Elmore Autauga News
As students prepare to return to classrooms, the teams working behind the scenes to keep them nourished and ready to learn came together Tuesday for a day of training, teamwork and preparation
Child nutrition professionals from Elmore County Public Schools and Autauga County Schools gathered at 17 Springs Field House in Millbrook for a joint back-to-school training event
The event, themed “The Child Nutrition Cup: One Team. One Goal. Every Child Wins,” highlighted the shared commitment between the two school systems to provide students with nutritious meals and positive cafeteria experiences throughout the school year
The day began with the Child Nutrition Cup Challenge, a friendly soccer-inspired competition that encouraged teamwork and camaraderie among staff members before they transitioned into professional development sessions
Training throughout the day included information from the Alabama State Department of Education, as well as food safety and health inspection updates from the Alabama Department of Public Health. The event concluded with motivational speaker Jermaine “FunnyMaine” Johnson, who encouraged attendees through humor, leadership and the importance of serving others
Autauga County Schools Child Nutrition Program Director Audra Segers and Elmore County Public Schools Child Nutrition Program Director Cacyce Davis helped lead the event as both districts prepare their teams for another school year of serving students
Davis said the friendly competition between the districts represented more than just a chance to win the Child Nutrition Cup. It reflected the shared purpose that connects both programs
“We may wear different district colors, work in different schools, and compete for the Child Nutrition Cup. But when the school year begins, we are all playing for the same team and every child we serve deserves the win,” Davis said
Each day, child nutrition staff members across Elmore and Autauga counties play an important role in supporting students beyond the classroom by providing meals, encouragement and a welcoming place for students to begin their day
As the school year gets underway, the collaboration between the two districts highlights the dedication of the cafeteria teams who work behind the scenes to serve local children and help create a strong foundation for student success throughout the year
