THE HCS CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2023
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Happy New Year!
The CNP program is gearing up for 2023. We are looking to grow our staff and to provide as many school meals as possible to our Huntsville City School students. We hope everyone is excited about all of the possibilities that may occur in 2023. Please continue to stay safe and healthy as we move forward in the second half of the shcool year.
- H. Ward
Inspirational Quote of the Month
““You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind.”
—Hillary DePiano, playwright and author
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
CNP is NOW HIRING!!
9 month (184 days) / 6 hours
9 month (184 days) / 8 hours
12 month (240 days) / 8 hours
CNP Job Fair at Chapman Middle School - January 19, 2023
Domino's Smart Slice Pizza

The Huntsville City Schools Child Nutrition Program is proud to announce that Domino’s Smart Slice pizza is going to be served in the lunchroom during lunch once per week. Domino’s Smart Slice pizza contains unique ingredients that are available exclusively for schools. Each pizza is made by hand and delivered hot from the local Domino’s store. Domino’s Smart Slice meets all USDA guidelines, and will help give your kids the energy to learn, play and grow!
Domino’s Smart Slice pizzas are:
- Whole Grain Rich
- Reduced Sodium
- Reduced Fat
- Made Fresh
- Taste GREAT!
The flavor your kids love and the nutrition you demand is Domino’s Smart Slice Pizza.
All five high schools which includes Jemison High school, Huntsville High School, Grissom High school, Columbia High School, and Lee High School will begin offering smart slice this upcoming week. Lee High will start on Wednesday January 25, 2023, and the remaining four High Schools will begin on Thursday January 26, 2023.
DID YOU KNOW?
Olives are nutrient-rich, versatile snack, RD says
Olives contain fiber, vitamin E and antioxidants along with monounsaturated fat, and they keep hunger at bay, making them a healthful snack or addition to pizza or other foods, says registered dietitian Devon Peart. However, olives are high in sodium, so a quarter cup a day is a good portion size, Peart says.
Full Story: Cleveland Clinic (1/3)
RD offers healthful meal ideas to start the year
Oats are a versatile, high-fiber breakfast option that should feature in meals at least a few times a week if possible, says registered dietitian Tabitha Nicholas. A lunch incorporating a protein like salmon along with a hearty portion of non-starchy vegetables and a balanced dinner including a whole grain with fruit for dessert will get the new year off to a healthful start, Nicholas says.
Full Story: KPLC-TV (Lake Charles, La.) (1/2)
RDs offer alternatives to apps for tracking eating habits
A new app called Smart 5-A-Day is designed to help people eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables by tracking consumption and educating the user about portion sizes. Registered dietitians say an app may be helpful, at least in the short term, but suggest other options. "If you find you are falling short in the produce department and are not interested in using techy apps, first take a second and review what you are already eating each day," says Amy Bragagnini, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. RD Amy Reed, also a spokesperson for the Academy, suggests looking for "grab and go" options such as bananas, baby carrots and mandarin oranges.
Full Story: Healthline (1/3)
CNP EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Sonya Mastin, Child Nutrition Program Coordinator
Ms. Sonya Mastin has been at Huntsville City Schools in the Child Nutrition Program 24years and 3 months. She is originally from Lincoln County, Tennessee and she is not married. She had one son named Terence Matthew Mastin Jr. who is now deceased. Sonya describes herself as a person who takes charge and fun-loving. She does not want people to take her kindness as a weakness.
Besides residing in Huntsville, Sonya has lived in Fayetteville, Tennessee, Hazel, Green, Alabama, and Meridianville, Alabama. Before starting a career in the Child Nutrition Program, Sonya was a Continuing Education Specialist at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Sonya expresses that what she likes most about her job is that she can be of service to the students of Huntsville City Schools. When Sonya is not working, she likes to sleep and spend time with her family.
Sonya explains that her motivation in Child Nutrition comes from knowing that the work she does behind the scenes reaches the Huntsville City Schools students. Sonya states that the highlight of my career has not happened yet. Hopefully, it will be the day that she retires. Her favorite food is Mexican cuisine. Sonya feels that she is very good at organizing events. Sonya shares that she likes all types of music which includes R & B, Hip Hop, Country, and Gospel. Sonya tells us that her co-workers may not know that she is the 5th child born out of 5 girls, and she has a twin sister.
Sonya states that she continues to work in Child Nutrition because it is rewarding to provide a service to the children in my community. She declares that If she were not working in Child Nutrition, then she would be providing a service to others in the community that would provide her with a feeling of well-being. Her hobby is sleeping because she loves to sleep and if there is anything better, then she hasn’t experienced it.
Sonya thinks that Child Nutrition is important because the Child Nutrition Program staff plays a valuable role in providing healthy meals and snacks for students who would otherwise have to do without. Her favorite sport is college football and she cheers for the Auburn Tigers.
Sonya expresses that being a participant in Child Nutrition allows her to learn of new foods, and the proper ways to prepare them. She also hopes one day to travel the world and to be introduced to different cuisines. In the next 5 years, Sonya plans to be retired from the district and start her own consulting business.
Sonya defines success as doing what you love for people who cannot do for themselves.
Employees of the Month
Lamanda Thompson-Holloway, CNP Worker at Huntsville Junior High
"Lamanda Holloway is a hard worker, and dedicated to her job. She is always willing to handle the operation in my absence. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything is ready for service for the students and the sites we feed.
Thanks Manda you are amazing!!!"
-Janet Sharp, CNP Supervisor at Huntsville Jr. High
Luzviminda Arnold, CNP Supervisor at Rolling HIlls Elementary
"Her work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine concern for all the students at Rolling Hills makes her a standout person. Luz has lots of ambition to get the job is done on a daily basis and ask questions when help is needed. She is a very hard working individual and keeps a smile on her face. Luz works very well with her staff, and the teachers has no problem helping when needed. She goes out of her way to make her employees feel appreciated. Luz has a good relationship with all the teachers at Rolling Hills. Luz makes you feel welcome the moment you walk into the kitchen at Rolling Hills. ."
-Tamika Smith, CNP Area Supervisor
BIRTHDAYS
Shantina McCaulley 1/1
Annette Paul 1/2
Chrissy Depew 1/6
Lashunda Freeman 1/12
Sammie Johnson 1/14
Keith Cantrell 1/21
Belinda Anderson 1/27
Jackie Vanderborgh 1/27
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES
Kim Riley 29 years
Connie Harper 21 years
Gwen Graham 8 years
Martha Mangrum 6 years