Splendora ISD has received the USDA Turnip the Beet Gold Award for 2024, a national honor recognizing the district’s commitment to providing high-quality summer meals to students.
The Turnip the Beet Awards spotlight summer meal programs across the country that go beyond basic nutrition to offer meals that are both appealing and nourishing. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized 199 winners nationwide — 86 Gold, 91 Silver and 22 Bronze.
Splendora ISD’s child nutrition team earned the Gold Award by serving meals that featured fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains through the Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option. These programs help ensure children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months, when food insecurity can increase.
“Our child nutrition team worked tirelessly to make sure every meal was packed with the daily energy children need to play, grow and return to school healthy and ready to learn in the fall,” the district said in a statement.
Superintendent Dr. Dustin Bromley praised the district’s food service staff for their efforts.
“We are incredibly proud of Child Nutrition Director Charles Rawls, Quality Control Training Coordinator Crystal Cantu, the team, and thankful for the support of our community as we continue to serve with purpose,” Bromley said.
District leaders said the recognition reflects Splendora ISD’s mission of “Cultivating Exceptional People” by providing students with the nutrition needed to thrive both in and out of the classroom.