GCM Staff Report
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate was recognized as the Friend of the Year by the Alabama School Nutrition Association during its annual meeting, according to a news release.
“I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the Year Award. The work that school nutrition directors and staff put in every single day to serve Alabama’s students does not go unnoticed,” Pate said in the release. “I am especially grateful for their partnership in embracing Alabama’s Farm to School Incentive Program. Because of their willingness to connect with local farmers, we are able to put more fresh, Alabama-grown products on cafeteria trays. This program is a win for agriculture, a win for our schools and, most importantly, a win for Alabama’s students. I want to thank Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey for his support of this program. His support has been vital to the program’s success.”
Since taking office, Pate has focused on strengthening Alabama agriculture, expanding market opportunities for farmers and promoting locally grown products, the release said. He played a key role in creating the Alabama Farm to School Incentive Program, which connects local farmers with school nutrition programs to increase students’ access to fresh, Alabama-grown fruits, vegetables and proteins while providing new markets for producers.
From 2020 to 2024, the Alabama Legislature funded the program, offering schools an incentive of 20 cents per meal per student to purchase and serve local products. Last school year, 2,179,302 meals featuring Alabama-grown products were served across 49 school systems. The 2025-2026 school year is expected to include nearly 3,000,000 local meals served to more than 50 school systems.
The Alabama School Nutrition Association represents more than 2,500 school nutrition employees and supporters dedicated to improving child nutrition and advancing professional development. Through advocacy and education, the association works to ensure that every child’s nutritional needs are met with excellence and compassion.
