Commissioner Pate Receives the Alabama School Nutrition Association’s Friend of the Year Award
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – During the Alabama School Nutrition Association’s (ASNA) annual meeting, Commissioner Rick Pate was awarded their Friend of the Year award.
“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,” said Commissioner Pate. “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.”
While serving as Commissioner, Pate has focused on strengthening Alabama agriculture, expanding market opportunities for farmers, and promoting Alabama-grown products.
Commissioner Pate has been instrumental in creating Alabama’s Farm to School Incentive Program, helping create stronger connections between local farmers and school nutrition programs. This initiative increases access to fresh, locally grown products for students while opening new markets for Alabama producers, benefiting both agriculture and child nutrition statewide.
From 2020-2024, the Alabama Legislature funded the Farm to School incentive program, which provides schools with an incentive (.20 cents per meal per student) to purchase and serve Alabama fruits, vegetables and proteins. Last school year, 2,179,302 meals with local products were served to 49 school systems. In the 2025-2026 school year, almost 3,000,000 Alabama grown products will be served to over 50 school systems.
ASNA comprises more than 2,500 dedicated school nutrition employees and supporters who share a common mission to strengthen child nutrition programs and enhance the well-being of Alabama students. The association supports the professional development of school nutrition professionals and advances program quality through education and advocacy. Its ultimate vision is a future where every child’s nutritional needs are met with excellence and compassion.
