2019 Golden Radish Award

NCSS School Nutrition Earns Sixth Consecutive Golden Radish Award
Posted on 09/20/2019
Men and Women Standing while one holds awardFor the sixth consecutive year, Newton County School System (NCSS) has earned the Golden Radish Award, a prestigious statewide farm-to-school distinction, which acknowledges the outstanding leadership of school representatives building comprehensive farm-to-school programs. The award was presented to Mr. Abdul Lindsay, Director of School Nutrition for Newton County Schools, at a special ceremony cohosted by Georgia Organics at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Tuesday, September 17. Ninety Georgia school systems received recognition for their involvement in farm-to-school programming.

The Golden Radish Awards recognizes school districts incorporating farm-to-school principles into their school curriculums. Georgia Organics, UGA Cooperative Extension, and the Georgia Departments of Education, Agriculture, Public Health, and the Department of Early Care and Learning host the ceremony.

Districts were recognized at five levels - Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorary recognition. A selection committee determines award levels based upon a point system, with schools with high involvement in farm-to-school receiving the highest levels of recognition. Honorary Radishes are awarded to programs that are just getting started and satisfy at least one criterion within the Bronze-level or higher. School districts that satisfy the Gold-level for all ten criteria are awarded a Platinum Radish. Newton County received the Gold-level recognition.

“Our school system’s involvement with the farm-to-school movement goes beyond serving locally grown fruits and vegetables, it’s also about facilitating agricultural-based learning,” said Abdul Lindsay, NCSS Director of School Nutrition. “We also have a strong relationship with our local Farm Bureau to help ensure that students make the connection between sustainable environments, nutritious foods offered in our cafés, the whole child including their well-being and learning.”

“Congratulations to our school nutrition team,” said NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “I am proud of their hard work and effort to ensure our students enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables while learning the importance of healthy food options!”

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