The Muscogee County School District’s School Nutrition Program has recently been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A) for its Summer Meal Program. The District, one of 19 state programs, was awarded a Silver Turnip the Beet Award, which recognizes outstanding Summer Meal Program sponsors across the nation who work hard to offer high quality meals to children that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious during the summer months.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service launched the Turnip the Beet Award Program in 2016 with three award levels: gold, silver, and bronze. Last year (2016), 49 sponsors earned bronze, silver, or gold awards. This year (2017), 119 sponsors across the nation have been awarded. Nominations were evaluated by the U.S.D.A, based on a wide-range of nutrition and meal quality criteria.

According to a release provided by U.S.D.A, “Turnip the Beet showcases sponsors of the Summer Meal Programs that have gone above and beyond to ensure their meals are both nutritious and appetizing, and meet the needs of their local communities and customers. Sponsors demonstrated excellence in a variety of ways, including: serving fresh fruit daily; conducting taste tests with the children (and incorporating the feedback into the menus); and offering nutrition education activities along with the meals.”