She’s got lots of enthusiasm for school nutrition
Joanne Kirven: She’s got enthusiasm for school nutrition
Every October,
we celebrate
National School
Lunch Week, a
time to recognize
the hard work and
diligent efforts of
our School Nutrition
employees. They
are the people
responsible for
preparing healthy
meals for our
students. In Gaston
County, their efforts
result in 21,000
lunch meals every
day (and 9,000
breakfast meals,
too).
Joanne Kirven,
one of our area
coordinators
for the School
Nutrition Department, won the 2017 Martha Gomer Spirit Award.
It’s a statewide honor presented by the School Nutrition Association
of North Carolina that recognizes an individual for having a strong
commitment to school nutrition.
To put Joanne in the spotlight, we asked her five questions. Here
is what she had to say.
How did it feel to win the Martha Gomer Spirit Award?
I was totally blown away and delighted, of course. To be
recognized as the area supervisor/coordinator of the year for North
Carolina is a great honor. I really enjoy what I do knowing that we
make a difference. Being able to do my job with a smile on my face
is very important to me. I give 100 percent to what I do regardless of
whether I am recognized or not, but it was wonderful to receive the
recognition.
What does an area coordinator do?
I am responsible for 18 school cafeterias plus special diets. We
have about 800 children with special diet requirements. I recently
became credentialed as a school nutrition specialist. This was
something I chose to do as I strive to learn more and do an even
better job.
How long have you been with us?
I have been with Gaston County Schools for just over three years,
but I started my school nutrition career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools in 2007. School nutrition is my second career. I came to it as
I returned to work after staying home with my children. My degree is
in food service management and my first career was in business and
industry food service.
What is your favorite part about being involved in school nutrition?
My favorite part is the fact that we make a huge difference in
the lives of the students. Children cannot learn if they are hungry. I
believe we are the unsung heroes of students’ success!
It seems only fitting to ask: What is your favorite meal?
For full disclosure, I must confess that my husband is chef-
trained, and so I do not do too much cooking at home. My favorite
meal probably is pan-seared scallops with wilted garlic spinach, but to
be totally honest, my favorite thing is the time and fellowship enjoyed
by sitting around a dinner table with family and great friends.
Congratulations, Joanne Kirven, this year’s Martha
Gomer Spirit Award winner for North Carolina. We sincerely
appreciate your can-do attitude and enthusiasm for school
nutrition in Gaston County!
- Family Fun Workout -
Hot Potato Burp!
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