CCSD School Nutrition Programs Wins National Honor

CANTON-SIXES, GA - From Cherokee County School District: The Cherokee County School District School Nutrition program has won a National honor for the second consecutive year!

The program, led by CCSD School Nutrition Director Tina Farmer, again has been recognized with the Silver Turnip the Beet Award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – one of only 19 winners in the State and 111 in the country.

CCSD earned the recognition for its summer meal program, which provides breakfast and lunches at no charge to students in need served by summer school programs, as well as at select locations throughout the community. CCSD provides the free meals to children 18 and younger at select off-campus sites thanks to USDA Seamless Summer Option funding; no CCSD funds are used.

The Award’s goal, according to the USDA, is to recognize summer meal programs that go “above and beyond to ensure their meals are both nutritious and appetizing.” Judges looks for use of local foods, a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and culturally appropriate meals.

Almost one-third of CCSD students qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year, and the summer meals program ensures that these children have access to nutritious meals during summer break.

Photo courtesy of Cherokee County School District