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Decatur County credits CEP, menu engagement and regional supervisor showcases for rising participation

2155868 · January 16, 2025

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Summary

Decatur County reported districtwide participation increases after adopting Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); regional supervisors organized local showcases and mentoring to share best practices, and Decatur will host a supervisor showcase on Jan. 30 in Hardin County.

Audra Baron, Southwest regional consultant for TDOE School Nutrition, highlighted Decatur County and its supervisor Sherry Burrows during the January update call.

Baron said Decatur County, supervised by Sherry Burrows, "decided to begin participating in CEP this year district wide, and they were super excited to see higher participation at all of their schools." Under the change, Baron said elementary schools are averaging more than 60% breakfast participation, middle and high schools have moved from below 20% to around 45% for breakfast, and all schools are now serving over 70% participation at lunch.

Baron described local initiatives that accompanied the switch to CEP: monthly "fan favorite" meals voted on by students, a high-school monthly newsletter that spotlighted the cafeteria, and supervisor showcases led by Southwest supervisors. She credited collaborative regional planning for a successful back‑to‑school managers boot camp and said the first Southwest supervisor showcase of the year will be held Jan. 30 in Hardin County and will include presentations on kitchen remodels and new equipment options.

Baron praised Sherry Burrows's leadership and encouraged other districts to share best practices through the mentorship program and regional showcases.