|
SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 82
April 23, 1999 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | School Food Service Employee Recognition Day May 12, 1999 |
May 12, 1999, is "School Food Service Employee Recognition Day." The Virginia Department of Education joins the Virginia School Food Service Association and the Virginia Department of Agriculture in recognizing the dedicated, hardworking professionals who prepare and serve good nutritious meals to students every school day. Their efforts and commitment to children may often go unnoticed in the busy daily routine; however, without them, the school day would be disrupted and many children would be hungry. The school breakfast and lunch programs provide students with the energy and nutrients for optimal cognitive development and performance. Research clearly demonstrates the strong relationship between nutrition and readiness to learn. Access to healthy foods is essential and reinforces the classroom nutrition education. Good nutrition education and services, both in the classroom and the cafeteria, allow students to gain the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to make wise food choices. They learn that healthy foods are connected to physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The employees of the school nutrition programs are crucial members of the educational team. They provide nourishment to the students' bodies, so the educators can nourish their minds. Please join us in showing your appreciation and recognizing the School Food Service members for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to our future-the students of Virginia. For more information contact Catherine Digilio Grimes, Director of School Nutrition Programs at (804) 225-2074. PDS/idl