
THE HCS CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
NEWSLETTER MARCH 2025
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Greetings Everyone,
The temperature is rising, and Spring is approaching fast. I know all of you will look forward to the weather changes and the introduction of a new season. During the next several weeks, we will assist our students who will be testing and preparing for graduation. We will also be working toward planning for the Summer Food Service Program and marketing for upcoming events within the Child Nutrition Program. Please continue to participate in our programs and contact us directly if we can be of service to you and all of our untsville City School community members.
-H. Ward
Inspirational Quote of the Month
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National School Breakfast Week 2025
To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Huntsville City Schools will celebrate National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) from March 3rd to March 7th, 2025.
Busy weekday mornings make it challenging for many families to find time for a healthy breakfast. Fortunately, Huntsville City schools offer nutritious breakfasts with fruit and low-fat or fat-free milk to ensure students are fueled for learning every school day. Students can get breakfast through the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) program, receive a Second Chance breakfast for late arrivals or visit the cafeteria before the start of the first class each school day.
The 2025 NSBW campaign theme, “Clue In to School Breakfast,” reminds the entire school community that school breakfast provides a healthy and energizing start to the day for students. By celebrating National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) every year, we’re encouraging all schools to recognize the importance of a healthy start to the day for fueling a child’s academic success.
Did you know children who eat breakfast are more likely to…
- Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math
- Score higher on standardized tests
- Have better concentration and memory
- Be more alert and maintain a healthy weight
But when the school week gets busy, it’s easy for students to rush out the door in the morning without having a nutritious meal. That’s why school breakfast is such a great option! In fact, students who participate in school breakfast tend to have better attendance rates and fewer behavioral problems.
The School Breakfast Program provides 12 million nutritious breakfasts to hungry children across the country every day. These breakfasts tend to be more nutritious than the average breakfast a child gets from home or a convenient fast-food restaurant.
Child Nutrition Staff Engagement Surveys
We took the opportunity this school year to perform employee surveys with our staff. This action gives us needed insight into the needs and feelings of our hard-working personnel. Thier feedback is of utmost importance to us, as it helps us make any necessary changes based on our associate's thoughts regarding the workplace. We greatly appreciate thier participation. It gives them a voice to share how they feel about their roles and the day-to-day activities of the Child Nutrition Program.
Cafeteria Construction Project
A segment of the Huntsville City Schools' 10-year capital plan includes the cafteria area at Grissom High School. The cafeteria at Grissom High School is being expanded and this process is already underway. This activity aims to accommodate more students at once while also enhancing the environment in the seating area where students enjoy their meals.
DID YOU KNOW?
Proposed US budget cuts could affect school meals
The US House Ways and Means Committee has proposed a $12 billion cut to school nutrition programs over the next decade as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending by $330 billion. The School Nutrition Association and nutrition directors, such as Brenton Lexvold of Zumbrota-Mazeppa Schools in Minnesota, have voiced concerns that the cuts would severely affect budgets, especially in high-poverty areas that rely on the Community Eligibility Provision.
Full Story: KTTC-TV (Rochester, Minn.) (3/6)
How ghee can boost your health and cooking
Ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, offers potential healthful benefits according to registered dietitian Jennifer Scherer. It may have anti-inflammatory and immunity-supporting properties due to its high butyrate content, which also supports gut health. Ghee also contains medium-chain fatty acids that may improve HDL cholesterol levels and heart health when consumed in moderation. Ghee is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for high-heat cooking, baking, and as a condiment.
Full Story: Real Simple (3/2)
RD: Up your vitamin A intake with these 5 foods
While one large carrot provides 601 micrograms or 67% of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin A, registered dietitian nutritionist Kelsey Kunik explores five foods that surpass carrots in vitamin A content, which supports the immune system, reproductive health, and function of the eyes, heart, lungs and other organs. Kunik emphasizes the importance of including both plant and animal sources of vitamin A in a balanced diet.
Full Story: EatingWell (3/5}RDs share more healthful twists on classic comfort foods
Some comfort foods can be surprisingly healthful despite their reputations, according to registered dietitians Rachel Gargano and Megan Huff. They point to dishes like ginger chicken soup, spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and slow-cooker squash lasagna as nutritious options. These meals incorporate ingredients such as low-sodium broth, lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables.
Full Story: Real Simple (3/1)CNP Terminology
Child Nutrition Dashboard
The Child Nutrition Dashboard is comprised of public data published in the Child Nutrition Tables. The goal of the dashboard is to provide national and state level visualization of meals served, participation, and funding data for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. The Dashboard can be used by Federal, State, and Local Organizations to assess trends in Child Nutrition Program activity.
OUR STAFF
CNP EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Michele Hill, Child Nutrition Program Worker at Grissom High School
Ms. Michele Hill has been employed by Huntsville City Schools for almost six years. She is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and moved to Huntsville in 2001. Michele has a 28-year-old stepdaughter, four grandchildren, and a 15-year-old son named Trey. She describes herself as a hardworking and loyal person who is also quite shy.
Before working in Child Nutrition, Michele was a stay-at-home mother for several years. She expresses that what she enjoys most about her job is interacting with the children, as they can be quite amusing. In her free time, Michele loves to read and spend time with her son. Her favorite cuisine is Asian food, and she enjoys listening to old school R&B music.
Michele mentioned that if she were not working in Child Nutrition, she is unsure what else she would be doing. While she is not very interested in sports, she will cheer for the Alabama Crimson Tide and often supports the underdog. Michele hopes to purchase a home one day, and in the next five years, she plans to focus on becoming a better person. Her motto in life is, "Karma is real; you know the rest."
Employees of the Month
Vetricia Burgess, CNP Worker at Mae Jemison High/Ronald McNair Jr. High
"Ms. Trish is an asset to any kitchen. Her work ethic and dedication are exemplary. When problems arise, she can speak her mind quickly and help correct a situation. But she is also a "character" who brings fun and laughter to the workplace. Ms. Trish is early to work, willing to work late, and has a near perfect attendance record. Her years of experience lend well to training new employees and helping new supervisors. It's a joy to have Ms. Trish on our CNP team!"
-Tyrone Barton, CNP Supervisor at Jemison High/McNair Jr. High
Chanell Holt, CNP Supervisor at Sonnie Hereford Elementary
"Mrs. Holt is compassionate, energetic, and dependable. Her dedication, great personality, and knowledge have been invaluable to the Child Nutrition Program. Mrs. Holt assists her staff in achieving excellence each day, and she appreciates her staff and students. She goes the extra mile to ensure the students receive a great meal daily. Mrs. Holt has exhibited kindness and respect, and most of all, she has a caring spirit, which has enhanced the quality of service with co-workers, faculty, and students. Her patience, professionalism, and helpfulness represent the Child Nutrition program well. Sonnie Hereford has a great teamwork atmosphere, and I attribute this mostly to Mrs. Holt's active involvement in ensuring she and her staff are ready to greet our clients and give them the best experience daily."
Diann Bentley, CNP Area Supervisor
BIRTHDAYS
Remithia Strickland 3/4
Lisa Battle 3/5
Wonda Miles 3/7
Maggie Daniel 3/10
Maria Boyzo 3/11
Danielle Camarillo 3/12
Jackie Pruitt 3/15
Jean Mason 3/17
Millicent Steere 3/19
Pam Horton 3/21
Elsa Santos 3/26
Keeshan Humphrey 3/23
Paula Elkins 3/28
Bobbie Humphrey 3/28
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES
Kim Ferguson 18 years
Keith Cantrell 12 years
Latonya Williams 10 Years
CONTACT US!
Email: Childnutrition@hsv-k12.org
Address: 714 Bob Wallace Ave. S.W., Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256 428-6955
Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/child-nutrition-program
Instagram:www.instagram.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillecitycnp
Twitter: @HUNTSVILLECITY1
Child Nutrition Program Director at Huntsville City Schools