Increased participation in USDA School Meal Programs. Increase accuracy in qualifying students. Reduction in time, cost, and paperwork associated with the certification process.
Contact your Area Consultant for further information.

Page 8

Grant Opportunity
Share Your BreakfastTM

Kellogg's and Action for Healthy Kids is offering Share Your BreakfastTM grants to help schools increase student participation in the School Breakfast Program. Grants range from $750$1,000 and also include significant in-kind contributions from Action for Healthy Kids in the form of people, programs, and policy expertise.
What schools need to know to apply: Interested schools are invited to attend a webinar to learn more about the 2011-2012 Share Your BreakfastTM grants: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 4 5 p.m. ET Register Now at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/ register/326832746. Space is limited. Schools must get completed applications to Action for Healthy Kids by 5 p.m. ET, Friday, September 30, 2011.

Detailed information about how to submit your school's application is included on the application form which can be accessed at: http://take.actionforhealthykids.org/site/R? i=NpYGgDTsqfaSQ9Xy9Cg_aQ.. School districts that receive Share Your BreakfastTM grants will be notified Monday, October 17, 2011. Funded schools will be notified of their awards on Monday, October 17, 2011. Project activities must be completed between November 1, 2011 and December 1, 2012. Action Plan/Goals will be due Friday, December 16, 2011. Mid Project Report will be due Friday, June 8, 2012. Final Evaluation and Report will be due Friday, December 14, 2012.
Share Your BreakfastTM is a registered trademark of Kellogg NA Co.

Healthy Schools Program Awards
17 GA Schools Chosen as Healthy Schools

FUN FACT
Georgia ranks first in both Breakfast
and Lunch participation levels for states with more
than 1 million students. Compared
to all states, Georgia ranks in the
top six.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, will recognize 17 Georgia schools for transforming their campuses into a healthier place for students and staff.
To earn this award, schools revamped their meals service and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards set by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program; which provides expert advice and free resources to more than 12,000 schools nationwide to help them reverse the national trend in childhood obesity. Schools are eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum National Recognition Awards based on their level of achievement. The Georgia schools (13 Bronze and 4 Silver) National Recognition Award winners join 274 other schools that are receiving this honor for their healthy achievements.
Georgia 2011 National Award Winning Healthy Schools
SILVER AWARD RECIPIENTS: Dawson County Black's Mill Elementary School
Fulton County Cliftondale Elementary School Palmetto Elementary School Sandtown Middle School

BRONZE AWARD RECIPIENTS: Atlanta Public Schools Beacher Hills Elementary School Springdale Park Elementary School
Bleckley County Schools Bleckley County Primary School
Dalton County Schools City Park Elementary School
Dawson County Schools Herbert Robinson Elementary School Kilough Elementary School Riverview Middle School
Dekalb County Schools Huntley Hills Elementary and Montessori School
Fulton County Schools Bear Creek Middle School High Point Elementary School Langston Hughes High School
Griffin-Spalding County Schools Cowan Road Middle School Jackson Road Middle School
As a recipient of the National Recognition Award, each Georgia School has a story to tell! Check them out on the www.healthiergeneration.org website.
Photo is courtesy of The Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Nutrition Edition

Volume 1, Issue 1

Congratulations
USDA Best Practice Award Winners

Twenty Georgia schools were submitted as recipients of the USDA Southeast Region Best Practice Award. We congratulate these schools for setting the pace of excellence in the day-today operation of their school nutrition programs.
Creative Utilization of Commodities: Jasper County School Food Authority
Customer Service Bartow County School System Douglas County School System--Holly Springs Elementary Georgia Educational Cooperative (Also a 2011 USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Glynn County Board of Education
Working with Local Producers (Farm to School):
Cobb County School District (Also a 2011 USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Gwinnett County Public Schools
Increasing Participation in School Breakfast:
Forsyth County Board of Education Griffin-Spalding County Schools--Griffin High Gordon County Schools--Red Bud Elementary

Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption:
Lamar County School System (Also a 2011 USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Walker County Schools
Promoting a Healthy School Environment: Atlanta Public Schools Burke County Public Schools Dalton Public Schools Hapeville Charter School Forsyth County Board of Education Fulton County Schools --Abbotts Mill Elementary Walker County Schools
School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events:
Brantley County
School Nutrition Program (Also a 2011 USDA Southeast Region Award Winner)

Page 9
FUN FACT
The Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables Program provided more than $2.5 million worth of fresh produce in Georgia's Schools.

Here's the Scoop
Resources You Can Use

Register Volunteer Opportunities Online www.serve.gov/endhunger
National Hunger Hotline Registering your SFSP sites with the National Hunger Hotline, 1-866-3-Hungry and 1-877-8Hambre, ensures that families who call the Hotline find your site. List all of your feeding sites and email them to: nhc@whyhunger.org
Tray Talk National News about School Nutrition Programs.www.traytalk.org
USDA's MyPlate The federal government's new food icon, replacing the MyPyramid image. www.choosemyplate.gov
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) Managing food allergies in the School Setting Video http://www.foodallergy.org/section/videogallery

National Farmers Market Directory USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service's list of farmers' markets throughout the US. Visiting local farmers' markets is a great way for school districts to find farmers in their area. http://apps.ams.usda.gov/ farmersmarkets/
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation works to combat one of the nation's leading health threats, childhood obesity. www.healthiergeneration.org

Page 10

Hot Off The Press
News and Updates From the USDA

First Lady, Agriculture Secretary Launch MyPlate Icon as a New Reminder to Help Consumers to Make Healthier Food Choices

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.
This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country, said First Lady Michelle Obama. When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we're already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it's tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids' plates. As long as they're half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we're golden. That's how easy it is.
With so many food options available to consumers, it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal, said Secretary Vilsack. MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles. This effort is about more than just giving information, it is a matter of making people understand there are options and practical ways to apply them to their daily lives.
Originally identified in the Child Obesity Task Force report which noted that simple, actionable advice for consumers is needed, MyPlate will replace the MyPyramid image as the government's primary food group symbol as an easy-to-understand visual cue to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. MyPyramid will remain available to interested health professionals and nutrition educators in a special section of the new website.
ChooseMyPlate.gov provides practical information to individuals, health professionals, nutrition educators, and the food industry to help consumers build healthier diets with resources and tools for dietary assessment, nutrition education, and other user-friendly nutrition information. As Americans are experiencing epidemic rates of overweight and obesity, the online resources and tools can empower people to

make healthier food choices for themselves, their families, and their children. Later this year, USDA will unveil an exciting go-to online tool that consumers can use to personalize and
manage their dietary and physical activity choices.
Over the next several years, USDA will work with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let'sMove! initiative and public and private partners to promote MyPlate and ChooseMyPlate.gov as well as the supporting nutrition messages and how-to resources.
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, launched in January of this year, form the basis of the federal government's nutrition education programs, federal nutrition assistance programs, and dietary advice provided by health and nutrition professionals. The Guidelines messages include:
Balance Calories Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
Foods to Increase Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk. Make at least half your grains whole grains
Foods to Reduce Compare sodium (salt) in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals, and choose foods with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Coupled with these tested, actionable messages will be the how-tos for consumer behavior change. A multi-year campaign calendar will focus on one action-prompting message at a time starting with Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables.
What we have learned over the years is that consumers are bombarded by so many nutrition messages that it makes it difficult to focus on changes that are necessary to improve their diet, said Secretary Vilsack. This new campaign calendar will help unify the public and private sectors to coordinate efforts and highlight one desired change for consumers at a time.
As part of this new initiative, USDA wants to see how consumers are putting MyPlate in to action by encouraging consumers to take a photo of their plates and share on Twitter with the hash-tag #MyPlate. USDA also wants to see where and when consumers think about healthy eating. Take the Plate [link to downloadable plate image] and snap a photograph with MyPlate to share with our USDA Flickr Photo Group [http:// www.flickr.com/people/usdagov/].

Nutrition Edition

Volume 1, Issue 1
Focus On Success
We Want to Highlight YOU
Do you have a School Nutrition Program Success Story that you want us to highlight? If so, please submit a small paragraph detailing your school or school system's accomplishments, campaigns, new ideas, awards and upcoming events...
YOU could be highlighted in our next Nutrition Edition Newsletter.
Please email: Sommer Delgado at: sdelgado@doe.k12.ga.us

Page 11

Farm to School In Georgia
Share Your Farm to School Efforts With Others
Schools throughout Georgia participate in the Farm to School Program; while others are in the beginning stages of implementation. We would like to hear about your experience, success, and outcomes of the program at
your school so that we may highlight you and share your Farm to School efforts with others.
Send pictures and stories of your Farm to School activities to Laura Tanase at ltanase@doe.k12.ga.us

From SNP Communications
A Message from the Editor
Dear School Nutrition Directors and Managers:
I cannot truly express the appreciation that I have for the work you do on a daily basis. In these few months, I had the privilege of joining GaDOE's School Nutrition Program, and learned so much about what is required to provide nutritious meals on the trays of students across Georgia. Hence, I have a strong amount of respect for you and your profession.
It is my responsibility to put my best foot forward in spreading the message that Georgia's school cafeterias build healthy student minds and bodies, as our state SNP motto says. No one will know what we do, unless we tell them what we do. I am here to be the voice that shares benefits, strengths, accomplishments, and innovations of our work. Therefore, I serve as a support for state and local school nutrition programs.
It is with honor, that I communicate the wealth of information pertaining to the execution of the GaDOE School Nutrition Program's vision, mission and goals. This newsletter is just the beginning of things to come in the future of school nutrition communications.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any comments, questions or new ideas. I welcome the opportunity to visit your schools and see your programs in action; and look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,

Sommer Delgado
Communications Project Manager School Nutrition Program Georgia Department of Education
(404) 656-2470 - Office (404) 859-1896 - Cell (770) 344-4538 - Fax sdelgado@doe.k12.ga.us
www.gadoe.org http://gadoe.org/fbo_nutrition.aspx

Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program Building Healthy Minds and Bodies
Nancy Rice, M.Ed., RD, LD, SNS Director, School Nutrition Division 1662 Twin Towers East 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE Atlanta, GA 30334

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ATLANTA, GA
PERMIT NO.

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM MISSION: The mission of the School Nutrition Program is to provide leadership, training and technical assistance, and resources so that local program personnel may deliver quality meals and education that contribute to the nutritional well-being of Georgians and their performance at work and school.
SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM VISION: GaDOE leads the nation in improving student achievement including:
Nutrition integrity of programs reflected by children who are well nourished, ready to learn and have healthy eating habits High quality food service programs as evidenced by compliance with quality standards Nutrition education that enhances positive behavioral changes for a lifetime Creative links to the nutrition related needs of the community as a whole Local, state and national public policy which strengthens programs and recognizes them as an integral part of the education of students Financially sound and accountable programs operated consistent with the program purposes Image that draws customers and support from the general public.
Nutrition Edition Newsletter is a quarterly publication intended for School Nutrition Program Directors and Managers. Questions or comments should be directed to: Sommer Delgado School Nutrition Program Communications Project Manager 404-656-2470 sdelgado@doe.k12.ga.us .
GaDOE Non-Discriminatory Statement:
In accordance with State and Federal law, the Georgia Department of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its educational and employment activities. Inquiries regarding the application of these practices may be addressed to the General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Education, 2052 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334, (404) 656-2800.
USDA Non-Discriminatory Statement:
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866)632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.