Last Thursday, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper, alongside State Schools Superintendent Richard Woods and Deputy Superintendent of School Nutrition Dr. Linette Dodson, participated in a ceremony at Truist Park to honor over a dozen school nutrition professionals from across Georgia. The event took place before the Atlanta Braves faced off against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The honorees were recognized for their dedication to providing nutritious meals in schools and fostering relationships with local farmers through the Georgia Grown initiative. Dr. Fred Rayfield, Food to School Coordinator for Georgia Grown, collaborates with the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Division and local districts to enhance these partnerships.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper stated, “I want to congratulate the incredible school nutrition professionals who were recognized last Thursday, and all the school nutrition professionals who work tirelessly to ensure students across our state have access to nutritious, locally sourced food at school.” He emphasized that quality nutrition is vital for student success and combating childhood chronic diseases.
The Georgia Department of Education promotes local excellence through its “Georgia Tray of the Week” campaign, encouraging creativity in school meals by having social media users vote on submitted meal photos.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods expressed pride in the honored professionals, saying, “Providing fresh, healthy, locally grown school meals is not an ‘extra’ – it’s a critical part of the school day.” He highlighted their role as essential members of educational teams.
Jim Allen from the Atlanta Braves extended congratulations on behalf of the team: “We were proud to partner with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Education to spotlight these individuals from our community.”
Among those honored were Debbie Robins from Bremen High School and Joyce Lane from Woodbine Elementary. Additional honorees came from various schools across Whitfield County and other regions.
This event is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Atlanta Braves since 2018. The partnership includes initiatives like serving Georgia Grown products at Truist Park and sponsoring educational programs such as BLOOPER’s HOME Run U school show.
