THE HCS CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

Greetings everyone.

We hope that all of you had a great Labor Day Holiday. This month, we will focus on ensuring that meals are available for all students during the Huntsville City School after-school enrichment programs, providing a convenient solution for busy parents and students. This program could include multiple school activities such as athletics, school clubs, STEM programs, Alphabest, and after-school tutoring. These school meals will be enacted under the Child and Adult Care Program (CACFP), which is now currently ongoing at 22 HCS school sites. These meals will be served once the bell rings to end the school day. All Huntsville City Schools students are eligible to participate in receiving CACFP meals regardless of whether they engage in any afterschool program or not. Children only need to be 18 years of age or younger to participate.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/page/child-nutrition-program

-H. Ward

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

Mark Twain

Positions available:

• CNP Worker

• CNP Substitute Worker

To apply for a position with Huntsville City Schools, you must complete an online application with the Alabama State Department of Education. Just Click the Link below to start the process

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eTrition (ezschoollunch.com)

What Is National School Lunch Week (NSLW)?

Learning is tough work—and kids need fuel if they’re going to learn! That’s why a healthy midday meal is crucial to the growing children who go to school. Since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW), this annual observance has promoted the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has both in and out of the classroom.

The Importance of School Lunch

Even though National School Lunch Week was declared in 1962, the National School Lunch Program goes back even further, back to 1946. Created to provide nutritious meals to children from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to a daily meal, NSLP ensures the health and well-being of all public school students, boosts academic performance by giving students the fuel they need to succeed, and closes the opportunity gap for children across the country. Today, the National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day. Not only does it reduce childhood hunger, but it also supports American agriculture.

What NSLW Aims to Do

Despite the critical role NSLP plays in the health and success of American youth, many people still don’t understand its importance—including some families who could benefit from it! During the weeklong celebration, held annually during the second full week of October, SNA members and their students will celebrate with special menus, events, activities, and much more, all with the goal of…

• Increasing student participation.
• Spreading the message to parents that you’re serving healthy, delicious lunch at school.
• Earning media coverage from local papers, TV stations and bloggers.
• Connecting with teachers and administrators at your school or in your district to spread the word that school meals are healthy and delicious.

Child Nutrition Programs

USDA's child nutrition programs help ensure that children receive nutritious meals and snacks that promote their health and educational readiness. The child nutrition programs are administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In fiscal year (FY) 2023, total expenditures (including administrative expenses, grants, and other miscellaneous expenses, and excluding the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program) on these programs amounted to $28.3 billion, the bulk of which was spent on the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program

Ms. Jennifer Jones has been a dedicated member of the Huntsville City School’s Child Nutrition Program for seven years. Starting as a temporary worker, she has shown unwavering commitment and passion, earning her the position of a permanent employee and eventually a Child Nutrition Program Supervisor. Her journey from a temporary worker to a supervisor is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Hailing from Huntsville, AL, Jennifer is a proud mother of three children, Kionna, Labron, and Zay, and a loving grandmother to Zeb and Zyree.

Jennifer describes herself as fun-loving, outgoing, and enjoys being the life of the party. Prior to working in Child Nutrition, Jennifer was a Warehouse Quality Inspector. She also worked in the Environmental Service at Huntsville Hospital, where she has been employed for over 16 years.

Jennifer's love for her role is palpable. She finds joy in preparing meals for the students, knowing that it brings a smile to their faces. She also shares her secret talent-she's an exceptional dancer. When she's not working, she cherishes spending time with her family and friends, often enjoying a game of bowling.

Her favorite places to go are Orange Beach and the casino. Jennifer also mentions that her favorite food is a good old-fashioned Hamburger, and the genres of music that she likes to listen to are R&B and Hip Hop.

Jennifer tells us that if she were not working in Child Nutrition then she would be working full time at Huntsville Hospital, and she would also be Lash technician. She also has a desire to assume fishing as a hobby. Her favorite sport is College football where she roots for the Alabama Crimson tide football team.

Jennifer's aspirations for the future are a testament to her optimism. She dreams of going on a cruise and flying on an airplane, and she sees herself continuing to learn and excel in her role as a Child Nutrition Program Supervisor over the next five years. Her guiding principle, 'never let a situation control you as you control the situation ', is a source of inspiration for all.

"I am glad Victoria is being nominated for Employee of the Month. I have only known Victoria for a short time, but she is a very hard worker and has been employed with HCS for three years. Her knowledge, experience, great personality, and her willingness to help others achieve excellence each day are appreciated. During my time at Rolling Hills, Victoria has exhibited politeness and a can-do attitude, and this has enhanced the quality of service with co-workers, faculty, and students. Her patience, professionalism, and helpfulness represent the Child Nutrition program very well. Rolling Hills has a great teamwork atmosphere, and I contribute this mostly to Victoria's active involvement in making sure all tasks have been completed and that we are ready to greet our clients daily."

-Yolanda Raysor, CNP Supervisor at Rolling Hills

"Emily Battle is the supervisor at Lakewood Elementary. Emily is dedicated and hardworking, and she loves her staff, faculty, and children at Lakewood. Emily has a gentle and quiet spirit and is very pleasant to work with. She has a huge heart and will assist anyone in any way she can. This quote describes Emily, "A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles," William Hazlitt."

-Diann Bentley, CNP Area Supervisor

Nekarla Steele 9/1

Michelle Hill 9/2

Andreeanna Granberry 9/2

Sylvia Thompson 9/3

Nonie Beshears 9/4

Michelle Bunnell 9/7

Melvin Hodges 9/14

Ebony Lewis 9/14

Latoya Jennings 9/17

Jennifer Terry 9/17

Jonathan Steele 9/19

Norma Skillern 9/21

Debbie Casteel 36 years

Pam Majors 23 years

Lamanda Thompson-Holloway 22 years

Dernia McComb 21 years

Wonda Miles 21 years

Belinda Phillips 19 years

Donna Muhammad 12 years

Sheila Shockley 7 years

Mirtha Petty 7 years

Latisha Hardin 5 years

Bussapha Buchanan 3 years

KEESHAN HUMPHREY

ALEXIS SEATON

KENDALL SPEER

AMY SMITH

ERICA ERVIN

INFINITY GRAYS

ANTONIA PETTY

MICHELLE SANDEFUR

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Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/child-nutrition-program
Location: 200 White Street Southeast, Huntsville, AL, USA
Phone: 256 428-6955
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillecitycnp
Twitter: @HUNTSVILLECITY1