GA Gems Winter 2015 by Plus One Media

Georgia

Gems Winter 2015

A Publication of the Georgia School Nutrition Association

Aiming High in theLow Country 2016 Conference Information inside

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Winter 2015

Georgia Gems Published by the Georgia School Nutrition Association

2015-2016 Officers President Vanessa Hayes President-elect Regina Williamson Secretary Carolyn Ross

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Inside This Issue From the President

Cleta Long on National Ballot

Chair of the District President’s Message

School Level Chair Message

System Level Chair Message

2016-2017 GSNA Nominations

2015 Best Practices Award Winners

2016 Calendar and Important Dates

Around the State!

2015 Kick Off Luncheon

System Level Section Chair Kim Kiker

GSNA 2016 Annual Conference, Savannah, GA Aiming High in the Low Country • Educational Sessions

School Level Section Chair Tessany Lockhart

• General Sessions Keynotes

• Tentative Conference Agenda

• Conference Accommodations

• Conference Registration

2015 C.R.O.P. Show

Corporate Members

National School Breakfast Week

2016 Equipment Academy

2016 Legislative and Advocacy Conference

Treasurer Dawn Garrett-Martin

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 patrice@georgiaschoolnutrition.com To Advertise in Georgia Gems Contact: Melissa Connor (404) 325-0558 Plus One Media, Inc. 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).

2015 National School Lunch Week Celebrations 23 GSNA’s Annual SNAP Training Managers’ Retreat Gallery

24 Inside Back Cover

Thanks to our 2015-2016 Sponsors

Back Cover 1

Georgia Gems

Winter 2015

From the President

ell, I am so excited I can hardly stand it! My favorite time of the year has officially begun! How do I know you ask? Because the Hallmark channel and other television networks, started showing all of my favorite Christmas movies! There are so many OTHER important reasons why this is, in my book, the best time of the year. The holiday season was my father’s favorite time of the year because of the traditions tied to it. He loved the way the house smelled after a fire had been lit in the fireplace; he loved the way the kitchen smelled when Momma started baking her holiday treats for us; and he loved that we spent more time at home because of the time change and the weather. I, being the daddy’s girl that I am, have adopted his special things and have committed to carrying on the tradition in his absence. ‘Tis the season for sharing, giving, thankfulness, and forgiveness; ‘tis the season for reflection, evaluation of the year, and pledge of progress; and ‘tis the season of gratefulness and observation of the needs of others! Those are my reasons what are yours? I would like to take the time and reflect on the spectacular year we have had so far as a GSNA family. We began with our “Kickoff Luncheon” that set the stage for an exceptional year! We were blessed with the opportunity to hear greetings from our state school superintendent, Richard Woods. More than 400 of you attended the luncheon and helped celebrate a snapshot of the wonderful things that are taking place statewide. Congratulations again to all our state and regional winners. Next, we moved right into our Managers’ Retreat at Unicoi. Here we received “blueprints of success” from wonderful presenters as well as being graced with the presence our own wonderful state director, Nancy Rice! She gave us helpful hints on effective com-

munications with administrator. Our very talented marketing guru, Claudia Harry, who serves as our Industry Advisory board chair, taught us how to get connected and tell our story. Our school level chair, Tessany Lockhart, and our state administrative assistant specialist, Ervin Watson, tagged teamed in our learning and connected for an awesome time of expressive interaction. We learned the difference between an emergency and an interruption as well as how to handle the two differently. Finally our historic collaborative Bidding and Procurement training that took place prior to our CROP Show was simply amazing! We stood in awe of the turnout and the wonderful facilitation of this training. Special thanks to GaDOE and our cool blue Janett Adams for showing us all how it is done! Special thanks to our extraordinary system level chair, Kim Kiker, who was instrumental in securing sponsorship for our wonderful “Chat ‘n Chew” after our training…thanks “Studio 84 Designs”. What an exceptional year we are having…please understand it is not over and that there is so much more in store! Please take the time to reflect, renew, and release whatever you are dealing with professionally, personally, financially, and spiritually. You need to conduct inventory, get rid of anything useless and embrace any and everything useful. Until we meet again my friends!

Vanessa Hayes GSNA President, 2015-16

#WeAreOneGeorgiaStrong@GA_SNA

Cleta Long on National Ballot Georgia’s own, Dr. Cleta Long, Bibb County School Nutrition Director will be on the national School Nutrition Association ballot for the Secretary/Treasurer position. The SNA Election will take place over a two-week period in February 2016 (February 15-29) through a secure online voting website. Check http://schoolnutrition.org/SNAElection/ for information on how to vote and candidate bios starting early January 2016. The elected Board members will serve a three-year term, with the installation to take place at ANC, July 10-13, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas. The elected Leadership Development Committee members will serve a two-year term, beginning after the election on March 1, 2016. 2

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Chair of District President’s Message Laura Lynn, GSNA Chair of District Presidents 2015-2016

Keep Building, One Day at a Time

Where has the school year gone…it’s almost halfway over! I know each of you are having great fun and learning many new things by participating in your GSNA local, district and state activities. I have seen and heard about your great promotions with NSLW, Constitution Day and World Milk Day. School gardens are going up everywhere and many of you are involved with the Let’s Move! Campaign.

With conference right around the corner, I want to take a minute and remind you to pull out your Program of Work and begin highlighting all the events and activities your local association has already completed. I am sure you will see that you have a lot of your state and local activities checked off and are well on your way to Bronze, Silver or Gold Scroll. This year, we want every local association to receive a Scroll Award at Conference! After you have all your completed activities checked off, begin looking at what is left for you to accomplish. It may seem like there is a good bit on your list…but no worries…Scroll Award Applications are not due until March 15, 2016! Some of your activities might be accomplished by participating in your Winter District Meeting. You have time for one or two more local association meetings, so plan activities you can use for your program of

work. Remember to nominate local members for one of the many GSNA awards…you may see them on stage in Savannah! There are still several opportunities to participate in state activities, such as the GSNA Legislative Advocacy Conference, GSNA SNAP Training and GDOE Manager’s Training Seminar. One last way to add to your score is to volunteer to help with different aspects of our annual conference as well as sending in your local contributions for the GSN Foundation and GSNA Legislative Fund. Finishing up I leave you with this thought…Noah did not begin building the Ark when it started raining. He worked at building the giant boat one day at a time. What might have seemed enormous and unattainable became a great and mighty work because he worked at it every day. Noah and his family were rewarded for his loyalty and labor. Don’t procrastinate, do what you can today, then a little more tomorrow and before long you will have your program of work completed and your reward will be great! We are One…Georgia Strong!

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School Level Chair Message

he Kickoff Luncheon in September was a great boost to the year with so many of you excelling in the state and region. Congratulations! The School Level sessions were very informative offering valuable tips to improve customer service, ideas to implement and promote Georgia Grown products, and tools to create smarter lunchrooms that appeal to our customers. Some of these key areas were also the focus of our recent Managers Retreat in Helen. This training proved to be a powerful experience offering motivation and encouragement, and a fresh outlook on leadership. This training also included the “Blueprint to Success” with 7 key takeaways: have a strong foundation, be a great leader, lead with purpose and passion,

be a team builder, connect with administrators, build customer relationships, and tell your story through innovative marketing and technology. Our managers were also treated to some tasty treats by Chef “V”, our state president, leaving us with ideas and simple recipes for Georgia Grown products. Now it’s time to start preparing for SNAP! Food Assistants, mark your calendars and get ready to be motivated and educated this February! I look forward to the fellowship. In closing I leave you with this, walk in your purpose, lead with passion, fall in love with what you do, and create a lasting memory! Tessany Lockhart, GSNA School Level Chair

System Level Chair Message The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. – William Arthur Ward As we have finally started to settle into our 2015-2016 school year, it is time for us to reflect on the goals that we have set out to achieve this school year. It might be to redesign your menu, replace old and worn out equipment, redecorate a cafeteria or even change your staffing plan. Whatever your goals might be, I am sure that at some point you have reached out to a fellow colleague for advice. As school nutrition professionals we cannot manage this journey alone but need help, support and guidance from those who have traveled the journey before us. As Executive Committee members for GSNA, we understand that we cannot do this job without support from others and we know that you cannot either. That is why mentoring is such an important responsibility for us all to embrace and participate in. As those of us know at the system level, it can be a very lonely place when you are in school nutrition. There aren’t too many staff members outside of your department at the central office who even have a clue of how your day-to-day operations work. That is why we want to encourage veteran and seasoned Directors to “Pay it forward” when new Directors come to work in surrounding systems offer your support as needed. Our work environment has changed over the years, no longer do you need to drive two hours and spend hours on end with a new director. You can call, text, Skype or Facetime to offer your support. Just remember to be an effective mentor you must believe in your mentee and to be that person they can reach out to in times of crisis or confusion. You are there to help fill their knowledge gaps and they are there to help you grow and excel as well. A mentee should be able to find 4

a mentor who they can let their guard down with and not be embarrassed to ask the “stupid” questions. As members of GSNA we want to be a mentor to all of our members as well. We would like to be the support that you need to meet and exceed the goals that you have for yourself personally as well as the goals that you have set for your programs. This year we are addressing mentorship in a different manner, we are providing global mentoring by providing training and support to all system level members. Already this year at the Kick-Off Luncheon, we have offered education and training on cafeteria design do’s and don’ts, as well as tools to help with program initiatives that you may have at the system level. We are also excited to offer our first ever Procurement Workshop this October in conjunction with the DOE prior to the Crop Show and Directors’ Conference in Athens. During the winter months we will be focusing on equipment as we head to Perry in January 2016, and plan to offer much needed training and support in the areas of Bids vs. the RFP process. And of course this spring will bring lots of wonderful learning opportunities as we head to Savannah to end this year with an amazing conference that will bring hundreds of mentors and mentees together, because after all, “We are one.” As in the words above from William Arthur Ward, work to be the good teacher who explains, and the superior teacher who demonstrates as well as the great teacher who inspires and we will continue to be Georgia Strong as we lead the nation in providing superior nutrition to the students and staff in all school systems throughout Georgia.

Kim Kiker, System Level Chair

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2016-2017 GSNA Nominations This year the GSNA election will take place through online voting ONLY. Eligible GSNA members will be able to cast their vote from Jan 1st – Feb 1st, 2016. The online procedure makes voting easier and more conveniently managed. All eligible voting Member ID members will receive an email with their member ID and a link to the GSNA election site sometime in the month of December. Please refer to the address label of this issue of Georgia Gems which shows the current email address and member id we have for you. This will be the email address we will send the voting link to. If you do not have an email address the voting link will be available on the GSNA Web site here: http://www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com/Membership/GSNA-Elections To be eligible to vote, your GSNA membership must be valid and current as of November 1, 2015. GSNA Corporate members are not eligible to vote in this election.

GSNA President-Elect Nicole James, Director, Butts County Local Association Offices Held: GriffinSpalding County SNA president ‘03-04, Lamar County SNA president ‘08-09 District Association Offices Held: 6th District Culinary Arts Chair State Association Offices Held: GSNA System Level Chair ‘08, GSNA Treasurer ‘13-15, GSNA Culinary Arts Chair ‘05-16 Participation: GSNA Annual Conf. presenter ‘09, ‘11 and ‘04 Professional Organizations/Other Experience: Certified Chef, MBA Goals 1) Training - With the final approval of the USDA Professional Standards supporting the local systems with training with technological and on-site meetings will be of the utmost importance. Knowledge is the key to success and our success is the key to our student’s ability to be able to learn and strive for excellence. The goal in this area is to provide the minimum USDA required training for each employee area in the Professional Standards Regulation. 2) Membership - With membership declining it is so important that we tell our story on how GSNA and SNA have affected both our professional and personal lives. When I started in 1996 as a School Nutrition Substitute I never imagined I would someday be sitting in a director’s chair. Within this 19-year journey GSNA has supported me financially, through various grants and scholarships, and also through shared knowledge and comradery. Membership in both GSNA and SNA are a key element to the excellence we strive for each day in our school nutrition programs. The goal in this area is to increase membership by 5 % state wide. 3) Community - Connecting with our communities and establishing relationships that allow us to share all the wonderful work going on in our school nutrition programs is vital. Our system recently adopted the Community Eligibility Program, which has affected our program greatly and fostered a connection between the school nutrition department, educational staff and community like we have never seen before. Working together for a common goal, feeding our children, is a connection that cannot be easily

broken. The goal in this area is to increase state wide community projects by one per system. 4) Culinary Arts - The culinary arts competition, local, district and state, have held a special place in my heart for many years. The professionalism and skill level that is displayed at the state competition increases each year and raises our profession another level. The goal in this area is to have every affiliated system in Georgia enter at least one product in their district competition.

GSNA President-Elect Laura Lynn, Director, Brantley County Local Association Offices Held: Brantley County NAC Advisor District Association Offices Held: 8th District President ‘13-14, 8th District Public Policy and Legislative Chair State Association Offices Held: Chair of District Presidents ‘14-16, Exhibits Chair ‘16, – NAC Advisor ‘11-12 Participation: Planned and organized PEP with 8th District officers, presenter ‘15 Leadership & Legislative Training Professional Organizations/Other Experience: Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) ‘86-Present, Association of Career and Technical Educators (ACTE), Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Science Teachers (GAFACS) ad Georgia Association of Career and Technical Educators (GACTE) Chosen to participate in SNA Executive Leadership Management Program at Georgetown University prior to LAC ‘15 Goals 1) To strengthen the foundation of GSNA’s relationship with all stakeholders; membership, industry, GaDOE, parents and community leaders through effective communication and collaboration as we work together as an integral part of the academic success of all students. 2) To build upon the best practices of former leaders of GSNA by creatively inspiring, motivating and educating our membership to use the tools and resources available through GSNA/SNA so that we are better equipped to face the challenges that are unique to each program, large and small. 3) To serve our membership as an advocate, motivator, inspirer

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and mentor by being consistent in my efforts to instill confidence and respect, encourage engagement and generate a commitment of excellence throughout every program and activity of GSNA.

GSNA System Level Chair

GSNA Treasurer

Offices Held: ‘13-14 Fourth District School Nutrition President

Ann Hamner, Administrative Specialist, GA Dept. of Education Local Association Offices Held: Gwinnett County SNA president ‘10-11 District Association Offices Held: 4th District president ‘12-13, 4th District Legislative Chair ‘11-12, 4th District Advisor ‘13-16 State Association Offices Held: Membership Chair ‘13-15 Participation: GSNA Annual Conference Educational Session presenter ’12, ‘13 and ‘14 Goals 1) As treasurer I will support and help maintain the fiscally sound and transparent finances of GSNA. I am looking forward to helping with the financial leadership of our association and making sure our finances are aligned with our mission and goals.

GSNA Treasurer Paige Holland, Grants Program Consultant, GA Dept. of Education Local Association Offices Held: Hall County SNA President 2001 District Association Offices Held: 9th District Secretary Professional Organizations/Other Experience: GASBO, former operations office for 1st National Bank of Atlanta Goals 1) To meet and exceed the expectations and requirements of the position for the Executive Board and membership. 2) To communicate clearly on all budgetary and monetary questions, concerns and goals. 3) To partner with the Executive Board to develop a budget with priorities that will reflect the strategic plan, both long term and short term for GSNA. 4) To serve and promote GSNA and its membership with enthusiasm.

Cheryl Jones, Nutrition Director, Hall County Schools

Participation: Trainer/Presenter ‘10- ‘14 Other Professional Memberships: Hall County Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, PTO President, Ambulance Providers of Georgia, Atlanta Chapter of WGSG Goals 1) Represent and advocate for my peers at GSNA meetings and events by listening to their concerns and voting in their best interests at Executive Board meetings and House of Delegates, as well as nominating appropriate candidates to hold officer positions within the association. 2) Encourage active participation in GSNA by sharing the many advantages of membership and the importance of having a voice in the political arena in order to help shape the future of the school nutrition program for the benefit of Georgia’s students. 3) Offer leadership, encouragement and guidance to new and existing directors and coordinators throughout the state.

GSNA System Level Chair Keshia Williams, Nutrition Specialist, Haralson County Local Association Offices Held: Presidentelect Haralson County SNA State Association Offices Held: GSNA Member Services Standing Committee Current Other Professional Memberships: Georgia Association of School Business Officials (GASBO) Board Member for School Nutrition - Currently until ‘17 Other experience or training that may help you in this position: Entering into school nutrition 5 years ago, I was very green. I knew nothing about school nutrition; had no formed, professional relationships; and had a LOT to learn. If I am voted as GSNA’s System-Level Chair I can relate to those that are starting their new venture in school nutrition; and find opportunities help us all continue to flourish together as a cohesive unit for the state. In addition, I can network with those who have been in this field for many years. It is important for me to listen to their guidance, learn from their knowledge, and continue to find ways of building relationships professionally and personally to benefit our organization and to benefit our current and future stakeholders. Goals 1) Create a greater commitment and motivation among officers and members to establish longer commitments and larger participation in GSNA. 2) Brainstorm with fellow officers to establish programs which promote members professional growth. 3) Build effective relationships by supporting and understanding the needs of the association members. 4) To stimulate professional growth at all educational levels. 5) To nurture relationships within the association in hopes of 7 engaging others to join.

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2015 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. Congratulations to all of the Georgia winners!

Congratulations 2015 USDA Southeast Regional Award Winners!!

State Promotion of the CEP Provision GaDoe School Nutrition Program Increasing Participation in NSLP, SBP, or Snacks Atlanta Public Schools: Large SFA Category School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Atlanta Public Schools: Large SFA Category

Fiscal Management Houston County: Large SFA Category

State Promotion of the CEP Provision GaDoe School Nutrition Program

School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Fulton County Schools: River Eves Elementary Farm to School Bibb County: Large SFA Category Implementation of the New Meal Pattern and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Effingham County Schools: Small SFA Category

Implementation of the New Meal Pattern and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Effingham County Schools: Small SFA Category

Leadership Development and Program Management Houston County: Large SFA Category

Leadership Development and Program Management Houston County: Large SFA Category Fiscal Management Houston County: Large SFA Category

Farm to School Bibb County: Large SFA Category

School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Fulton County Schools: River Eves Elementary

Increasing Participation in NSLP, SBP, or Snacks Atlanta Public Schools: Large SFA Category

School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Atlanta Public Schools: Large SFA Category

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2016 Calendar and Important Dates January 17-19 19-22 30

February 8- 9 15 Offices 18 19 28 – 1

April

14-16 20-23

June 9-10

July

10-13

School Nutrition Industry Conference – San Diego Equipment Academy – Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, GA Executive Board Meeting – Macon Marriott Courtyard

GA Legislative Advocacy Conference – Hilton Garden Inn, Atlanta, GA SNAP Training - Suwanee, GA – Gwinnett County School Board SNAP Training – Statesboro, GA – Ogeechee Technical College SNAP Training - Valdosta, GA – Wiregrass Technical College SNA Legislative Action Conference – Washington, DC - Marriott Marquis

GSNA Annual Conference – Savannah International Trade & Convention Center SNA National Leadership Conference – Minneapolis, MN

GSNA Leadership & Legislative Training – Dalton

SNA Annual National Conference - San Antonio

Awa r d s D ea d l i n es

January 18, 2016 GSNA NAC Art Contest Local Competition (Send to your Local judges) February 1, 2016 Culinary Arts (Local) District Culinary Arts Chairman

February 15, 2016 GSNA NAC Art Contest District Competition (Send to your District President) March 1, 2016 Grants-in-aid & Scholarships Scroll Application Cover Page to District President (Send to your District President) Culinary Arts (District) Director of the Year Employee of the Year /GSNA Golden Leaf Award Manager of the Year /GSNA Lucille T. Watson

March 15, 2016 Ann C. Smith/Hall of Fame Award Naomi Tolbert Central Office Support Award Certification Awards Consistently High Participation Awards Josephine Martin Award of Excellence Membership Awards GSNA NAC Art State Competition NAC of the Year Scroll Awards Three (3) % or More Increase in Participation (Breakfast and/or Lunch) Wellness Award Best Chapter Participation Award Marie McGlaun A.L.I.R.T. Local Contacts Application (Send to your District Legislative Chair) March 22, 2016 Marie McGlaun A.L.I.R.T. District/ Local Contacts Application

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Around the State! GSNA District 1

Farm to School in Treutlen County: Students enjoying fresh peas and kale

GSNA District 2

On Wednesday, October 14th, 110 parents of Telfair County Elementary School 1st Graders attended Lunch and Learn, which was 105% participation. Parents came and ate a nutritious lunch with their children, and then returned with their students to their classroom for grade level instruction. Kaylee Botello-Rangel, a 1st grader in Mrs. Teresa Yeoman’s Class at TCES, is shown having a date with her parents and baby brother.

Cafeteria Manager Mrs. Lashonna Mathis of Westover High in Dougherty County was Educator of the Month for October. She was presented this award for her cooperation in assisting our ever changing lunch schedule (testing, programs, fire drills, etc) and for leading her staff to serve all of our students with a smile. Mrs. Mathis is the ultimate team player and goes the last mile for us at Westover.

Hutto Middle School in Decatur County celebrating World Milk Day!

GSNA District 4

Annette Bomar Hopgood (GDOE) Chapter sponsored a pumpkin decorating contest among units. 1st place was a tie between the triple scoop ice cream cone and the pink M&M lady. We had a blast with it and prizes were given to the winners and a ribbon to display. Even Richard Woods, State Superintendent, voted and sent an e-mail out to the entire GaDOE to vote.

Gwinnett County held our second annual 5k/FunRun “Nutridash” on September 26. We had runners from different schools, from our industry partners and of course GCSNA members.

GSNA District 3

Houston County had a great turnout for the first local association meeting. We had 116 in attendance.

Sumter County Primary students wrote thank you cards and posters for their “lunch ladies.”

Rockdale County SNA promoted Breast Cancer Awareness at our meeting. A Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation representative spoke at the meeting.

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Around the State! GSNA District 6

Mt Zion Elementary in Carroll County celebrates NSLW with “a minion ways” to enjoy school lunch.

Celebrating NSLW with a farm to school tasting with pumpkins at Inman Elementary in Fayette County.

Thomaston Upson Co. High School Staff Celebrating National Milk Day.

GSNA District 7

Two Tallapoosa Primary (Haralson County) students enjoy their lunch.

Douglas County School Nutrition participated in the Douglas County Fall festival in September. DCSNP provided nutrition information on school lunch for participants.

“CHARACTER DAY” in Floyd County for Red Ribbon Week. We were the “Spice Girls”.

Woodstock Elementary in Cherokee County celebrated National Cape Day and wore capes in honor of the super heroes. The manager’s name is Annette Tortorello. Paulding County’s Extreme field day.

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Around the State! GSNA District 8

Nahunta Elementary (Brantley County) staff member Joyce Rentz had a MOOvelous time with the students on World Milk Day!

Wayne County jumping into National Milk Day. 3rd graders learned the importance of drinking milk. The simulator cow helped the children learn to milk the cow.

Echols County celebrates NSLW with fruity smiles !

GSNA District 9

Lowndes County Westside Elementary celebrated World School Milk Day wearing milk mustaches.

GSNA District 10 Grandparents day in Barrow County.

Hall County managers participated in a nutrition education presentations as part of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program.

The Richmond County, Meadowbrook Elementary was excited to receive a GSNA NAC grant to purchase personalized aprons.

At Jackson County South Jackson Elementary’s Farm to School and Meet the Farmer presentation students tasted North Georgia apples and did a question and answer with farmer Ron Mathis about how trees are planted, grow and different varieties of apples.

World Milk Day celebration in White County.

Columbia County, Evans Middle School super heroes kitchen staff. Wonder Woman, Angela Sharp District 10 and local president; Bat Woman T.J. Rowland; and Super Woman Diann Cliett.

Richmond County has recently added “Flavor Stations” to actively encourage students to season their vegetables and meals themselves. They can create their own flavor palate and meet the federal sodium requirements.

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GSNA 2015 Kick Off Luncheon September 24th Macon Centreplex - Macon, GA

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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

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Conference Totebags

April 14-16

e as an association get ONE opportunity a year to touch a large number of our membership live and in color and that time is our Annual Conference! This year in the beautiful low country of Savannah we will “Equip, Encourage, Inspire and Rejuvenate!” We are “Aiming High” and want to help you take your programs to the next level! We heard your requests, we saw what we all struggled with state-wide and we as a professional association understand that it is our responsibility to help our members grow as nutrition professionals. We are so fortunate to have wonderful school nutrition professionals that keep “Georgia Strong” and we are aiming to keep it that way! So strap in and get ready for the time of your life! Prepare yourself for a premier event with renowned general session speakers, informative educational sessions and invaluable networking opportunities. This will be a conference that will be discussed for years to come. You will hear stories of success that will move you in a way that you thought never possible. Don’t miss the 2016 Awards Banquet - “An Evening of Low Country Elegance”. We will enjoy dinner and shine a spotlight on the best of the best school nutrition professionals in the world! Make plans to join us for the “Throw Down in the Low Down” picnic on Saturday, April 16th. After your District meetings meet us on the riverfront for a night of food, fellowship and FUN! We will have an EPIC celebration as we close out the 2016 Annual Conference. Save the date! We are “Aiming High in the Low Country!”

Tentative Educational Sessions • What You Need to Know...Food Allergies • Nutrition Education...a must! • Fit for Life • Branding Your Program • Making F2S a reality...you can do it!

Annual Conference Directors’ Lounge

GSN Foundation Golf Tournament “Together We Golf”

Wednesday April 13th 2016 - 1pm Shotgun Start Southbridge Golf Club (415 Southbridge Club, Savannah, GA 31405) Please visit the GSNA website for information on how to participate in the tournament. Your participation supports continuing education, training and skill development for school nutrition professionals across the state.

• Bid Forecasting...what do I need to do this correctly? • Blue Prints for Successful Leadership at the School Level And many more! 15

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2016 GSNA Conference April 14-16 Savannah, GA

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General Session Keynotes

Thursday, April 14th – First General Session Kern Halls A leader in student-centered school food-service efforts, Kern Halls has been called “one of the most engaging presenters” in today’s K-12 industry. He is sought out by school districts, state agencies, associations and manufacturers nationwide to shed light on proven practices to increase student meal consumption. His military culinary background, work experience in Orlando managing $18M in sales at Walt Disney World restaurants, and serving as a senior manager in Orange County Public Schools equips him with a unique skill set. Coupling this experience with his degrees in Business Management and Marketing, results in an individual well equipped to support school food-service personnel of all levels. This is proven by his award winning track record. During his tenure in Orange County, the district’s FNS team received multiple recognitions and awards for their school foodservice practices. Lead by Kern, with the help of the FNS team, high school sales grew by an unprecedented 46%.It’s this combination–vast industry knowledge, history of success, engaging speaking style–that makes Kern such an in-demand speaker at schools, agencies, manufacturers and more. If you’re interested in having Kern speak at your company, be sure to book in advance, because in busy periods his calendar fills up quickly.

Friday, April 15th – Second General Session Paula Deen She is the quintessential American success story, a best-selling author, and a television personality, a down-home and strong willed mom who overcame personal tragedy, long odds, financial and physical challenges to carve one of the most effective and wide ranging entertainment brands that exists today. A brand that is idyllic, inspiring, fun and very much American. Paula will share her personal journey from the bottom to the top and back again. For all her success, the Albany, Georgia native has remained very grounded, in part due to her down home Southern upbringing and the one constant in Deen’s life, cooking. Her determination, hard work, and innate warm Southern charm have done the rest. Made possible by Peach Valley Bakery and Integrity Foods.

Saturday, April 16th – Third General Session Chef Alain Bedard

Chef Bedard will help you “Get it Right!” Scrap everything you have heard about what can’t be done, what kids won’t eat, what the government regs have done to the quality of your program. Chef Bedard will help you figure out what you know, so that you can do what you do...well and perfect it! You are nutritional professionals...act like it! Chef Alain Bedard is a graduate of The American Culinary Federation in Atlanta. He has worked in 4 & 5 star restaurants throughout the country and is now dedicated to helping you bring 5 star service to your programs.

Pre-Conference Sessions Forecasting (System Level): A session designed to help Directors get a true picture of what you are going to use during the school year. A panel of Directors, Distributors, Brokers, and Manufacturers will guide a discussion and give real world examples on how to forecast your school year. Cost: $75 Kid’s Choice Café Concept (School & System Level): The Kid’s Choice Café concept will help your program “customize entrees” that will encourage students to choose foods wisely, establishing lifelong positive eating habits. Costs: $75 16

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Tentative Agenda

2016 GSNA Conference April 14-16 Savannah, GA

Thursday, April 14, 2016 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Industry Advisory Board Meeting

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Preconference Sessions: Kid’s Choice Concept (System & School Level) Forecasting (System Level)

10:00 – 11:30 AM

Executive Board Meeting

1:00 – 2:30 PM

House of Delegates Meeting

1:00 – 5:00 PM

SNS Credentialing Exam

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Silent Auction Check-in

3:30 – 5:00 PM

Opening General Session - Keynote Speaker: Kern Halls Awards: ALIRT, Wellness Award, NAC of the Year, NAC Art Awards

Friday, April 15, 2016 7:00 AM

Wellness Event

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Silent Auction Check-in

9:00 – 11:00 AM

Exhibits Private Showing (Directors, Supervisors, Coordinators, Buyers ONLY)

9:00 – 10:00 AM

First Timer’s Session (For FIRST TIME Conference Attendees)

9:00 – 10:00 AM

School Level (Managers, Assistant Managers, Cashiers, Food Assistants) Educational Session

10:00 – 11:00 AM

School Nutrition History: Living Legends

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Exhibits Open to All

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Silent Auction Open

1:15 – 2:30 PM

Second General Session - Keynote Speaker: Paula Deen Awards: Culinary Arts Awards, Scholarships

2:45 – 3:45 PM

Educational Sessions

7:00 PM

Awards Banquet: An Evening of Low Country Elegance Awards: Honorary Member/Life Member, Ann C. Smith, Central Office Support, Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, Josephine Martin Award of Excellence, Director of the Year

Saturday, April 16, 2016 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration

9:00 – 11:00 AM

Silent Auction

9:00 – 10:00 AM

Private Exhibit Showing – (Directors, Supervisors, Coordinators, Buyers ONLY)

9:00 – 10:00 AM

School Level Education Sessions

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Exhibits Open to All

11:45 AM

Past Presidents’ Luncheon

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Education Sessions for All

2:00 PM

Third General Session - Keynote Speaker: Chef Alain Bedard Awards: Membership Awards, Nutrition Hero Award, Best Chapter Participation, Scroll and President’s Awards

4:00 – 5:00 PM

District Meetings

7:00 PM

“Throw Down in the Low Down” Celebration

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2016 GSNA Conference April 14-16 Savannah, GA

Winter 2015

Accommodations

To view hotel rates, availability and to make reservations go to https://aws.passkey.com/event/14238365/ owner/14227/home 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.

Doubletree Hotel Historic Savannah

Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

411 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401

520 West Bryan Street, Savannah, GA 31419

Hotel Rate: $189.00

Hotel Rate: $165.00

Hotel Amenities:

• Parking Rates: $15 valet only (GSNA discount)

• Parking Rates:$22 valet only

• Restaurant, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center

• Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center

Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District 201 E. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Hotel Rate: $204.00/$209.00 Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates:$20 valet only • Free Breakfast, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center Hilton Garden Inn Historic Savannah 321 West Bay Street, Savannah, Ga 31401 Hotel Rate: $189.00 Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates:$15 valet only (GSNA discount) • Restaurant, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center Holiday Inn Express Historic District 199 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Hotel Rate: $204.00/$209.00 Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates:$20 valet only • Free Breakfast, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center

Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District 201 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Hotel Rate: $159.00 Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates:$25 valet only • Complimentary Wi-Fi, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center Hyatt Regency Savannah 2 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Hotel Rate: $206.00/$231.00 Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates:$26 valet/ $16 self • Restaurant, Business Center Indoor Pool, Fitness center Westin Savannah Harbor Gold Resort & Spa One Resort Drive, Savannah, GA 31421 Hotel Rate: $265.00 + Resort Fee - $21.00 per room/night Hotel Amenities: • Parking Rates: included in resort fee for self-parking. Discounted Valet of $18.00 w/ Resort Fee. • Restaurant, Business Center, Outdoor Pool, Fitness center

Shuttle service between select hotels and the trade and convention center will be available during the GSNA conference. Shuttles provided by the Savannah CVB. A free water taxi will also be available.

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Conference Registration

Name __________________________________________________________ Title __________________________________________ Mailing Address _________________________________________________ County/System Name___________________________ City, State & Zip ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________ Preferred E-mail _________________________________________________________ o Please check here if this is your first time attending a GSNA Conference.

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

Saturday District Picnic Meeting Celebration 04/16/16

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 Early Registration Before 03/02/16

Member Regular Registration After 03/02/16

Non Member Registration

$210

$240

$270

$175

$205

$235

Please check your district below

$150

$180

$210

$115

$145

$175

$115

$145

$175

$115

$145

with banquet ticket included

Banquet Meal Included Friday

Additional Events

Preconference Sessions Thursday, April 14, 2016 (9:00 – 12:00) $75 x _____ = Total _______ Minimum Participants: 10 o Forecasting o Kid’s Choice Cafe’ Concept

An Evening of Low Country Elegance Ticket Required Friday, April 15, 2016

(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.)

District Meeting Saturday, April 16, 2016 (4:00 pm)

Throwdown in the Low Down Picnic Celebration Saturday, April 16, 2016

$60 x _____ = Total _______

Check District: o 1 o 2 o 3 o 4 o 5 o 6 o 7 o 8 o 9 o 10 All registrations include admission to the Saturday night event.Please check here if you will be attending.

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 25, 2016 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 25, 2016. A processing fee of $30.00 will be withheld from all refunds. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR CANCELLATION RECEIVED AFTER March 25, 2016. We encourage youhere to send someone else. Registration check if you will be attending. received after March 25, 2016 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. 19

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GSNA 2015 C.R.O.P. Show October 21st Athens, GA

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Corporate Members as of November 2015 ACC Distributors, Inc. AccuTemp Products, Inc. Acosta Sales & Marketing AdvancePierre Foods Aspire Beverages Atrium Packaging Bake Crafters Food Company Borden Dairy Company Brazeal Consulting Bridgford Foods Corp. Brookwood Farms Bull’s Eye Brand, Smart Mouth Pizza Carman Girard Associates Cavendish Farms Charles Pace & Associates Cohen Food Service Citisco, Inc CK Brands, Inc. / Basil Boss ConAgra Foods Country Pure Foods CTB Foodservice Cybersoft Technologies, Inc. Data Business Systems Dessert Innovations, LLC Dexter’s Farm

Dippin’ Dots Domino’s Pizza Smart Slice Don Lee Farms Food Service Applications, Inc. General Mills Georgia Grown (USDA) Georgia Peanut Commission Georgia Power Company Gregory Packaging, Inc. Hadley Farms, Inc. Heartland School Solutions Hobart Corporation Horizon Software International HumiTEC Corporation Integrity Foods, Inc. J&J Snack Foods/ Country Home Bakers JTM Food Group Kellogs Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. Key Impact Sales & Systems, Inc. Lagniappe Sales Learning ZoneXpress Manning Brothers Food Service Equipment Master Marketing Sunlow

Mayfield Dairy Farms, Inc. Meals Plus/Education Management Systems Mobile Fixture and Equipment Co., Inc. GA Div. Nardone Brothers Baking Co., Inc National Food Group, Inc. NatureSeal, Inc. Norvell Fixture & Equipment Co.Inc. Nutri-Link Technologies, Inc. Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service Paramount Marketing Group Patco Food Safety PCS Revenue Control Systems, Inc. PepsiCo Foodservice Plas-Tique Products, Inc. PMR, Inc. Premier Equipment Group, Inc. Prime Pak Pro Rep Marketing PureFUN Inc. Food Service Rich Products Corporation Royal Food Service Samples Institutional Foods

Sanitech Systems SFSPac/ a div of PortionPac Chemical Corp. Southeast United Dairy Industry Association South Eastern Manufacturer’s Agents, Inc Southern Press & Packing, Inc. Studio 84 Designs StyroGreen Recycling, LLC Sun Butter LLC Sunny Food Service Sunny Sky Products, LLC Super Bakery, Inc. The Dannon Company The Hansen Group TriMark Strategic True Food Service Equipment Inc. Uniform Sales America LLC US Foods Vulcan FEG Waypoint Whaley Foodservice Williams Institutional Foods Winston Industries

how many kids are counting on you? 30 million school meals are served every day. And for some, those are the most nutritious meals they’ll eat. That inspired us to offer six delicious all natural sliced turkey deli meat varieties. Mix and match your varieties (turkey breast, ham, pastrami, salami, bologna, pepperoni) as any six slices will provide a 2 oz. M/MA serving, with 460 mg of sodium or less. Making it easy to do what’s right – while kids love every bite. That’s the JENNIE-O® brand.

See our all natural varieties at

jennieofoodservice.com/k12 Acosta, Inc.

Lisa Davis (678) 313-3014 Lsdavis@acosta.com

Acosta, Inc.

Chris Bolton (512) 417-7928 Cbolton@acosta.com

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National School Breakfast Week 2016: March 2-6 Increasing breakfast participation is a goal for many school nutrition association members – and NSBW is the perfect time to bring attention to your breakfast program. For ways to celebrate visit https://schoolnutrition.org/NSBW/.

Don’t Miss Equipment Academy 2016: January 20-22 There’s Still Time! Equipment Academy - January 20-22, 2016 - Perry, GA Join us for the 2016 Equipment Academy. Experience Front of the House serving lines & design ideas to Back of the House cooking, holding and vegetable prep solutions.

Experience Hi Speed vs. Low Speed Convection with Steam cooking cooking sessions.

solutions and combi cooking technology. School recipes used during live

Define Key features and benefits to serve your renovation and new school project plans by comparing refrigeration, ware washing and waste management solutions.

Inspire Walk away armed and inspired with information to guide you in making the changes you want and need to meet today’s standards. Don’t miss this Equipment Academy-wait until you see what we have for you! Visit http://www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com/News-and-Events/Meetings/Equipment-Academy/Equipment-Academy-II to register.

2016 GSNA Legislative Advocacy Conference – Hilton Garden Inn – Atlanta, GA February 8-9, 2016 - #GSNALAC16 ONE can make a difference, but together we are STRONG! Join us as we prepare for the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session where we will let our collective voice be heard. We will plan our strategies and make connections with our legislators at the gold dome. To register visit http://www.georgiaschoolnutrition.com/News-and-Events/ Meetings/Legislative-Advocacy-Conference

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Carrollton City

Coffee County

Treutlen County

2015 NSLW Celebrations Sumter County

Jackson County 23

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Winter 2015

GSNA’s Annual School Nutrition Assistants Program Training February 15, 2016 – Suwanee, GA – Gwinnett County School Board Offices February 18, 2016 – Statesboro, GA – Ogeechee Technical College February 19, 2016 – Valdosta, GA – Wiregrass Technical College This one day training session is planned to fit the needs of school nutrition employees that work “in” the kitchen. Learn and Engage at the 2016 SNAP Training.

With Horizon, you have choices.

The leading school nutrition provider in Georgia with 65 K-12 customers, Horizon offers our proven, on-premise OS solution for nutrition program operations, • On-premise solution • Comprehensive program management • District technology resources

and now Solana, our new cloud-based solution.

800.741.7100

• Cloud-based online solution • Simple program management • Limited technology resources

GSNA Platinum Sponsor

GSNA Foundation Managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Retreat & Training Oct. 5-6 Unicoi State Park Helen, GA

2372 Main St. Tucker, Georgia 30084

Thanks Our 2015-2016 Sponsors (as of November 2015)

Platinum Sponsors

Conference Tote Bag Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsor Managers’ Retreat & Training Malcolm Quillen School Nutrition Hero Award

Equipment Academy Energy Sponsor

NSLW Kick Off Luncheon

Chat & Chew - Member Mixer

Annual Conference Directors’ Lounge

General Sponsorship