​​​​​​​​This NEW award recognition opportunity, upholding both the Georgia School Nutrition standards and the standards of excellence envisioned by Dr. Josephine Martin, is aimed at recognizing the work of local school nutrition professionals for their exceptional attention to serving quality school meals and providing excellent customer service while maintaining program integrity. Award requirements will include criteria reflective of menu standards, service of Georgia Grown products, student meal participation, school nutrition promotion plan, and health inspection scores. The application will also require a letter of support from a school/district-level administrator or community partner demonstrating the applicant’s customer service and student engagement.

Up to three awards per Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) region will be awarded for this recognition

All Georgia school cafeterias participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program are eligible to apply. To be considered, all supporting documentation must be from school year 2023 including August 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023. The application open period is December 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023. Applications will not be accepted after May 1​, 2023.