[May 4, 2009]
Mansfield, TX - Caring. Trained. Thoughtful. Professional. Dedicated. These are just a few words that describe today's child nutrition professional.
Teaching nutrition lessons, preparing healthy school meals and offering a friendly greeting are all in a day’s work for more than 250,000 child nutrition employees in the nation’s 99,000 school cafeterias and kitchens. The non-profit School Nutrition Association celebrates this professional commitment with Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week, May 4 – 8, 2009. The week is an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy school meals to more than 30 million children each school day.
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. They are trained sanitation and food safety experts and must manage financially self-sufficient programs. School nutrition professionals also provide nutrition education to students, as well as healthy catering services to their communities. They use their creativity to make the cafeteria a fun and welcoming place all year long and perform their jobs each day because they care passionately about the children they serve.
“This school year alone the dedicated professionals of MISD Student Nutrition will serve close to 4 million meals to the students of MISD” says Student Nutrition Director Gaylan Mathis. “I personally want to thank the entire Student Nutrition Staff for their hard work and dedication in feeding the future of Mansfield. I encourage teachers, administrators, students and parents alike to take the time to let your local cafeteria staff know that you appreciate their dedication.”
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