(ROCKWALL ISD-April 23, 2013) Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Rockwall ISD nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate.
To celebrate their hard work and commitment, the School Nutrition Association organizes School Nutrition Employee Week, May 6-10, 2013. To kick off the celebration, SNA has partnered with Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series and Random House Children’s Books, to create School Lunch Superhero Day, May 3rd. The day and the week are an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to 32 million of America’s students each school day.
All across the district, school nutrition professionals will be honored with thanks, cards, and recognition from students, school staff, parents and the community. Schools will individually participate in several opportunities to honor their cafeteria staff. There will be posters, small banners and announcements on the district website as well as on some campus websites. Staff will be recognized during morning announcements, with notes, letters and pictures by students around the district.
“We have over 125 school nutrition employees, many of whom are also parents who prepare breakfast, lunch and after school snacks, from wholesome ingredients every school day here in Rockwall. We meet or exceed every local, state and national rules and regulations. They are the reason I feel we have one of the best school nutrition programs in the country!” said Julie Farris, Director of Child Nutrition for Rockwall ISD. School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. In fact, federal nutrition standards ensure that every school lunch offers students a well-balanced meal offering low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.
The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. In Rockwall we serve fresh salads, fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and sides, a variety of low and non-fat milk, and lean sources of protein including yogurt and chicken. Everything is steamed or baked, nothing is fried.
Get the details about School Lunch Superhero Day at schoollunchsuperheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition program for Rockwall Independent School District visit rockwallisd.com.
The School Nutrition Association is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today’s school meals, visit TrayTalk.org.
Submitted by Jovan Overshown, Rockwall ISD Communications Coordinator.
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