GA Gems Winter 2014 by Plus One Media

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems A Publication of the Georgia School Nutrition Association

Georgia On My Mind 2015 Inside: 2015 Annual Conference Registration

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Georgia Gems

Georgia Gems Published by the Georgia School Nutrition Association

Winter 2014-2015

Inside This Issue From the President

Executive Director’s Message

Calendar of Events

President Kelly Schlein

School Level Chair Message

President-elect Vanessa Hayes

System Level Chair Message

2015-2016 GSNA Nominations

Thanks to our 2014-2015 Sponsors

2014-2015 Officers

Secretary Tanshelia Harris Treasurer Dawn Garrett-Martin Chair of District Presidents Laura Lynn School Level Section Chairman Regina Williamson System Level Section Chairman Kim Kiker Executive Director Susan Cheshire GSNA Office 2372 Main St. Tucker, Georgia 30084 (770) 934-8890, Fax: (770) 934-8917 (877) 221-8733 (inside Georgia) www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com Share your news with other members! Send items and photos to (email preferred): 2372 Main St., Tucker GA 30084 E-mail: patrice@georgiaschoolnutrition.com To Advertise in Georgia Gems Contact: Melissa Connor (404) 325-0558 Plus One Media, Inc. E-mail: melissa@plusonemedia.com Georgia Gems is published two times a year by the Georgia School Nutrition Association. Articles and editorials in Georgia Gems represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Georgia School Nutrition Association nor does acceptance of any advertising imply endorsement of the product(s) or service(s).

Around the State!

GSNA Annual Conference, Athens, GA Get in the Game!

• General Sessions Keynotes

• Educational Sessions

• Tentative Conference Agenda

• Conference Registration

2014 Best Practices Award Winners

2014 State Legislative Issue Paper & Talking Points

Myths & Facts About Breakfast in the Classroom

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

From the President Tis the Season to be Jolly. When I think of the little things that made me smile so much as a child, Dr. Seuss is the first who comes to mind. His stories, movies and quotes remain relevant & entertaining still to this day! I hope you spend your holidays with your favorite loved ones doing what matters most to you! Quality time with loved ones, warm memories of those who’ve passed on, being thankful, attending church programs, decorating the house, watching the best movies, singing the best songs, reading the best books, picking out perfect gag gifts, walking through Christmas light tours, enjoying cinnamon and Christmas tree smells, baking homemade cookies, shopping galore, dressing up, exchanging cards and so much more! Cheers to afabulous end to a spectacular year!

Kelly Schein GSNA President 2014-2015

GSNA Remembers: Malcolm Quillen GSNA lost one of our tireless advocates for child nutrition this year. Malcolm Quillen, GSNA Past President 2011-2012 passed away at the young age of 49 in November 2014. Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His enthusiasm and can do spirit help GSNA shine and reach even higher levels of recognition during his term and beyond. Malcolm founded the “Let’s Move!” Literary Consortium and worked tirelessly to promote “Let’s Move” and other charitable causes.

GSNA Thanks Dr. Josephine Martin for her memorial donations in memory of GSNA Past President Malcolm Quillen and Georgia Governor Carl Sanders. 2

Congratulations to Director Donna Martin of Burke County Donna Martin received the National Award of Excellence from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Pictured left to right, Nancy Rice, Director - GDOE School Nutrition Program, Donna Martin and Janey Thornton, USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary.

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

Executive Director’s Message Dear GSNA Members, Almost - winter weather found us over the holiday, but then we were back to 70 degrees! Is this global warming or what? I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful and that your “Georgia State of Mind” was in your heart as you shared with family and friends. As always, I am thankful for so many things in my life...my family, my work, a beautiful world around me, and all of our GSNA members who work hard to make life better for Georgia’s children Sadly, we mark this holiday season without Malcolm Quillen, our GSNA President in 2011. Malcolm was such a bright light to all who knew him, and his enthusiasm and dedication to School Nutrition and “Building Healthy Children, Ready to Learn” will be long remembered. Do keep his wife and daughter in your hearts as they move on in their lives. Our SNA elections are over for this year, and we have new national officers taking leadership positions. In our national and state elections, there are still some run-offs that will finally determine these leaders for the next few years. In Congress, Georgia has a new Senator, David Purdue (succeeding Saxby Chambliss) and several new Representatives–Jody Hice, Buddy Carter, Barry Loudermilk, and Rick Allen. We have many opportunities for change and education in front of us with all our elected representatives, both state and national. Regardless of your personal views, I hope all of you did vote in both elections. If we do not step forward and participate, then we have no reason to expect or hope for positive changes in the years to come. Well, I was not thankful for the results of this year’s Georgia - Florida football game OR the Georgia - Georgia Tech game! These were a solid “licking” for the UGA Bulldogs, but it teaches us again that we all have to work hard on the field of our own game and even if we take a hard hit, we must get up and try again. So, join me in vowing to work harder this coming year to achieve the highest score we can in our own lives. I know all of you have a full plate coping with Smart Snacks, CEP, rising food costs, and food delivery, let alone the everyday task of feeding thousands of Georgia’s children. But I also know you are well prepared for these tasks and that you have great power tools to help you...training from GSNA and our outstanding State Department of School Nutrition, support from our Industry Partners, and leadership in “hot” issues from SNA. In the office, we are working on this issue of Georgia Gems, Conference planning, state and national legislation, “SNAP” Training in February, and our Georgia LAC meeting in February. And, of course, we are beginning to work with Vanessa to plan next year’s programs and select locations for events. Enjoy your friends and family these next few weeks, and don’t forget to rest up for all of the remaining GSNA and school activities in the next few months! With warm wishes for a wonderful new year!

Susan Cheshire, CAE, Executive Director

January 2015 10 GSNA Regional Showcase & Smart Snack Resource Show – Kennesaw, GA 13-15 School Nutrition Industry Conference (formerly SNA CNIC) Phoenix, AZ 24

GSNA Executive Board Meeting Macon, GA

February 2015 4-5 GSNA Legislative Advocacy Conference Ramada Plaza Capitol Park Hotel Atlanta, GA 10

SNAP Training – Central Georgia Technical College, Macon

SNAP Training – Wiregrass Technical College, Valdosta, GA

SNAP Training - Gwinnett County Administrative Office, Suwanee, GA

March 2015 1-4 SNA Legislative Action Conference Washington, D.C. 2-6 National School Breakfast Week – “Make the Grade with School Breakfast” April 2015 9-11 GSNA Annual Conference – Athens, GA May 2015 4-8 School Nutrition Employee Week June 2015 11-12 Leadership & Legislative Training Tifton, GA July 2015 12-15 SNA Annual Conference Salt Lake City, UT

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Winter 2014-2015

School Level Chair Message

can’t believe how fast the time has flown this first part of the school year. I have thought a lot lately about why did I become a “Lunch Lady”? The thought crossed my mind that in this profession we have several balls in the air daily. Juggling sometimes can be a major task to undertake so why do I put myself through the stress?? Well, then I look into the eyes of my students and how they miss me when I am out of the school or just want to “check in” with me and chat. That is all the answer in world that I need. I am proud that we juggle those balls high in the air and sometimes drop one here and there but the students are never aware of what it took in order to accomplish their meal that day and of course they shouldn’t have a clue. They appreciate (well most) the choices that we give them every day despite the regulation hoops we jump through daily as well. I also try to imagine my life and not only how we say we mold them but they also mold us! I was reminded that when I was in the fifth grade we were able to have an elective and mine was working in the lunch

room. My mom took me to the Health Department on a Saturday to take a class to be able to serve my fellow classmates their lunch. My school was a serve line and not an offer which now I see what a difference that makes too. Also, my High School was an open campus at lunch time and as much fun as that was I can’t imagine as a School Nutrition Employee not having students eat with me on a daily basis. Times are changing as we all know some for the good and some for the bad but being able to sway through the storms and not break is what we do best! I want to leave you with this thought make sure that when you are discussing your profession with others that we eliminate the words “Just a” because if all the “Just a” didn’t show up who would feed “Healthy Children, Ready to learn”? We are School Nutrition Professionals with a “Georgia State of Mind.” Regina Williamson, GSNA School Level Chair

System Level Chair Message

y this time of year, our systems have settled into a routine and we have fed millions of meals to students across Georgia. At this point in the year, most Directors feel that we can catch our breath for a bit before planning for summer feeding and the next school year. Now is a great time to sit back and reflect on your school system, as well as our state to see what you can do to make a difference in School Nutrition. One of the issues at hand is the back lash that social media has created against school meals recently. Throughout the different social media outlets students, as well as adults have created a negative campaign against School Nutrition and all that we do to feed children.

through social media and show the nation that we continue to be leaders in the field of School Nutrition and it is very much our pleasure to serve the children of Georgia each and every day.

Kim Kiker, System Level Chair

As system leaders, please take the time to promote all of the wonderful things that your system does to feed the students in your districts. Create Facebook pages or Twitter feeds to help promote your program. By highlighting your program to the parents and students through social media, you can showcase your food, promotions, cafeterias and staff to the public who may not understand what we do on a daily basis. Georgia Schools have been providing students with healthy, appealing, nutritious meals for decades and it is time we showcase our talents to anyone and everyone who will listen. The Georgia School Nutrition Association is a great partner to help showcase your system and all that it does. GSNA can provide the support that systems need to be successful at marketing your programs to your students, parents and to the general public. As we continue to be in “A Georgia State of Mind” this year, keep showcasing your talents and accomplishments 4

Georgia School Nutrition Association

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

2015-2016 GSNA Nominations Don’t miss the opportunity to let your voice be heard!! Cast your vote in the 2015-16 GSNA officer election. Voting will be done by phone and online. All you will need to vote is your GA member ID. You can find your GA member ID on the label of your Georgia Gems magazine or by calling the GSNA office.

Member ID

Voting will be open from January 1, 2015 - February 1, 2015. To cast your vote by phone call (888) 997-6533 (toll-free). To cast your vote online go to : https://vtnw.com/elections/org/GSNA/ Eligible voting members with current email addresses in our system may also receive an email from Vote-Now.com with your member ID and a link to cast your vote. Any questions please contact GSNA at 770-934-8890. Below are backgrounds for the candidates running in this year’s election.

GSNA President-Elect

Cheryl Jones, Director, Hall County 2013-2014

Regina Williamson, Manager, Houston County

Participation: Trainer/Presenter 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

State Offices: School Level Chair 20132015, Public Policy & Legislation Co-Chair, Awards Chair 2009-2010

Other Professional Memberships: Hall County Chamber of Commerce; Kiwanis Club; PTO President; Ambulance Providers of Georgia; Atlanta Chapter of WGSG

District Offices: District 3 President

Goals: 1. Continue with the mission of Healthy Children, Ready to Learn 2. Work with media – the media is our friend and school nutrition professionals need them on our team to highlight the “positive” things going on in our program. This could serve our image as well – highlighting the “positive.” 3. Training – USDA Professional Standards, and how GSNA can assist districts with meeting this standard; Culinary Training – enhancing the flavor and quality of school meals without added fat, sodium and sugar. 4. Community – we forget about the community, provide information on outreach with examples of successful events that have been conducted around the state. 5. Membership – provide more information on how the association works on behalf of all nutrition employees; promote more district owned membership and being active in the association.

Goals: 1. Getting the word out there that GSNA is a partnership. I want members to think of GSNA as their “Google.” They are not alone in any circumstance. Examples: GSNA has a PR firm to help with media and Industry will help with their area of expertise, not just for food samples. They can speak at Inservice or meetings. GSNA is a vital part of our school nutrition program with a wealth of knowledge and assistance they can provide for all areas. The old saying goes, “no need to keep reinventing the wheel.” 2. Membership awareness. I know that we are addressing the decline in membership but I don’t want to let this become something we just accept. I would like to continue to study all avenues of growing our numbers Georgia strong! 3. Marketing. We have a mission and I want to help people understand that we are professionals in our field and that we do make a difference in how students function in their daily school life. We need to make sure that our efforts are equally placed in our work environment. Even if we attend the faculty meetings and school functions to make our presence known.

Local Offices: Houston County President Participation: Managers’ Retreat Presenter 2013, School Nutrition Trainer

These are a few areas that I see at this time but I am always open to ideas that may arise during my time and make sure that I attempt to handle them as best as I can every time. I know we can’t make the masses all happy, but we still need to try on every occasion they present to us.

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Winter 2014-2015

GSNA Secretary April Cox, Manager, Forsyth County Local Offices: Forsyth County President, Forsyth County Training Committee Participation: GSNA Annual Conference 2012 and 2014 Other Professional Memberships: PTA President, PTA Treasurer, Girl Scout Leader, Girl Scout Cookie Chair, Girl Scout Trainer, Children’s Ministry Director and Volunteer Trainer Goals: 1. Represent the views and interest of the school level members to the executive board and committee and at GSNA events. 2. Promote the importance of membership with the Association. 3. Share my passion for serving children and work to inspire others to take pride in the work they do on a daily basis.

GSNA Secretary Carolyn Ross, Manager Trainee, Houston County District Offices: District 3 President 2013-2014, District 3 Secretary Local Offices: Houston County President, Secretary Participation: GSNA Leadership Academy 2012-2013 Goals: 1. To maintain accurate records of all minutes of the House of Delegates, Executive Board and Executive Committee to the best of my ability. 2. Prepare correspondence as directed by the House of Delegates, Executive Board and Executive Committee. 3. Maintain up-to-date roll of Executive Board and House of Delegates meetings. 4. Serve as dedicated trustee of the GSN Foundation during my term in office.

GSNA School Level Chair Mary Hollis, Manager, Douglas County State Offices: District 7 President Local Offices: Douglas County President, Secretary, Nutrition Chair Participation: GSNA Annual Conference – 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; Douglas County Menu Advisory Committee

Goals: 1. Revitalize school level employees. Remind them of their value! With all the changes in regulations, insurance premiums, hourly cuts, etc., it is hard to stay motivated. Inspire them to raise their level of commitment. To encourage good attendance, to take all training available to them, and to strive for excellence! 2. Raise the level of community awareness. Help make a positive change in what the community thinks about school lunch. Help shine the spotlight on how healthy and amazing school lunch truly is! 3. Rethink student participation. Help increase participation by remembering that children eat with their eyes. Maintain a serving line that is attractive, food that looks delicious, and a smile! Look at recipes to see where improvement can be made while following regulations.

GSNA School Level Chair Tessany Lockhart, Manager, Houston County District Offices: District 3 President, District 3 Treasurer 2013-2014 Local Offices: Houston County President 2012-2014, Secretary 2010-2011 Participation: GSNA Annual Conference program presenter 2014, GSNA Managers’ Retreat presenter 2013 Goals: 1. To do what is necessary and required to promote the mission of GSNA. 2. To be a vital part of promoting GSNA’s vision. 3. My purpose will be to serve our members, community, and children of Georgia. This will be accomplished by working to increase membership and participation, by bringing awareness of our mission to the community, and by being vigilant in legislative issues concerning child nutrition. 4. Focus on continuing to educate our members, and help them to find their purpose in the association. This will be done through various training, by increasing member knowledge on vital issues, keeping members informed on current issues, and motivation. 5. I would like to continue to change the worlds perception that we are “just” invisible Lunch Ladies. We are more than that! I would like to continue to motivate our members that it is time to take back our identity to tell our story! 6. My mission, my vision, my purpose, my goal is to make a difference!

Winter 2014-2015

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Smoothing the way to a trouble-free lunchroom!

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Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

GSNA Thanks Our 2014-2015 Sponsors (as of December 2014) Platinum Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Networking Lunch at 2014 Industry Seminar

Industry Seminar Continental Breakfast

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

Around the State! GSNA District 1

Get In The Game at Treutlen Elementary School in Soperton, GA.

GSNA District 3

Savannah-Chatham County-Chef and Child Day is a nutritious and delicious celebration of healthy eating at school. Memorial Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive chef, Jeffrey Quasha, educated school nutrition staff on healthy cooking techniques and encouraged healthy eating amongst students. Registered dietitian, Brittany Lightsey, provided nutrition education for the event.

GSNA District 2

Radium Middle Dougherty County wrapping it up for breast cancer!

GSNA District 4 Staff at John Johnson Elementary School, Decatur County having a moovelous time celebrating World Milk Day! Houston County won first place in the Farm City Day parade in Perry.

At Bethesda ES for NSLW, Gwinnett County had an Epic Wrap Battle. Manager Betty Jo Conley invited the mascot from the Gwinnett Gladiators to join them for lunch one day.

Rockdale County adopted Phoenix Pass, a transitional housing complex for single mothers and children as a service project for this year. Over 60 members, friends and family gathered for a work day at the facility.

Manager Debra Bluck, Dacula High School, Gwinnett County, displays beautiful lines decorated and set up with Georgia Grown products.

The staff at Annie Bell Clark Primary, Tift County celebrated National World Milk Day.

Colquitt County School, Cox Elementary Nutrition Manager, Wayne Hendrixson, celebrates NSLW by giving out prizes.

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

Around the State! GSNA District 6

National School Lunch Week in Clayton County featured “Homerun Burgers.”

GSNA District 7

Douglas County School Nutrition set up a booth featuring smart snacks at our community-wide Fall Festival.

Mercer Univ. basketball players serve lunch with nutrition worker Catherine Caines at Weaver Middle School, Bibb County, for NSLW.

National School Lunch Week celebration in Fayette County.

GSNA District 8

Beverly Bagley from Pierce County did an awesome job sharing with nutrition assistants’ ways to promote NSLW and enhance yearly promotions at their schools.

West Green Elementary School, Coffee County celebrated World Milk Day.

Ware County, National School Lunch Week at Center Elementary.

Clayton Elementary in Cherokee County is getting ready to serve our students, staff, parents and grandparents a huge Thanksgiving dinner.

Freddie Falcon with Nutrition staff at Pine Grove Middle, Lowndes County.

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Winter 2014-2015

Around the State! GSNA District 10

GSNA District 9

Jackson County, local farmers came out with their animals to educate the students on farm to table. The students were allowed to touch the animals with their hands.

SNP staff at Haymon Morris Middle School in Barrow County had a “slam dunk” during NSLW on Basketball Day.

Baldwin County Breakfast Grab and Go Forsyth County, South Forsyth High School 048-1154 04_7.75 x 5the8/8/14 1:58 PM Page 1 uses foodBridgford for NSLW, Get in Game.

Richmond County, Meadowbrook NAC class and taste testing: Students learned the importance of vegetables in their everyday diet. The students gained an understanding of the benefits of eating vegetables and were able to identify ways to increase vegetables in their diet. The lesson mainly focused on green vegetables and students identified many common green vegetables they enjoy. They had fun making green vegetables sculptures with green play-dough and completing a Green Vegetable puzzle. The students also tasted a new CuminRoasted Broccoli recipe and loved it!

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Winter 2014-2015

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GREEK-STYLE VEGGIE FLATBREAD

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Winter 2014-2015

ImprovE Your KItChEn opErAtIons wIth ElECtrIC CooKIng

Discover the Electric Cooking Advantage® The changes can be dramatic. Electric cooking equipment provides low operating and maintenance costs, quick preheat and recovery times and improved profitability. All adding up to a winning grade. And, with electric cooking equipment, kitchen temperatures will be cooler making kitchen staff and students much happier. Learn all about The Electric Cooking Advantage® and more at our new Customer Resource Center. Visit georgiapower.com/crc or call 770.216.1400.

“In schools where old equipment is being replaced, the smart choice is electric. We chose electric equipment based on the low cost to own and operate, cleanliness of cooking, equipment dependability and the consistent production of high quality menu items for our students and teachers.” – Dr. Cleta J. Long, School Nutrition Director Bibb County Schools

Winter 2014-2015

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2015 GSNA Conference

April 9-11

The Classic Center, Athens, GA

Get in the Game, Athens 2015 “Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence” by Vanessa Hayes, 2015 Conference Chair

ello and warm holiday wishes to all of you! I am getting so excited about this year’s conference! This is our 60th Anniversary…60, wow! Our DIAMOND star studded celebration! YOU CAN’T MISS IT! Do whatever you have to do to be a part of this conference (fundraise, sponsor, and convince your director that this is vital to your professional career) but be there at all cost. We are celebrating 60 years of making a difference in the lives of our children, 60 years of impact on education and nutrition in the state of Georgia, 60 years of being the front runners in this professional organization. Notice that I partnered these two (education and nutrition); one cannot be successful without the other! There are so many of you out there who go the extra mile each and every day…come be celebrated, let us celebrate you! With that being said the facility that we are having this banquet in glistens. The sparkle that the room gives off makes you feel as though you are at the Emmys or something! It is going to be amazing. History will be made at this conference. We will celebrate our trailblazers and highlight some of our up and coming renegades for the cause.

WE ARE GOING TO PARTY LIKE ROCKSTARS! Remember that we are having the banquet on Friday night and then on Saturday…whew the tailgate baby! We will tailgate like it’s our last, we are in Athens, and so we are making plans for fun, food, music, and fellowship, it’s a GEORGIA STATE OF MIND BABY! There’s no reason to shut the party down because all we have is time. We wake up Sunday morning refreshed and hit the road! I am looking forward to seeing my family…that’s what we are family…don’t miss the reunion!

New This Year... • Awards Banquet on FRIDAY NIGHT • Tailgate Party - Entertainment - Saturday night 15

Georgia Gems

2015 GSNA Conference

Winter 2014-2015

April 9-11

The Classic Center, Athens, GA

General Session Keynotes Friday, April 10th Jeff Joiner, President, Jeff Joiner Training Get in the Game, and Make Sure You Win! Your School Nutrition team is a lot like a sports team. You have some fans, some critics, a long season and you work in a world where the rules are constantly changing and unexpected challenges are always around the corner. And just like in sports, some teams seem to constantly struggle and others seem to always find a way to win. In this powerful seminar, popular School Nutrition speaker Jeff Joiner will share some of the characteristics of winning teams, and equip you to win. Attendees will learn how to adapt to change, work as a team, and pursue their goals with passion and excellence. This is one general session you can’t afford to miss! Saturday, April 11th Kevin Aviles, Assistant Principal Villa Rica Middle School, Carroll County Making a Difference, One Student at a Time Come join Kevin as he celebrates the countless unsung heroes in our school classrooms, offices, and cafeterias. Kevin will share with you the positive effect you have on the lives of students who come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. He will explore issues he personally faced as a student such as homelessness, prejudice, poverty, and abuse and how he was affected by his interaction with school personnel such as cafeteria workers.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS • Get your Head in the Game: Understanding the New Breakfast Pattern • Score a Goal with Best Practices • Are you Throwing Incomplete Passes? – A Session on Communication • Keeping Your Equipment Game Ready • Seamless Summer Feeding • Developing the Perfect Game Plan for Increased ADP 16

• And many more!

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

Tentative Agenda Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Firehall 8:30 am GSNA Industry Advisory Board Meeting Athena A 10:00 – 11:30 am Executive Board Meeting Parthenon 1-2 10:30 am – 12:00 noon Banquet Seating Sign-up Firehall 1:00 – 2:30 pm House of Delegates Meeting Parthenon 1-2 1:00 – 4:00 pm Silent Auction Check In Athena D 3:00 – 5:00 pm Opening General Session: Ballroom Athena E-F 60 Years of School Nutrition Excellence Awards: ALIRT, Best Chapter Participation Award, Culinary Arts Awards, Membership, NAC of the Year, NAC Art Award and Wellness 5:00 pm Free Evening

Friday, April 10, 2015 7:00 am 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 – 9:00 am 9:00 – 10:00 am 9:00 – 11:00 am 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 10:00 – 11:00 am 11:00 am – 1:00 pm 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 1:15 – 2:30 pm 2:45 – 3:45 pm 4:00 – 5:30 pm 7:00 pm

Wellness Activity: Going the Distance Block Party Athens City Block (Wellness Walk) Registration Firehall Silent Auction Check In Athena D School Level Workshop: Jeff Joiner Athena E-F Exhibit Private Showing Exhibit Hall (Directors, Coordinators, Buyer and Managers ONLY) Banquet Seating Sign-up Firehall Educational Sessions Various Rooms Exhibits (Open to all) Exhibit Hall Badges required. No strollers or children under 16 allowed! Silent Auction Open Athena D Second General Session Athena E-F Keynote: Jeff Joiner, “Get in the Game and Make Sure You Win” Awards: Scroll Awards Educational Sessions Various Rooms District Meetings Various Rooms 60th Annual Diamond Gala Banquet Atrium Awards: Ann C. Smith Award, N. Tolbert Central Office Support Award, Heart of the Program, Louise Sublette, Director of the Year, Josephine Martin Award Excellence and Local/District President’s Awards

Saturday, April 11, 2015 7:00 am 8:00 am – 12:00 noon 9:00 – 10:00 am 9:00 – 10:00 am 9:00 – 11:00 am 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 11:00 am – 1:00 pm 11:45 am 1:15 – 2:15 pm 2:30 – 4:00 pm 7:00 pm

Wellness Activity: Going the Distance Block Party Continued Athens City Block Registration Firehall Educational Sessions Various Rooms Exhibits Private Showing Exhibit Hall (Directors, Coordinators, Buyer and Managers ONLY) Silent Auction Open Athena D Exhibits Open to All Exhibit Hall Badges required. No strollers or children under 16 allowed! Silent Auction Cash-out/Pickup Athena D GSNA STATE Past President’s Luncheon Olympia 1 (For past Georgia State Presidents and VIPS ONLY) Educational Sessions Various Rooms Third General Session Keynote: Kevin Aviles, “Making a Difference One Student at a Time” Honoring Our History: Past Presidents, Tribute to our Nutrition Hero Malcolm Quillen, Honoring our Food Assistants with Outstanding Attendance and Scholarship/Grants-in-Aid GSNA Tailgate Party Pavilion

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

2015 GSNA Conference

April 9-11

The Classic Center, Athens, GA

Hotel Information To view hotel rates, availability and to make reservations go to https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb. do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=11482126 or contact Connections Housing at 800-262-9974 or 404-842-0000. In order to see what hotels are available you must enter your check-in & check-out dates on the website. Hilton Garden Inn (Headquarters Hotel)

Holiday Inn Athens

390 East Washington Street $157.00 per night plus tax

197 East Broad Street $139.00 per night plus tax

Parking - $5 per vehicle per day Across the street from the Classic Center 3-day prior to arrival cancellation policy

Parking is complimentary for overnight guests .5 miles to the Classic Center 3-day prior to arrival cancellation policy

Amenities include: restaurant on-site, evening room service, complimentary in-room Internet, 24-hour guest pantry, business center, fitness center and indoor pool and sauna

Amenities include: restaurant and bar on-site, complimentary in-room Internet and fitness center

Graduate Athens (formerly Foundry Park Inn)

Holiday Inn Express Athens 513 West Broad Street $129.00 per night plus tax

295 East Dougherty Street $129.00 per night plus tax

Parking is complimentary for overnight guests 1 mile to the Classic Center 3-day prior to arrival cancellation policy

Parking is complimentary for overnight guests 3-blocks to the Classic Center 3-day prior to arrival cancellation policy

Amenities include: complimentary hot breakfast each morning, complimentary in-room Internet, fitness center

Amenities include: restaurant and bar on-site, room service, full-service spa, business center, fitness center and seasonal pool, complimentary shuttle service and parking, pet friendly

Hotel Indigo

Courtyard by Marriott Athens

Parking: $10.00 per day for registered guests only 1 mile to the Classic Center

166 North Finley Street $149.00 per night plus tax Parking is complimentary for overnight guests .75 miles to the Classic Center 3-day prior to arrival cancellation policy Amenities include: restaurant on-site serving breakfast only, complimentary in-room Internet, fitness center and airport shuttle

500 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601 $129.00 per night plus tax

Amenities include: Business Center, Courier Service, Executive Floors, Wireless Data Connection, Health and Fitness Center (On-site), Standard Internet service is free for all guests. *Rates do not include tax currently 14% (subject to change) _______________________ To make reservation please contact: Connections Housing Phone: 800-262-9974

Conference Registration 2015 GSNA Conference

April 9-11

The Classic Center, Athens, GA

Name __________________________________________________________ Title __________________________________________ Mailing Address _________________________________________________ County/System Name___________________________ City, State & Zip ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________ Preferred E-mail _________________________________________________________ All persons (member or nonmember) working in school nutrition must pay a registration fee to attend. A Guest is a person NOT working in school nutrition. All nonmember registrations will automatically include a GSNA membership for one year. You will be emailed a registration confirmation if you have provided your preferred email above. If you have registered but have not received a confirmation at least a week prior to the Conference, please contact the GSNA office at 877-221-8733 to confirm we received the registration. Mark Selection

All Meetings

Registration Type

Exhibit Admissions

Tailgate Party Saturday

o Full Registration Package #1 X X X Banquet included (Please check your District Meeting choice below) X

o Registration Package #2 FRIDAY one day only

Full Registration (No Banquet) Friday Only Registration (No Banquet)

Saturday Only Registration

Retiree/Student/Guest Registration

Member Regular Registration After 03/02/15

Non Member Registration

$210

$240

$270

$175

$205

$235

$150

$180

$210

$115

$145

$175

$115

$145

$175

$115

$145

Additional Events

District Meeting Friday, April 10, 2015 (4:00 pm)

60th Annual Gala Banquet Ticket Required Friday, April 10, 2015

(Use to purchase a ticket or to purchase additional tickets for those doing Packages 1 or 2. Package 1 & 2 already includes one banquet ticket.)

Member Early Registration Before 03/02/15

Please check your district below

o Tailgate Party All registrations include admission Saturday, April 11, 2015 to the Tailgate Party Saturday night. Please check here if you will be attending. o

Banquet Meal Included Friday

with banquet ticket included

District Meeting

Check District: o 1 o 2 o 3 o 4 o 5 o 6 o 7 o 8 o 9 o 10

$60 x _____ = Total _______

One day registration packets will be available AFTER 3:00 pm on the prior day. PLEASE COMPLETE A REGISTRATION FORM FOR EACH PERSON ATTENDING. Forms received after March 23, 2015 are not guaranteed a confirmation. Paid registrations will be processed first. A FAX will only be processed with credit card or purchase order payment. Mail or FAX your registration, PLEASE DO NOT DO BOTH. Return this form with payment to: GSNA 2372 Main St., Tucker, GA 30084 FAX: 770-934-8917.

Registration Total (RT):______________________ Additional Events Total (AET):________________ Total: RT + AET = o Check Enclosed o Purchase Order No. _______________________ o Visa o Mastercard Credit Card No.______________________________ Expiration Date______________________________ Security Code _______________________________ Cardholder billing street address _______________ ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________ Print Name _________________________________ REFUNDS: All request for refunds must be submitted in writing to GSNA Headquarters before March 23, 2015. A processing fee of $30.00 will be withheld from all refunds. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR CANCELLATION RECEIVED AFTER March 23, 2015. We encourage you to send someone else. Registration received after March 23, 2015 will be on site registrations. MEAL TICKET SALES: There are no meal ticket sales for on site registrations. GSNA is committed to making all meeting activities accessible to all attendees. For special needs, including dietary, call the GSNA office at 770-934-8890.

Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

2014 Best Practices Award Winners The purpose of the USDA Best Practices Awards is to encourage and reward outstanding practices in school and School Food Authorities (SFAs). The applicants were judged on sustained excellence, innovations, impact, cost effectiveness and efficiency, transferability and presentation.

WINNERS IN GEORGIA

Congratulations 2014 USDA Southeast Regional Award Winners!!

Customer Service • Whitfield County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Implementation of the New Meal Pattern and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption • Seaborn Lee Elementary/Fulton County School Nutrition (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) • Liberty County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Promoting a Healthy School Environment • Atlanta Public Schools Nutrition Department • Savannah – Chatham County Public Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) • Walton County Public Schools Farm to School Programs • Commerce City Schools • DeKalb County Schools • Sharon Elementary School – Forsyth County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) • Jackson County Schools • Pierce County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Fiscal Management • Thomaston-Upson School System (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner)

Implementation of the New Meal Pattern and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption - Seaborn Lee Elementary

Promoting a Healthy School Environment – Savannah, Chatham County Public Schools

Implementation of the New Meal Pattern and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption - Liberty County Schools

Farm to School Programs – Sharon Elementary School

Food Safety (HACCP Implementation) • Gwinnett County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner) Increasing Participation in School Lunch, School Breakfast, or Afterschool Snacks • Bibb County School Nutrition • Butts County School System • Tri-Cities High School, Fulton County School Nutrition Program

Farm to School Programs – Pierce County Schools

Fiscal Management – Thomaston-Upson School System

Leadership, Development and Program Management • Cobb County School District • Jackson County Schools School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events • Dublin City Schools • Jackson County Schools • Pierce County Schools (Also a USDA Southeast Region Award Winner)

Food Safety— Gwinnett County Schools

School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events—Pierce County Schools

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

Corporate Members as of December 2014 ACC Distributor’s, Inc. AccuTemp Products, Inc. AdvancePierre Foods Advantage Waypoint American Foods Group Blue Bell Creameries Borden Dairy Company Brazeal-Wilson: Design & Decor Bridgford Foods Corp. Brookwood Farms, Inc. C K Brands, Inc. Carman Girard Associates Cavendish Farms Champion Foodservice, LLC Charles Pace & Associates Inc. Cohen Food Brokerage Colorpoint div. of Low Temp Industries ConAgra Foods COP Food Sales, Inc. Country Pure Foods CTB Foodservice Cybersoft Technologies, Inc Dessert Innovations, LLC Dexter’s Farm Don Lee Farms

Food Service Applications, Inc. Form Plastics Company General Mills Georgia Peanut Commission Georgia Power Company Gordon Food Service Gregory Packaging, Inc. Hadley Farms, Inc. Heartland School Solutions Hershey Creamery Hobart Corporation Hopco Foodservice Marketing Horizon Software Intl., LLC Integrity Foods, Inc. Island Oasis Jones Dairy Farm JTM Food Group Kellogg’s Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. Key Impact Sales & Systems, Inc. Lagniappe Sales Land O’ Lakes Inc. Learning ZoneXpress Manning Bros Food Service Equipment Marjon Specialty Foods, Inc.

Master Marketing Sunlow Mayfield Dairy Farms, Inc. MCI Foods, Inc./Los Cabos Mexican Foods Meals Plus/Education Mgmt Systems Mobile Fixture and Equipment Co., Inc. GA Division Mondelez International Nardone Brothers Baking Co., Inc. National Food Group, Inc. NatureSeal, Inc. Norvell Fixture & Equip. Co., Inc. Nutri-Link Technologies, Inc. Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service Paramount Marketing Group Par-Pak Inc PCS Revenue Control Systems, Inc. PepsiCo FoodService Perdue Foods, LLC Plas-Tique Products, Inc. PMR, Inc. Preferred Packaging Sales & Service Premier Equipment Group, Inc.

Prime Pak Pro View Foods Rich Products Corporation Samples Institutional Foods SaniTech Systems SEMA, Inc. SFSPac Southeast United Dairy Industry Association Southern Equipment Fabricators, Inc. Southern Press & Packing, Inc. StyroGreen Recycling, LLC Sun Butter LLC Sunny Food Service The Hansen Group True Food Service Equipment US Foods Vulcan FEG Whaley Foodservice Williams Institutional Foods Winston Industries

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Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

2014 State Legislative Issue Paper and Talking Points by Linette Dodson, GSNA Public Policy & Legislation Chair

1. Provide Georgia’s children with quality school meals that promote optimum health and optimum body weight to insure they are ready to learn. Although obesity rates for Georgia’s children remain higher than the national average, the good news is that two national studies indicate that obesity rates in Georgia have declined among lowincome preschoolers and among children and youth ages 10-17. School Nutrition programs are leading the way and playing a critical role in curbing the epidemic of childhood obesity. Officials attribute the decline in childhood obesity to the federal guidelines in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 including the increased use of fresh fruit and vegetables in school meals and to the continued focus on local wellness policies. Greater public awareness of health and physical fitness programs are also making a difference. We continue to support strong state legislation that includes nutrition education, the SHAPE Initiative (School Health and Physical Education) and other school-based activities promoting wellness for our children.

2. Continue critical state funding to maintain quality school nutrition programs. Every state agency has been faced with deep budget cuts in recent years, especially education. State funding for School Nutrition was cut by over 46% between FY 2010 and FY 2013; these cuts were much deeper than most other education departments. In 2012 the State Education Finance Commission recommended that the current level of funding for School Nutrition be maintained with no further reductions. Governor Nathan Deal and legislators demonstrated their strong support for School Nutrition funding during the 2013 Session by eliminating the cuts proposed that year and state funding for School Nutrition has remained stable since then with no further cuts. We are grateful for this support for School Nutrition funding. Rising food and fluctuating fuel prices in addition to huge increases in health care costs, particularly for non-certificated employees, have placed stress on School Nutrition budgets. Federal funding supports School Nutrition programs, but federal funds received by school systems vary depending on the percentage of free and reduced meal eligible students. School systems with lower percentages of free and reduced meal eligible families receive less federal funding and were harder hit by the loss of state funds in recent years. State funding for School Nutrition is used to support all aspects of school nutrition programs. Decreasing obesity and improving the health and well-being of

children is our goal, and this goal has costs. Federally mandated changes to the School Nutrition menu standards, including increased whole-grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, omitting trans-fats and a reduction of sodium have increased food costs. An end to the reductions in state funding allows us to accomplish our ultimate goal of serving healthy, nutritious meals to Georgia’s school children.

3. Support adequate funding for Georgia public schools. The Georgia constitution states “The provision of an adequate public education for the citizens shall be a primary obligation of the state of Georgia.” We are pleased that state funding for the current school year was increased by $314 million. This increase reversed the trend of cuts, but is not enough to overcome the $8 billion in austerity cuts made in education funding beginning in 2003. If Georgia fully funded education in line with the state’s Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, school districts would receive an average of $439 more per student during the current school year. As school districts cope with the financial pressures of reduced state funding and declining local revenue, the proportion of economically disadvantaged students in Georgia has grown from 45 percent in 2002 to 62 percent in 2013. Those children come from families with incomes low enough to qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. A State Education Finance Study Commission was appointed and began work in 2011 on the task of studying the cost and resources required to educate a child in Georgia. It is clear that QBE, the current method of calculating funding needed for Georgia school systems is out dated and enormously underfunded. We support efforts to achieve adequate funding of essential education programs and services to all public school students.

4. Increase the funding for the Public School Educators Retirement System (PSERS) from the current $14.75 to $15.25 per year of service. We are grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for the passage of legislation in 2012 that raised the PSERS cap from $15.00 to $16.50. Although the cap has been increased, the multiplier is currently $14.75 per year of service. We are requesting an increase of 50 cents to $15.25 per year of service. State funding for the PSERS retirement benefit has not been increased in several years. The employee contribution was increased two years ago. Current PSERS benefits are not adequate to cover even state health insurance costs for retirees.

Winter 2014-2015

Georgia Gems

GSNA PROPOSED DUES INCREASE The GSNA Executive Board at their September 2014 meeting voted to propose an increase in the current GSNA dues ($2 per each member type). This proposed increase must now be voted on and approved by the GSNA House of Delegates at the April 2015 meeting before it would take effect. The GSNA House of Delegates will meet on April 9, 2015 during the GSNA Annual Conference in Athens. If approved the dues will be: SN Employee - $14 SN Manager/Assistant Manager - $17 SN Directors/Coordinators/System Level - $22

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Georgia Gems

Winter 2014-2015

Myths and Facts About Breakfast in the Classroom by Lydia J. Martin, MS, RD, LD, SNS – GSNA Nutrition Standards Chair

e already know that eating school breakfast is important. Studies of school breakfast programs have found that students who eat breakfast at school show improved academic achievement – especially in vocabulary, math and standardized tests – have better attendance records, are less likely to be tardy and exhibit fewer behavioral and psychological problems. Children who regularly eat breakfast also have a better quality of nutrient intake and are less likely to be overweight or obese. Even with the numerous benefits of school breakfast, many children are not participating. In fact, according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), less than half of low-income children who are eligible for free or reduced price breakfast are eating it. The reasons for low participation are varied; however schools have found that the most common reasons for low participation in traditional, cafeteria-based school breakfast programs are: pressure to go directly to the classroom upon arrival to school, social stigma that “only poor students” go to the cafeteria for breakfast before school, lack of awareness about the program, lack of time to eat breakfast due to bus or carpool schedules and long lines. Myth: Children will lose valuable instructional time. Fact: Breakfast in the Classroom actually increases instructional time. During breakfast, silent reading or activities can take place, roll can be taken and morning announcements can start sooner.

Gaining the support of all school building staff is essential to implementing a successful Breakfast in the Classroom program. Even if you still encounter some negativity, once begun, it becomes a part of the classroom routine and the benefits to the students outweigh any inconvenience and everyone gets on board. Some Tips for Success • Involve all the stakeholders (administration, teachers, paraprofessionals, food service staff and custodial staff). • Before you roll out the program, market your program and educate staff and parents about the academic, behavioral and health benefits of Breakfast in the Classroom. • Conduct training for all staff on Breakfast in the Classroom logistics and implementation including offer vs. serve and point of sale counts. • Work with custodial staff to develop a plan for gathering trash. • Encourage teachers and paraprofessionals to develop a structured routine for student service and clean-up of classroom breakfast, and implement it from Day 1 of the program. • Be patient! The first few days or weeks of Breakfast in the Classroom may be challenging as everyone adjusts to the change, but stick with it.

Myth: When schools serve Breakfast in the Classroom, students eat two breakfasts – one at home and one at school. Fact: Students are given an opportunity to eat at school, and do not have to take one, but the fact is many students may not have eaten at home. Myth: Teachers and administrators do not support Breakfast in the Classroom. Fact: While teachers may have questions about their role in Breakfast in the Classroom, there is evidence in large, suburban and rural school districts that show it works and that the teachers are on board and many principals and administrators believe in the program. Make sure there is good communication and involvement from all stakeholders prior to implementation. Myth: Serving breakfast in places outside the cafeteria will lead to pests and trash throughout the school. Fact: Easy solutions can be implemented before the program begins, including placing large trash bags in the hallways and providing classrooms with sanitizing wipes for desks. What is Working for Others? In Brantley County, Laura Lynn, School Nutrition Director implemented the Hallway Café with 7th and 8th grade. Breakfast participation increased from 30% to 94%. Most teachers enjoy having time with students before school. It helps them to settle down, hear the announcements and be ready for school to start when the 8 o’clock bell rings.

Resources: USDA Expanding Your School Breakfast Program http://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/expanding-your-school-breakfast-program FRAC http://frac.org/pdf/frac_naespf_bic_principals_report2013.pdf National Dairy Council, Expanding Breakfast http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/tools/nutrition-education/view. php?id=23965654 NEA Health Information Network, School Breakfast Toolkit http://www.neahin.org/assets/pdfs/bic_toolkit_final_2014-for-web_ reduced.pdf Share Our Strengths http://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/school-breakfast

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