INFORMATIONAL

 May 3, 2000, 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, their contributions are extremely important to the overall 
operation of our schools.

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.  
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 
clearly crucial members of the educational team.

Please join us in showing our appreciation by 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.

JLD/CDG/idl