Portland, TX — Gregory-Portland Independent School District (G-PISD) is proud to announce that its Food & Nutrition Services Department has received the Silver Turnip the Beet! Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its outstanding efforts in providing nutritious, high-quality meals through the 2025 Summer Meal Program.

G-PISD is one of only two award recipients in Education Service Center Region 2, one of 42 in Texas, and one of 170 nationwide to receive this recognition. The award, announced October 13, 2026, recognizes the district's commitment to providing nutritious and appealing meals to children during the summer months.

The USDA's Turnip the Beet! Awards recognize summer meal program sponsors across the nation that go above and beyond to provide high-quality meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable for children. Award recipients were recognized for incorporating local foods, offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and providing balanced, culturally appropriate meals.

For G-PISD's Food & Nutrition Services team, this recognition reflects the dedication and care that goes into planning, preparing, and serving meals that meet federal and state nutritional requirements while also considering student preferences and rising food costs.

"This national recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and care our Food & Nutrition Services team puts into serving our students every day," said Dr. Michelle Cavazos, G-PISD Superintendent. "We are incredibly proud of Jeff Atkinson and his entire team for their commitment to providing nutritious meals that support the health and well-being of our students."

"Our staff works really hard to not only meet all the rules, regulations, and nutritional requirements by USDA and TDA but also find food items the students enjoy and want to eat, all while trying to cover rising costs," said Jeff Atkinson, G-PISD Director of Food & Nutrition Services. "We have a phenomenal staff that pours out their hearts for every child of Gregory-Portland ISD daily during the school year and the summer."

Summer meal programs play an important role in helping ensure children have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. These programs help support children's health, growth, and development while preparing them for a successful return to the classroom.

This national recognition highlights the dedication of G-PISD's Food & Nutrition Services employees, whose commitment to serving students and families extends beyond the traditional school year. G-PISD congratulates its Food & Nutrition Services team on this outstanding achievement and thanks its employees for their continued dedication.