Page 14 - 2025 GPS End-of-the-Year Magazine

Fueling Success:

Student Nutrition Celebrates a Year of Innovation

The Galena Park ISD (GPISD) Student Nutrition Department
experienced an exciting and impactful year. With a
commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of
students, the department invested over $85,000 in local milk,
fruits, and vegetables from regional producers through the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Foods Grant,
proudly achieving the expert tier, ‘Cream of the Crop,’ in
the Farm Fresh Challenge from the Texas Department of
Agriculture.

In August, the Department celebrated its dedicated staff
by honoring them for their achievements as managers,
manager trainees, specialists, rookies of the year, and
campus of the year. This recognition highlighted the hard
work and commitment of the team in ensuring that students
Nutrition Department Explores Washington, D.C. received nutritious meals. As the school year progressed, the
department sought to engage students in meaningful ways.
In October, students from various campuses participated in the annual Choice Partners Co-Op Food Show,
where they had the unique opportunity to taste-test new menu items and provide valuable feedback.
Culinary students from Galena Park High School were particularly encouraged to network with industry
partners, exploring different career paths in food and nutrition.

In March, Director, Brian Aubin, and Assistant Director, Thao Vo, traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet
with representatives from Texas, advocating for the protection of the USDA National School Breakfast
and National School Lunch programs to ensure access for vulnerable students facing food insecurity. This
commitment to advocacy was further showcased during National Nutrition Month when the department
hosted a Rainbow Market event at Woodland Acres Elementary School, allowing students to explore and
taste various fruits and vegetables while learning about their health benefits and the importance of making
nutritious choices.

In April, a collaboration with a dietetic intern from Texas Woman’s University led to a unique nutrition
education activity focused on broccoli at Sam Houston Elementary School. Students taste-tested broccoli
prepared in three different ways—fresh, steamed, and roasted—discovering how cooking methods could
influence taste, texture, and nutrient content. This interactive
lesson sparked curiosity and opened the door for important
conversations about healthy food choices at home.
As the school year drew to a close, the Department proudly
recognized its staff for National School Lunch Hero Day on May
2, 2025. This national recognition underscored the significant
impact team members made on every child who enjoyed
a meal in GPISD cafeterias, celebrating their dedication
and hard work toward fueling student success. The Student
Nutrition Department’s innovative initiatives and unwavering
commitment to student health truly made a difference, setting
a strong foundation for future growth and success.

To cap off this year of dedicated efforts in advocating for
and educating students about healthy food choices, GPISD’s
Student Nutrition Department will host a service event to honor
team members who have shown exceptional commitment and
contribution to the department’s success. Students Explore the Essentials of Healthy Eating