THE HCS CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

Hello Everyone!

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to shop for gifts and share moments of joy with friends and family. This time of year is truly enchanting, especially for the vibrant young people at Huntsville City Schools. It's an opportunity to come together, creating cherished memories with our loved ones.

From all of us at the Child Nutrition Program, we extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a splendid New Year! May your days be filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of the season. Season's greetings!

- H. Ward

“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.”

– Terri Marshall

Huntsville City Child Nutrition Program Director Henry Ward meets with students throughout the district to discuss their experiences with school meals. "Students were very responsive and honest about how they feel regarding school meals," said Mr. Ward. This practice allows him to engage with students while they are dining, enabling him to gather their unique perspectives on this essential part of their school day. Ward expresses his deep appreciation for their time and looks forward to seeing them all again during the school year.

CNP Supervisor Remthia Strickland recently initiated a remarkable initiative to provide athletic shoes to children who may lack access to this crucial gear. The excitement among the students as they explored the fantastic selection was palpable, and they were thrilled to discover that the shoes were in impeccable condition. Ms. Strickland is not only a dedicated advocate for the students at Dawson but also a beacon of support, always ready to lend a helping hand both on campus and beyond. Her unwavering commitment truly makes a difference in their lives.

Mr. Larry Saulsberry, the Director of Teaching & Learning, created an excellent initiative called "Boys to Gents." This mentorship program involves district staff volunteers mentoring fifth-grade boys at Morris Elementary School. The program helps these young boys understand the fundamentals of being a gentleman. Child Nutrition Program Director Mr. Henry Ward has volunteered to participate in this endeavor and appreciates Mr. Sauslberry's invitation to assist our special young men at Huntsville City Schools.

We wholeheartedly congratulate the Child Nutrition Program Support Staff of the Year! Huntsville City Schools takes immense pride in honoring these exceptional individuals whose unwavering dedication, remarkable hard work, and genuine commitment profoundly impact the students at their respective school sites. Our deepest gratitude also extends to the school site administrators and their teams for nominating these outstanding individuals for this prestigious recognition. This award is a true testament to their well-deserved accomplishments, and it is heartwarming to see how deeply they appreciate this acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions. Bravo to all! Your commitment radiates brightly and inspires us all!

States split on school food rules

Nutrition professor Lindsey Smith Taillie says that many state efforts to restrict ultraprocessed foods in schools are ineffective because narrow definitions, such as Arizona's focus on a few additives, leave most packaged snacks untouched. Smith Taillie writes that broader approaches like California's law, paired with investments in school meal programs and better access to minimally processed foods, are needed to improve children's diets.

Full Story: The New York Times (12/8)

Schools can see benefits from classroom breakfast program

A report by the Eos Foundation highlights the potential for Massachusetts schools to expand breakfast programs, particularly through the Breakfast in the Classroom model. The report suggests that shifting to classroom breakfast could reach 303,000 more students and increase USDA reimbursement revenue.

Full Story: Greenfield Recorder (Mass.) (tiered subscription model) (12/1)

Diet quality similar for WIC participants, nonparticipants

A prepandemic analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found diet quality was not significantly different for toddlers and young children participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, when compared with those who were eligible but not participating. Diet quality was suboptimal across all groups, researchers reported in JAMA Pediatrics.

Full Story: Contemporary Pediatrics (11/26)

The USDA Department of Defense (DoD)

The USDA Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA DoD Fresh) allows schools to use USDA Foods entitlement dollars to buy fresh produce. USDA DoD Fresh operates through a partnership between the USDA and the DoD Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), as well as the state distributing agencies in each participating state.

Schools in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam participate in USDA DoD Fresh. USDA does not impose a cap on the amount of USDA Foods entitlement used through this program and allocations may be changed on several dates throughout the year.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) also uses the USDA DoD Fresh Program to add fresh fruits and vegetables to the monthly FDPIR food package. For a full list of fruits and vegetables available to the FDPIR program, please refer to the FNS Handbook 501 Exhibit O Guide Rate.

Ms. Millicent Steere has dedicated over four remarkable years to the Child Nutrition Program at Huntsville City Schools. Originally hailing from Jamaica, she is a devoted wife and proud mother of seven—Shaaoline, Shevar, Janiel, Rohan, Joan, and Shawn—as well as a loving grandmother to thirteen grandchildren. Millicent embodies the qualities of care, love, kindness, and selflessness.

Beyond her life in Huntsville, Millicent has enriched her experiences in Queens, New York, and her homeland of Jamaica. One of her hidden talents is her exceptional singing ability, which brings joy to those around her. Outside of her professional life, Millicent delights in cooking and shopping, with her heart often leading her to church, her favorite sanctuary. She savors delicious dishes such as curry chicken, oxtails, ackee and saltfish, and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Millicent's musical tastes reflect her diverse background, with a love for gospel, country, and reggae that resonates in her soul. If fate had taken her on another path, she dreams of owning her own restaurant, sharing her culinary creations with the world. Her passions extend to traveling and embracing new adventures. With a heart full of aspiration, Millicent hopes to embark on a cruise someday, and in the next five years, she envisions a journey to explore the globe.

I am recommending Lamanda Holloway for Employee of the Month. She goes above and beyond every single day and helps take over for me when I am absent. She gets along with everyone and helps keep this school in order. I could go on for a year about everything she does: she is fantastic!!!

-Janet Sharp, CNP Supervisor Huntsville Jr. High

"Ms. Raysor exceeds expectations in every aspect of her role. She ensures compliance with all nutritional guidelines and food safety standards while maintaining an organized and efficient meal service operation. Her attention to detail and proactive planning guarantee that all field trips, special events, and daily meals are executed flawlessly. She communicates clearly, provides timely updates, and makes data-driven decisions that improve overall program quality. Her leadership ensures that the cafeteria runs like a well-coordinated team, with student satisfaction and health as top priorities."

-Lakeisha Agun, Principal at Rolling Hills Elementary

Kelly Hannah 12/1

Precious Davis 12/5

Deanna McRae 12/5

Amy Smith 12/06

Mellisa Houston 12/11

Lashona Sullivan 12/14

Kitty Holt 12/18

Vertricia Burgess 12/19

Janet Sharp 12/19

Genesis Watson 12/21

Ebone' Patterson 12/24

Noelle Branch 12/26

Janet Bloomingburg 12/27

Belinda Phillips 12/31

Paula Elkins 31 years

Angie Phillips 20 years

Gloria Fuller 12 years

Chanell Holt 12 years

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Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/child-nutrition-program

Instagram: www.instagram.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillecitycnp
Twitter: @HUNTSVILLECITY1

Location: 2601 North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35810
Phone: 256 428-6955