In every school, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure students have access to nutritious meals that fuel their day. These unsung heroes are the school nutrition professionals who play a role in shaping the health and well-being of students. Their efforts, often behind the scenes, are crucial in creating a supportive environment for learning. In Region 10, a small yet mighty team of nine individuals is responsible for helping school districts manage nutrition programs, such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, and provide training and resources to child and adult centers throughout the region.
Nutrition Services consultants Nakkiisha Cleveland, Bridgett Tisdale, and Tomekia Holman are at the forefront of the mission to keep school district nutrition programs in compliance. They work with school districts to train directors on federal rules and regulations, covering everything from meal patterns and food production to procurement and USDA food commodities. "We help schools navigate the complexities of child nutrition programs, ensuring every student has access to healthy meals," explains Cleveland.
The importance of these programs cannot be overstated. "Some of our students rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition," notes Holman. “Every meal served is a step towards a brighter future for students.” This reality underscores the critical role that school nutrition programs play in supporting student health and academic performance.
During school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of these programs became even more apparent. Schools adapted quickly, providing curbside meals and ensuring students received nutritious food despite the challenges. "Child nutrition was brought to the forefront during COVID. People realized just how essential these programs are," reflects Tisdale.
While the pandemic brought forth new challenges, one ongoing challenge school nutrition programs face is the constant change in regulations from the USDA and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Despite these hurdles, the team remains steadfast in its commitment. "The rules are always updating, but our goal is to keep directors and their teams up-to-date and compliant," says Tisdale. This dedication ensures that school nutrition programs run smoothly despite regulatory changes.
The Region 10 Nutrition Services team is not solely focused on providing food services within the school building. Jennifer DeHoog, Kristina Vasquez, and Diana Tovar are the nutrition consultants who work tirelessly with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to ensure that nutritious meals reach those who need them most. CACFP serves diverse groups, including adult daycare centers, child care centers, daycare homes, and at-risk afterschool programs.
"Our programs aim to make sure that participants receive nutritious, balanced meals that they might otherwise miss out on. It's not just about feeding people; it's about providing essential nutrients to support their growth and development." explains DeHoog.
Programs like CACFP and SFSP are vital in supporting low-income areas and are designed to address nutritional gaps. These initiatives provide well-balanced meals to children in afterschool programs and other care settings.
"We provide technical assistance to ensure these programs comply with regulations and operate successfully. It's rewarding to see the direct impact of our work on the community's health and well-being," says Vasquez.
A key objective of Region 10's Nutrition Services is to ensure that participants receive nutritious meals that meet federal guidelines. When working with different agencies, the team emphasizes the importance of serving nutritious food, not junk food, and offers guidance on meal planning and variety.
"Our meals are based on the dietary guidelines for Americans, including components like milk, fruit, vegetables, grains, and protein," DeHoog explains. "We focus on providing balanced nutrition, which can help prevent obesity and related diseases."
With many communities throughout the region facing food insecurities, many participants would not receive nutritious meals without initiatives like CACFP and SFSP. The programs provide essential nutrition and support other aspects of participants' growth and well-being.
"It's fulfilling to support these programs and help communities," says Tovar. "These programs are a lifeline for many, providing more than just food—they offer hope and health."