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Sarasota News Leader October 12, 2012 Dale McClellan is now Florida Farmer of the Year." Additionally, Girard and her staff are respon- sible for the success of the Summer Food Ser- vice Program, through which 5,000 children a day receive a balanced nutritious meal when school is not in session. Yet another program she began that she speaks of with pride is one for students inter- ested in nutrition. A registered dietitian her- self, Girard said, "We've graduated 30 student dietitians. They do an internship here for 10 months; then, they test to become licensed dietitians." Among her other accomplishments, Girard pointed out, "Every high school [in the dis- trict] has a salad and a pasta bar. With so many kids in a rush, we offer really nice pre-pack- aged salads." She and her staff also work with the nine char- ter schools in the district. "We approached every single charter school and offered our services," Girard said. "I've been doing this 28 years, and Lisa Wood Page 16 has been here 16 years. These [free and re- duced-price meal] programs are complicated federal programs. Every charter school but one accepted our offer," she added. She credits her staff for all the department's accomplishments, but her colleagues say she is a keenly intelligent, hard-working adminis- trator who sincerely wants to serve good-tast- ing and nutritious meals to her "customers," as she calls the students. Nonetheless, one of the most important pro- grams under her direction is the federally funded one for free or reduced-price lunches. "These breakfasts and lunches are often the major source of nutrition in many children's lives," she pointed out. "We are the safety net for school-age nutrition." Anyone interested in applying for the meal benefits program may call 486-2199. Howev- er, Girard says the simplest way to apply is online at http://www.sarasotacountyschools. net/departments/fns/default.aspx?id=1634 Enter To Win A New iPad When our "Likes" on Facebook reach 1,000, we will randomly select one of our subscribers to receive a new iPad. The contest concludes when The Sarasota News Leader achieves 1,000 "Likes" on Facebook, One winner will be selected at random from among sub- scribers. Only subscribers are eligible to win the iPad, regardless of having "Liked" our page on Facebook. Contest is open only to residents of Sarasota County. Selected winners must provide a valid Sarasota County street address to receive the iPad. Contest is void where prohibited by law. 1 Click to Subscribe 2 Then Like Us On Facebook