Valdosta City Schools is celebrating Chef Vanessa Hayes and the Department of School Nutrition for earning the 2025–2026 Georgia Farm to School Award. This annual recognition celebrates outstanding farm to school programs across Georgia.
The award recognizes the team’s work to connect student nutrition with learning opportunities that encourage healthy habits and an appreciation for agriculture.
“We are proud of Chef Vanessa Hayes and our School Nutrition team for earning the 2025–2026 Georgia Farm to School Award. Their work connects what students learn with what they eat, encouraging healthy habits and an appreciation for Georgia agriculture. This recognition reflects their commitment to serving our students well every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Craig D. Lockhart.
Farm to school programs help students build connections between the foods they enjoy and the farms and communities that produce them. For the Department of School Nutrition, those connections support its daily mission of nourishing students and helping them succeed.
“Chef Vanessa Hayes and our School Nutrition team bring creativity, care and purpose to their work. Farm to school experiences give students opportunities to discover new foods and learn where their food comes from. I congratulate this dedicated team on a well-deserved recognition and appreciate the difference they make in our schools,” said Dr. Samuel Clemons, Jr., Executive Director of Operations.
Valdosta City Schools congratulates Chef Hayes and the entire School Nutrition team on this recognition and thanks them for their dedication to our students.
Learn more about the Georgia Farm to School Award.
