On normal school days, the role that GCPS’ 1,500+ School Nutrition Program (SNP) staff members play in supporting teaching and learning is very important. However, this year, they have gone above and beyond to ensure that both our in-person and digital learners are well fed so they are ready to learn and do their best.
Between preparing breakfast and lunch for our students and staff each school day, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, our nutrition workers are true heroes!
We salute these important members of the school staff on Friday, May 7—School Lunch Hero Day—to kick off School Nutrition Employee Week (May 10-14)!
Our school nutrition program provides tasty, nutritious meals to students, serving many of the brands families use at home. In addition, students are served a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables through Gwinnett’s award-winning Farm-to-School program. Appealing and innovative options as well as nutrition education are helping our students make healthy food choices and explore a variety of foods. And those meals are fueling growing bodies and brains so kids can learn!
Learn about the origins of School Lunch Hero Day in this TED Talk with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author/illustrator of countless children's books and graphic novels, including the Lunch Lady series.
And check out this appreciation message for nutrition workers from CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks.
#ThanksSNP#SchoolLunchHeroDay
Say ‘thanks’ with an eCard or handwritten note
Now, more than ever, your thanks, encouragement, and celebration of GCPS staff members is a meaningful way to show how much our community values public education and appreciates those who have helped our students this school year. On the GCPSStrong web page, families can find two ways to send employees a special note of appreciation as we approach the end of the school year:
1. Say thank you with an eCard! Select one of five designs and complete the eCard submission form.
2. Send a handwritten note! Download printable thank you sheets.
Need help finding an email address for your favorite ‘lunch hero’?
Most employee email addresses use this format—firstname.lastname@gcpsk12.org–although some staff members also have a middle initial.
You also may be able to confirm a school-based employee’s address by going to the school website, and checking the staff directory.
If you don’t know the employee’s first and last name or can’t find an email address, we have another great option for you to share your appreciation… a printable Thank You sheet that you can download!