October 21, 2011—SNA Past President Penny McConnell, SNS, recently received a 2011 Medallion Award from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership to ADA and the dietetics profession. She is the director of food and nutrition services for Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools and serves on the board of directors for the Global Child Nutrition Foundation.
McConnell was a charter member and chair of ADA’s School Nutrition Services dietetic practice group. She also is a past president of the Virginia Dietetic Association.
For more details about McConnell’s honor, visit www.newswise.com/articles/american-dietetic-association-presents-medallion-awards-to-eight-members-for-service-to-ada-and-dietetics-profession.
American Dietetic Association Presents Medallion Awards to Eight Members for Service to ADA and Dietetics Profession
October 20, 2011 – Last week, school cafeterias across the country celebrated National School Lunch Week with farm fresh produce, special guests, games and activities to get kids excited about learning where their food comes from. This year’s theme, School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy, promoted locally sourced foods and all the ways that school lunch helps kids grow strong and healthy.
Here’s a sampling of activities from school districts across the country:
Arlington Public Schools’ (VA) menus featured locally grown fruits and vegetables every day during Lunch Week, and the district hosted an event where local farmers offered free produce samples in the cafeteria. Special guests included USDA Under Sec. (FNS) Kevin Concannon and SNA CEO Frank DiPasquale.
Provo School District (UT) celebrated Lunch Week in a variety of ways, and they included parents in the fun too! Parents were invited to join their students for school lunch during National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. To see photos and read more about all of Provo’s Lunch Week events, visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ITSMealsProvo#!/ITSMealsProvo
Hillsborough County School District’s (FL) Chef Ben Guggenmos helped students learn more about healthy choices during Lunch Week. Chef Ben hosted healthy snack demos in several district schools. Click the link to see how he got students excited about roasted broccoli: http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/education/chef-brings-healthier%2C-tastier-twist-to-school-lunches-101411
Students at Taylor Elementary School, Cedar Rapids, IA, celebrated Lunch Week with special guest, USDA Dep. Under Sec. of FNS Janey Thornton, who announced that Iowa’s HealthierUS Schools will receive over $340,000 in federal funds. http://thegazette.com/2011/10/12/usda-official-brings-good-news-to-local-schools/