THE HCS CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

Happy New Year everyone!

We hope that all of you have had a wonderful start to 2024. This new year is full of optimism, opportunities, and new horizons. The CNP program will be fully prepared for the second half of the school year as we move forward with continuing to execute nutritious meals. Please be mindful of the potential bad weather conditions that historically may lie ahead. Also, please stay safe, avoid the flu bug, and bundle up during the cold winter days.

- H. Ward

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

― Edith Sitwell

Positions available:

CNP Worker

• 9 month (184 days) / 8 hours

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

Standard Application Login (searchsoft.net)

School site menus have been updated via the new HCS website.

Parents can now access the menu from the HCS webpage under the “Child Nutrition Program” section within the department's Section.

Menus can also be downloaded and printed by HCS stakeholders by simply selecting the “Download Menu” tab on the view menus section of the CNP webpage.

Multiple school site cafeterias received a few improvements to their seating and serving areas this school year!

Experts weigh pros, cons of ketchup vs. mustard

Ketchup and mustard have varied nutritional profiles, with ketchup containing 19 calories, approximately 4 grams of sugar and 150 mg of sodium per tablespoon, and one teaspoon of mustard typically containing 3 to 5 calories and about 110 mg of sodium. While ketchup offers nutritional benefits such as being a rich source of lycopene, experts suggest looking for brands with no added sugars or lower sodium content.

Full Story: Fox News (1/1)

Review of research, debate around ultraprocessed food

This round-up of the year's research into the impact of eating ultraprocessed foods highlights not only the studies showing the risks to cardiovascular health, mental health and mortality of consuming such foods, but also some of the gaps in the research. The debate surrounding ultraprocessed foods includes what, if any, public policy changes are necessary and how best to advise patients.

Full Story: Healio (free registration) (1/2)

RD: Lemons brighten food, drink; boast healthful benefits

Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and thiamin among other nutrients, lemons offer healthful benefits and can brighten the flavor of many recipes and drinks, according to registered dietitian Isabel Vasquez. Studies have linked consuming lemons to helping prevent kidney stones and boosting iron absorption, Vasquez says, offering several ways to incorporate lemons and their juice into your recipes.

Full Story: Health (12/31)

Contributors: Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND

Reviewers: Academy Nutrition Information Services Team

Published: December 14, 2021

Reviewed: November 02, 2023

When the temperatures drop and the daylight hours are shorter, energy levels can take a big dip, right along with mood. Kids might be less active in the cold, winter months, making it extra important to focus on getting the right nutrition this time of year. Changes in mood, energy, focus, appetite and sleep aren’t uncommon but could be signs of a more serious underlying condition. If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional and mental health, have a conversation with your child and their pediatrician. Healthful food choices also can help support your child’s mental health. Consider including the following foods to help your kids stay healthy — and happy — this winter.

Salmon

Amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine and glutamine are a few of the building blocks of protein found in salmon and other protein foods. These amino acids produce neurotransmitters that contribute to mood regulation. Emerging research links nutrients in fish with lower risk of depression. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in some studies to help manage depression. While we need more research to confirm mental health benefits, we already know that fish is an excellent heart-healthy source of protein. Some kids will eat salmon broiled or grilled — try using a marinade or sauce they love on other foods — or cut the fish into small pieces and make kebabs with veggies.

Clementines

Clementines are an adorable winter citrus, packed with vitamin C, which helps keep immune systems strong. They also provide dietary fiber. Kids love that they're usually seedless, easy to peel and fun to eat, making them perfect for school lunchboxes or snacks. You also can toss the sections into salads to make greens more appealing.

Winter Squash

Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, which have been shown to benefit heart health and immunity. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Most winter squash varieties are naturally sweet, and what kid doesn't like sweet? Try roasting butternut or acorn squash and tossing with cinnamon and maple syrup. Spaghetti squash is another popular winter squash. Try baking it and adding your child's favorite pasta sauce on top.

Sweet Potatoes

Packed with vitamin A and potassium, another great source of dietary fiber is sweet potatoes. Their mellow, sweet taste works in all kinds of recipes. Slice into thin "coins" and toss with canola or olive oil before roasting. Sweet potato puree can be used in foods including macaroni and cheese, oatmeal and brownies. Try swapping in baked sweet potatoes as an alternative to French fries. Have your kids help with peeling so they're involved in the cooking process.

Cauliflower

This member of the cruciferous veggie family has been noted for its high phytochemical content. Cauliflower is delicious on its own but easily blends with other flavors. It's rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin K for a healthy immune system and healthy bones. And that's not all! Cauliflower also is a good source of folate, a B-vitamin important for growth and development, while dietary fiber promotes stable energy levels and digestion. Cauliflower is delicious roasted, but if your kid is averse to eating veggies, try making cauliflower "rice" in a food processor and adding it to a stir-fry.

Reference: Winter Quotes (1007 quotes) (goodreads.com)

CN Labels

CN labels tell us how a product contributes to the meal pattern. The manufacturer voluntarily submits their product to the USDA to get a CN label. As a CN label statement clearly identifies the contribution of a product toward the meal pattern requirements, it protects programs from exaggerated claims about a product. CN labeling makes menu writing easier and gives peace of mind during audits.

The USDA, Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program provides food manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting statement on their product label. Labels must be authorized by USDA, FNS prior to use and manufacturers must have quality control procedures and inspection oversight that meet the FNS requirements. Products produced in accordance with the CN Labeling Program are generally purchased by foodservice providers for FNS meal programs.

Ms. Latonya Williams has been employed with Huntsville City Schools in the Child Nutrition Program since March of 2016. She started working in Child Nutrition within the district through a temp agency in November 2011. She then started as a Child Nutrition Program (CNP) worker and then worked her way up to the position of CNP Supervisor.

Latonya is originally from Selma, Alabama but she has also lived in Stafford, Alabama. Latonya has two children named Jakayla and Jayden. Jayden is 8 years old, and Jakayla is 17 years old and is a senior at Mae Jemison High School.

Latonya describes herself as an outgoing person who is very dependable, hardworking, and easy to get along with. She also says that before working in Child Nutrition, she was employed in the Healthcare field and worked at several restaurants.

Latonya expresses that what she likes the most about her job is the cooking aspect and making meals for the students as she gets to see their smiling faces each day.

She shares that her secret talent is that she can braid hair and when she is not working, Latonya likes to go shopping, go on trips, and spend time with her children and family.

Latonya’s favorite place to travel to is the beach and her favorite food is Mexican cuisine. She also loves to listen to music, especially Gospel.

Latonya states that if she were not working in Child Nutrition, that she would be employed as a nurse, which is her dream career. She also explains that her hobbies are reading books and traveling where she hopes to one day tour the world and visit every state and country.

In the next five years, Latonya plans to go to school and pursue her career as a Registered Nurse.

Latonya's words to live by are “Never settle for less and always aim for the best”.

Lee High School CNP Supervisor Gladys Sandifer and her staff received a "100" Health Inspection rating from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on January 4, 2024

"Elsa shows up each day with a smile on her face and eager to greet the students and staff. She takes pride in her work and helps anyone in need. Elsa is an asset to the McDonnell CNP staff."

-Samantha Crutcher - CNP Supervisor at McDonnell Elem

"Connie is well versed on guidelines, and protocols, and has high expectations for herself and the team. Connie is dependable and rarely misses a day. She has instilled in her staff the same work ethic. (They too, rarely miss a day of work.). She has a good working relationship with the students and staff at Highlands. Furthermore, she has been recognized by the school’s administration on numerous occasions.

-Donna West, CNP Area Supervisor

Danielle Camarillo

Luana Downs

Melvin Hodges

Ada Noe

Deborah Tucker

Maria Vences

Shantina McCaulley 1/1

Annette Paul 1/2

Chrissy Depew 1/6

Beverly Hargrove 1/10

LaShunda Freeman 1/12

Fanny May 1/14

Paloma Magallon 1/17

Tish Lowman 1/19

Keith Cantrell 1/21

Sukanya Shaddrix 1/25

Belinda Anderson 1/27

Kim Riley 30 years

Connie Harper 22 years

Gwen Graham 9 years

Martha Mangrum 7 years

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Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/departments/child-nutrition-program
Location: 714 Bob Wallace Avenue Southwest, Huntsville, AL, USA
Phone: 256 428-6955
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillecitycnp
Twitter: @HUNTSVILLECITY1