Principals across Georgia work every day with one thing in their minds: the success of their students. They understand that ensuring kids have three meals a day is essential for their development. For this reason, principals have always been a critical part of ending childhood hunger in America.
Today, principals face a unique set of challenges with staff shortages, burnout, and the task of keeping staff and kids safe in school as the pandemic continues.
This Principal Appreciation Month, we’re thanking school leaders who, in the face of these immense obstacles, continue to work hand in hand with food service staff to ensure students have the nutrition they need.
Kenyatta Redding Frederick, Powder-Springs Elementary in Powder Springs
This year, the school theme at Powder Springs Elementary is “Creativity Takes Courage,” and Mrs. Frederick lives up to it. There is nothing Mrs. Frederick will not do to make sure our kids are fed, educated, and celebrated. This is not because she is the principal; she truly is a person and parent who wants the best for all kids. Mrs. Frederick supports the school nutrition program in every way, from posting program information on the school website to making the team a part of the parent’s call-out information and promoting the program. What’s more, Mrs. Frederick is a champion of the food and nutrition services team, always open to ideas and problem solving to ensure the team has the equipment and supplies they need.
“I am so grateful to have a principal like Mrs. Frederick, who has a pure heart for our kids and truly wants the best for them. Mrs. Kenyatta Redding Frederick, thank you for all of your support. It is priceless, and so are you.” – Deller Nesmith, Cafe Manager.
Dr. John Davis III, International Studies Elementary Charter School in Albany
Dr. Davis goes above and beyond for his students. He is an active participant in the meal program. He is health conscious and understands the importance of developing healthy eating habits at a young age. Dr. Davis passes on this knowledge and passion to the elementary students, making him a true asset and champion of the school nutrition team.
Dr. LaEla Mitchell, Simpson Middle School in Marietta
Dr. Mitchell has gone above and beyond with her support of the food and nutrition program and implements new practices to expand access to school meals. At the beginning of the school year, the school nutrition team was challenged with slow lunch lines when students didn’t know their student numbers. Dr. Mitchell came up with a reward system that was a two-fold win for the cafeteria. Each student who entered their student number correctly through the lunch line was rewarded with a ‘free’ cookie. That ‘free’ cookie was purchased by the school and then paid to the cafeteria. Dr. Mitchell has also been critical to the success of the breakfast program. Participation has since doubled by helping add a cart to a location where most students can quickly access meals in the morning. Dr. Mitchell understands that strong participation in the school meals is a win for students, the school, and parents. She has enabled the nutrition team to run school fundraisers and sends out a weekly newsletter to parents and teachers detailing how “Snack Packs” work “Lunch Box Buddies” and how to make a reimbursable meal.
This month recognizes those leaders who are behind the scenes, making decisions to ensure all staff is safe, school meals are out the door, and students have the food they need in times of crisis and not.
As 1 in 6 kids in Georgia could be living with hunger, we thank school principals who understand the importance of school meals.
Join us to support school principals across the state, helping kids get the meals they need to be their best. Use this toolkit to celebrate the principals in your district that are making a difference.