How to Achieve Excellent Made from Scratch Meals

Since 2015, when the Academy School Nutrition Program was launched, we have made it a priority to incorporate made-from-scratch meals. At that time, there was no additional funding, legislation, or push by the USDA or other non-profits to encourage scratch-made meals. However, we recognized that preparing meals from scratch would be the best way to provide nutritionally dense and healthy options for our students. A decade later, there is growing momentum within school nutrition to achieve healthier meals, along with additional resources to train staff and transition kitchens from processed foods to more complex systems of cooking and baking meals.

We have maintained our menu quality and ensured our meals remain minimally processed through three key strategies:

1. Trained Chefs

We have had the privilege of working with a variety of professional-level chefs, which has greatly contributed to our ability to produce high-quality, healthy meals. Staff training is one of the biggest challenges in executing meals from scratch. Having a team with a background in culinary arts helps overcome these hurdles. Our program has been fortunate to bring on executive-level chefs. Our current Executive Chef, John Edmondson, has spent over 20 years in high-end dining, catering for movie sets, and serving as the executive chef for Dodger Stadium. Not only is he a fantastic chef, but he has also trained numerous staff members to prepare meals for our cafeteria with consistency and excellence.

2. Menu Development

Each year, our school nutrition supervisor establishes guidelines and goals for menu development, ensuring our team stays aligned with our vision. For example, our recent menu planning emphasized "made-from-scratch, minimally processed, globally conscious meals and whole foods." We also set clear objectives regarding items to avoid, such as deep-fried proteins, high-sugar foods, cured meats, and highly processed entrées. These menu development goals keep our program on track and aligned with our mission of providing nutritious, high-quality meals.

3. Continual Feedback

Ongoing feedback from students allows us to make adjustments and refine our menu throughout the year to maintain student satisfaction. We conduct formal feedback sessions at the end of each school year, providing valuable data for menu planning. Additionally, we implement informal listening surveys throughout the year to check in with students and determine if any menu items need to be modified. This year, based on feedback from various age groups, we made several changes to our recipes and menu during winter break. Without continual feedback, even made-from-scratch meals may not meet students' preferences.

Ensuring that meals are made from scratch while maintaining excellent taste and quality is a high standard in the world of school nutrition. However, we believe that with skilled personnel, thoughtful menu development, and continual feedback, any program can achieve these results.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism and Tardiness on K-12 Students

Consistent attendance is crucial for student success in K-12 education. However, chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—and frequent tardiness can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social development, and future opportunities.

Academic Consequences

Students who frequently miss school or arrive late often struggle to keep up with lessons. Learning builds on itself, and missing key foundational concepts can create gaps that make it difficult to understand new material. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in early grades are less likely to be proficient in reading by third grade (age 8-9), a critical milestone for academic success. In middle and high school, chronic absenteeism increases the risk of failing courses and dropping out.

Social and Emotional Impact

Beyond academics, chronic absenteeism and tardiness can hinder a student’s ability to form relationships with peers and teachers. School is not only a place for learning but also for developing social skills, teamwork, and confidence, and the Academy values these components to our holistic education paradigm. Students who are frequently absent or late may struggle with feelings of isolation, lower self-esteem, and difficulty adjusting to structured environments. These challenges can have long-term effects on emotional well-being and social development.

Future Consequences

The negative effects of chronic absenteeism extend beyond school. Poor attendance habits in childhood can lead to difficulties in the workforce, as punctuality and responsibility are essential life skills. Additionally, students who fall behind academically due to missed school time may face limited career and college opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. We truly believe we are setting our students up for success into adulthood and the workforce by implementing a strict absentee policy.

Tips for Parents to Encourage School Attendance

1. Establish a Consistent Routine – Set a regular bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child gets enough rest and is ready for school each day. A predictable routine minimizes morning chaos and helps students feel prepared to start their day on time.

2. Communicate the Importance of Attendance – Talk to your child about why going to school every day matters. Help them understand how attendance impacts their learning, friendships, and future opportunities. Reinforce the idea that school is a priority.

3. Address Barriers to Attendance – If your child is struggling with issues such as anxiety, learning challenges or transportation, please reach out to the Academy to find solutions. Schools often have resources and support systems in place to help students overcome attendance obstacles.

By prioritizing attendance, parents can help set their children up for success, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their educational experience. Small, consistent efforts to encourage punctuality and daily attendance can make a lasting difference in a student’s academic and personal growth. A student’s presence at school each day is a partnership between parents and school staff, and at the Academy, we’re willing to ensure students are excited and prepared to come on campus each day!

School Meals: A Key to Reducing Chronic Disease

Proper nutrition during childhood and adolescence plays a vital role in shaping lifelong health outcomes. One of the most effective ways to support children’s health is by ensuring they participate in school nutrition programs, which guarantee access to a full serving of fruits and vegetables every school day. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of consuming adequate fruits and vegetables in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables for Growing Students

Health experts recommend that children aged 8 to 18 consume between 1.5 and 4 cups of vegetables and 1 to 2.5 cups of fruit daily, depending on their age, sex, and weight (1). However, meeting these nutritional goals can be challenging. School meal programs help bridge this gap by offering a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, enabling students to choose options they enjoy while meeting their daily nutritional needs (2). In fact, students who participate in these programs can receive up to half—or even all—of their daily vegetable requirements during the school day.

This level of access benefits not only the students but also their families. Parents can rest assured knowing their children are getting a significant portion of their daily nutrient intake at school, reducing the pressure to prepare nutritionally complete meals at home. Additionally, the variety of produce offered in school meals exposes students to a broader range of nutrients, fostering better overall health.

How Fruits and Vegetables Combat Chronic Disease

Numerous studies have demonstrated the critical role of fruits and vegetables in preventing chronic illnesses. For instance, consuming adequate amounts is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases and enhanced bone health. Furthermore, certain vegetables, particularly leafy greens, have been shown to offer protective effects against lung cancer. High-fiber foods, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, also aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, contributing to obesity prevention and overall metabolic health.

Additional evidence links fruit and vegetable consumption to a reduced risk of various cancers, including intestinal, pancreatic, bowel, thyroid, and lung cancers. These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the body’s natural defense systems (3).

Building Lifelong Healthy Habits

Participation in school nutrition programs does more than support physical health—it also serves as an educational tool. By regularly eating balanced meals that include full servings of fruits and vegetables, students learn what a healthy plate should look like. These habits can set the foundation for better dietary choices in adulthood, contributing to long-term disease prevention.

Incorporating school meals into a child’s daily routine is a simple yet powerful step toward improving health outcomes. By ensuring that students consume their recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, school nutrition programs not only reduce the risk of chronic disease but also foster healthier generations to come. Eating school meals is an investment in children’s current and future well-being—a step toward a healthier, brighter future.

(1)  https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables

(2)  https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits

(3) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4644575/

A Lesson in Service: River’s Reflection on the Cox Family

River, a senior intern from the Academy for GOD, is working with the Community Services program at Global Outreach Developments Int'l. During his time with Community Services, River has been involved in local initiatives that support Nashville’s youth and elderly, gaining valuable experience in community service. In his reflection, River shares a memorable experience with the Cox family, where he learned from their wisdom and kindness. We invite you to read his reflection, where he highlights the impact of service and the deep connections that make this work so meaningful.

”Last Thursday, I had the wonderful opportunity to serve the Cox family and help Mr. Cox prepare his famous biscuits for the Academy staff. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are people of strong faith who have lived extraordinary lives devoted to the Lord, and it was truly special to serve them and hear some of their inspiring stories. They were so generous in sharing their wisdom, and I am deeply grateful for that.

Before we even started making the biscuits, Mrs. Nsubuga and I spent time asking questions, listening to Mr. Cox’s stories, and getting to know him better. His life is full of remarkable experiences, and I loved hearing about them. He shared how he had opened his home to teenagers who had been kicked out of their own, how he stepped in as a principal when the need arose, and how he served his church by becoming a pastor. Hearing these stories was powerful, and it became clear that Mr. Cox is the type of person who always says "yes" to the Lord. He often mentioned that even when he wasn't sure about something, he trusted in the Lord, and that struck me deeply.

Reflecting on my time with Mr. Cox, I thought about the parable of the wise and foolish men. In Matthew 7, it says, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Mr. Cox has built his life on the solid foundation of God’s word, listening to the Lord and living out His calling, saying "yes" to whatever He brought his way.

Once we began making the biscuits, Mrs. Nsubuga left, and it was just Mr. Cox and I in the kitchen. It was such a special time learning his secret recipe and talking with him. He continued to share more stories from his life, answering my questions with humor and wisdom. He has a remarkable gift for telling stories that are both funny and meaningful.

Mr. and Mrs. Cox are truly a blessing to be around. Their hospitality was overwhelming, and they generously sent me home with a bag of the biscuits we made. I’m grateful for the time I spent with them, learning from their wisdom and experiencing their kindness.”

Varsity Volleyball District Champs & State Runner-Up

On Saturday, October 12th, the Academy for GOD’s High School Varsity Volleyball team made Phoenix history! In a display of talent and teamwork, our Phoenix squad brought home the TSIAA North District Volleyball Championship with a dominant 3-0 win. This is the first time any High School volleyball team from Academy for GOD has won a district championship, and we couldn’t be prouder of these incredible athletes and their dedicated coaches.

Our Varsity Volleyball team didn’t stop there; they went on to achieve an incredible 22-3 season record and competed in the TSIAA High School Volleyball State Championship game, where they proudly finished as state runner-up! Their dedication, resilience, and unity have set a powerful example for our entire school community.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the Phoenix fans, families, and supporters who packed the stands and brought energy to every match. Your encouragement and love have been a foundation for these players all season long. Congratulations, ladies! Your hard work, sportsmanship, and faith have made us all so incredibly proud.