AMERICUS — The Third District of the Georgia School Nutrition Association, recently held its annual Leadership Training at Furlow Charter School in for all members of the 18-county district, with over 75 school employees and members in attendance.
Larry Jackson, Third District president, along with Americus Mayor Barry Blount and Furlow Principal Valerie Duff, welcomed the members to Americus/Sumter County and to Furlow Charter School. Speakers included Mitzi Parker and Kayla Craft from the Sumter County Extension Office; and Sonny Pinckard, executive director of Harvest of Hope Food Pantry in Americus.
Also on the program was Eddie Crowell who brought a wellness activity and Diane Monts, Ways and Means; James Bryant, public policy and legislation chair for the Third District; also remarks were given by President-elect, Susan Funderburk.
One of the Third District’s community projects was a food drive, and members of the attending chapters of the District brought items to present to the local pantry, Harvest of Hope Food Pantry.
Lunch and snacks were provided by Cohen Foods and Christy Dukes.
Cafeteria managers and team members from the Sumter County School Nutrition Program also assisted with making sure visitors were welcome and made to feel at home.

What is Georgia School Nutrition Association?
It is the professional organization of school food service employees in the state of Georgia GSNA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and incorporated in Georgia in 1967. GSNA maintains a headquarters office and professional staff in Tucker, Ga. GSNA is affiliated with the School Nutrition Association, a national nonprofit organization with headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

What does GSNA do?
GSNA is an individual membership organization. It provides professional services and training to members.
• Annual Conference – training sessions on topics such as sanitation, nutrition, personnel management, and financial accounting.
• Public Relations/ Marketing Seminar annually.
• Technology training.
• Industry Seminar.
• Current information on school nutrition trends and regulations.
• Recognition of outstanding program practices.
• Biannual magazine, Georgia Gems, that highlights school nutrition activities around the state.

What else does GSNA do?
GSNA also provides marketing materials for special promotions, such as:
• National School Lunch Week
• National School Breakfast Week