School Nutrition group photo

The Douglas County School System took top honors in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Turnip the Beet Program. This national award celebrates summer meal program sponsors who provide appetizing and nutritious meals to children during the summer months.

Executive Director of School Nutrition Danielle Freeman expressed pride in the accomplishment.

"Feeding our students a nutritious yet delicious meal is always at the forefront, and summer meals are no different," Freeman added. "We always aim to give our students our best, and that does not change whether it is a hot meal or a sandwich."

The award recognizes the School Nutrition Department’s commitment to summer meals, especially their focus on serving hot and fresh meals rather than traditional cold bag options. For the past several summers, the nutrition team has provided hot breakfast and lunch four days aA student with her school lunch week, and extended the service to community partners as well. These delicious summer meals provide daily nutrition and help ensure children remain healthy and ready to learn when they return to school in the fall.  

To meet the rigorous award criteria, the program also showed excellence in other areas, including serving a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the week, incorporating local foods, providing whole-grain options and fat-free or low-fat milk, and creating menus featuring popular items like nachos, pizza, and chicken tenders.

"Douglas County feeds over 16,000 people and 9,000 breakfasts daily during the school year. In the summer, we feed 1,200 children," Freeman noted. "It is my life's work to ensure hungry children are fed. Our department works to find as many ways to feed students, whether it's the supper program, summer meals, or the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program."

Freeman concluded, adding, "We are honored for this award and hope we make Douglas County Schools and our community proud."