Thirteen North Carolina Summer Nutrition Program sponsors are among the 111 nationwide this year to receive Turnip the Beet awards, given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to recognize outstanding providers who work hard to offer high quality meals that are appetizing, appealing and nutritious. This more than triples the number of awardees from the state in comparison to 2016, when the award was first given.
Three Turnip the Beet award levels are available: bronze, silver, and gold. Three North Carolina Summer Nutrition Programs won gold awards, four won silver, and six won bronze.
- Buncombe County Schools - Gold
- Kirk of Kildaire - Gold
- YMCA of Western North Carolina - Gold
- Caldwell County Schools - Silver
- Carteret County Schools - Silver
- Johnston County Public Schools - Silver
- Moore Street Foundation - Silver
- Bertie County Schools - Bronze
- LMC Children Services, Inc. - Bronze
- New Hanover County Schools - Bronze
- Wake Forest University - Bronze
- Wilson County - Bronze
- YMCA of the Triangle - Bronze
Lynn Harvey, chief of School Nutrition Services at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said the state’s Summer Nutrition Program sponsors work hard to ensure that children do not go hungry when school is not in session.
“It’s exciting to see thirteen of our program sponsors’ efforts recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the Turnip the Beet award,” Harvey said. “We know they work hard to provide meals that are nutritious and appealing to children, and to ensure that those who need these meals the most are aware of their availability.”
The Turnip the Beet award showcases sponsors who go above and beyond to ensure their meals are both nutritious and appetizing. States volunteer to participate in the recognition program, and all sponsors participating in the one of programs were eligible to apply. Contenders were evaluated on a number of criteria, including serving local foods, a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and culturally appropriate meals. Winning sponsors demonstrated excellence in such ways as including providing fresh fruit daily, serving a variety of whole grains, conducting taste tests with the children (and incorporating the feedback into the menus), and offering nutrition education activities.
All winners will receive a certificate and be featured in USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Newsletter. Gold and silver award winners will be highlighted in a USDA blog post, and gold awardees will be identified as Turnip the Beet winners on the FNS Capacity Builder website.
Summer meals are critical in the lives of millions of our nation’s youth, whose risk of food insecurity increases during the summer months when they don’t have access to the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. North Carolina Summer Nutrition Programs serve meals at no cost to children and teens, ages 18 and younger, at almost 3,000 locations across the state. When school is out, North Carolina Summer Nutrition Programs work with sponsors, local education agencies and community partners to help feed children and make sure these students are healthy and ready to learn when they return to school.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Services administers the Summer Nutrition Program using federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Citizens and organizations interested in more information about getting involved as a site provider or volunteering at a summer meals site should contact NCDPI Summer Nutrition Programs Manager Cynthia Ervin.
USDA and NCDPI are equal opportunity providers and employers. Additional information regarding North Carolina School Nutrition Programs can be found on the School Nutrition Services website.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800.877.8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866.632.9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
* mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
* fax: 202.690.7442; or
* email.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides leadership to 115 local public school districts and 160 charter schools serving over 1.5 million students in kindergarten through high school graduation. The agency is responsible for all aspects of the state's public school system and works under the direction of the North Carolina State Board of Education.