Date:   March 23, 2004 
Contact: Irene Cromer
703-791-8720 
 

Prince William County Public Schools has earned the American School Board Journal’s 2004 Magna Award for its annual food-tasting program.  The program will be cited in a special supplement to the April 2004 issue of American School Board Journal.  Initiated in 1995, the Magna Awards recognize local school boards for “taking bold and innovative steps to improve their educational programs.” 

An independent panel of school board members and other educators selected this year’s winners and eight honorable mention recipients from almost 350 applicants.  Prince William County Public Schools was one of 23 winners in this year’s competition.  Last year the school division received a Magna Award for its mathematics intervention program and an Honorable Mention award for its Curriculum Management System. 

For the past 14 years the Food Service Department has hosted an annual “Food Show” for the program’s customers, including students, parents, and school staff.  The event, held over two evenings, draws almost 600 people.  The attendees have an opportunity to taste and rate food that is being considered by school division dieticians as additions to the school breakfast and lunch menus.  Food selections include new recipes using U.S. Department of Agriculture commodities
and dishes already on the menu that are available under new product brands or are being offered with reduced fat or sodium.

“Good nutrition is critical to a student’s health,” said Prince William’s Superintendent of Schools Edward L. Kelly.  “Today, that is particularly relevant as we see an increase in childhood obesity.  When we involve students in the menu planning process, more students select nutritious meals,” Kelly said. 

Serena Suthers, Director of Food Service, will be recognized at the American School Board Journal’s Luncheon for School Leaders at the National School Board Association Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida on Monday, March 29.