The Gordon County Schools School Nutrition Department was honored at the SN Directors Conference with the prestigious Georgia Farm to School Award. This accolade, presented by the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division (GaDOE SND), acknowledges exemplary efforts in incorporating locally grown foods into school meals, promoting farm-to-school initiatives, and creating educational experiences through edible gardens.
Gordon County Schools’ commitment to supporting local agriculture and fostering a deeper connection to food origins for students was central to earning this recognition. Award criteria include the integration of locally grown items in school meals, the promotion of farm-to-school messaging throughout the school environment, the development of edible gardens for educational purposes, and the formal adoption of farm-to-school language into school policy or procedure. Gordon County’s efforts align with the Georgia Department of Education’s overarching goal to strengthen school-based agricultural education and community health.
Gordon County Schools School Nutrition Director Nicole Head was presented the award by Richard Woods, State Superintendent, and Linette Dodson, State School Nutrition Director. Other key partners include officials from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, University of Georgia Extension, and the Georgia Department of Public Health, all instrumental in advancing the Farm to School initiative statewide.
The Georgia Farm to School Award exemplifies the ongoing efforts within Georgia to create healthier, more sustainable food environments for students while supporting local farmers. Gordon County Schools looks forward to building on this success and continuing to nourish both students and the community through farm-to-school programs.
