The Essex Westford School District Child Nutrition Program (CNP) earned a pair of honors on Friday from the School Nutrition Association of Vermont. The EWSD was named the 2024 Program of the Year and Child Nutrition staff member Chelsea Tucker was awarded the 2024 Serving Up Excellence award.
This is the first year that the Program of the Year award has been given out, as the EWSD was recognized for distinguishing itself with the spirit of excellence among the professional community of school nutrition programs in the state of Vermont.
“During the 2020-2021 school year, we began reimagining what school nutrition in EWSD would look like. We surveyed students, families, teachers, support staff, and CNP staff to better understand the EWSD community’s food values,” said EWSD Director of Child Nutrition Scott Fay.
“Since then, our Child Nutrition team has worked together to meet the goals set forth - more scratch cooking served hot and fresh, increased local purchasing with a focus on whole foods, and bringing real equity into our school dining areas. During that time we have increased lunch participation by 64% and doubled our breakfast participation.”
In the press release from the School Nutrition Association of Vermont, Tucker was highlighted for helping to make a difference between an average program and an outstanding program through her customer service, interest in young people, and willingness to face challenges daily. She understands the importance that quality nutrition plays in student success and makes sure that all students have what they need to succeed.