Georgia School Nutrition Heroes Honored at Truist Park in Atlanta Amid Braves Game Celebration

At a recent event held at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Education came together to celebrate the efforts of school nutrition professionals from across the state. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper joined forces with State Schools Superintendent Richard Woods, Dr. Linette Dodson, Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition, and Atlanta Braves reps to give accolades to these dedicated individuals on the field before a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to an official press release.

A select group of professionals was given the spotlight for their exceptional work in providing nutritious, locally-sourced meals to the students of Georgia, demonstrating the state's commitment to quality nutrition amidst a national concern over childhood chronic illness, with these selectees having fostered significant partnerships with Georgia farmers, one swift stride forward, a plate of farm-fresh sustenance in hand, for the future of the state's children, this undeniably intertwined with educational success. “Quality nutrition is critical not just for our students’ success in the classroom, but to combat the childhood chronic disease crisis in our country, and we are proud to work with school districts and school nutrition professionals across the state to get more Georgia Grown food in Georgia lunchrooms,” said Harper as reported by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Celebrating local achievements, the School Nutrition Division also spotlights schools' efforts through the "Georgia Tray of the Week" campaign, where tempting images of wholesome school meals engage the community on social media and highlight culinary creativity, "We are so proud of the school nutrition professionals who were recognized last Thursday by the Atlanta Braves," Superintendent Woods also noted the importance of these meals not as a mere addendum to the school day but as an indispensable component, according to the department's press release.

In the spirit of the ceremony, the Braves expressed their accolades, Jim Allen, Atlanta Braves senior vice president of corporate and premium partnerships, said, “On behalf of the Braves, I would like to extend another heartfelt congratulations to the school nutrition professionals who we honored last Thursday. We were proud to partner with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Education to spotlight these individuals from our community who play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of students across Braves Country – something that is a shared value across all of us.” The team's ongoing partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture serves the local communities in diverse ways, such as incorporating Georgia Grown products in the stadium and sponsoring educational initiatives for a holistic community impact. Among the honorees were professionals from schools across various counties, including Debbie Robins of Bremen High School and Joyce Lane of Woodbine Elementary, representing the front-line commitment to student nutrition, the department highlighted.