Nutrition

Sat, Jun 28, 2008

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By BRANDEE A. THOMAS

The Brunswick News

Marie Richardson is a pace setter.

Since taking over as food and nutrition director of Glynn County schools in 1989, Richardson has implemented numerous changes. They include the creation of the summer lunch program and increasing the fresh fruit and vegetable choices for students.

Although she is proud of all the things she's accomplished, Richardson says one sticks out above the rest.

"I'm very proud of the fact that we were able to bring the breakfast program back," she said.

"I based the program on my own childhood. I had to get up very early for school and I was never hungry when I first woke up and that is the same for most children today."

So instead of going hungry until lunch time, all Glynn County students are able to partake in a healthy breakfast before school – for free.

"It's really not labor intensive," she said. "We try to keep it simple so that we can continue to offer breakfast for free.

"Most mornings we offer milk and cereal because that's what most kids like. But once a week we try things like sausage biscuits or scrambled eggs."

In her nearly 19 years of service with Glynn County schools, Richardson has standardized recipes used in the kitchens of each school.

With such an eye for keeping students focused on their education instead of empty bellies, it's no surprise that Richardson's work has earned her national recognition.

She was recently recognized as the Outstanding Director of the Year by the national School Nutrition Association.

To be eligible for the award, school nutrition directors have to be nominated.

"This award really came as a surprise," Richardson said. "Some of the staff filled out the application nominating me when I was out on vacation."

The School Nutrition Association seeks to recognize the contributions of school nutrition directors who manage effective programs that provide healthful, appetizing meals to students.

According to the application that Richardson's staff filled out, she does that and more.

"She brings a level of class to our profession that is unmatched," the staff said in the nomination form.

"Her motto is 'What can I do to make your job easier?' Her goal is to make school lunch a memorable experience for the students in her county."

In her many responsibilities in overseeing the nutritional intake of students at 16 different schools, there is one she enjoys the most and, surprisingly, it has nothing to do with food, she said.

"I really enjoy the finance side of things the most," she said. "We stay (on budget), but that's not something that just happens. You have to work at that."

To make sure food services stay on budget, Richardson personally reviews all food orders and makes sure the system gets competitive bids for necessary items.

"We have to plan down to the wire," she said. "We don't want to have a lot of food left over that gets wasted, but we don't want to run out either."

Richardson will travel to Philadelphia in July to accept her award during the School Nutrition Association's annual conference.

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