COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 55

April 4, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	School Nutrition Employee Recognition Day May 7, 2003

May 7, 2003, is School Nutrition 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 nutritious meals to students each 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 operation of our schools.

The school breakfast and lunch programs provide students with the energy and nutrients for optimum cognitive development and performance. Research clearly demonstrates the strong relationship between nutrition and readiness to learn. Good nutrition education in the classroom and the cafeteria allows students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to make wise choices about foods. 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 nutrition members for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to our futurethe students of Virginia.

For more information contact Catherine Digilio Grimes, director of School Nutrition Programs at (804) 225-2074.

JLD/CDG/idl