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District's Food Services Director Receives Top Award
February 26, 2021 -- Columbus City Schools (CCS) Director of Food Services Joe Brown has received the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) Outstanding Food and Nutrition Award for 2021. Brown will receive the award virtually at the OASBO’s Annual Conference on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
Mr. Brown has served the CCS community for twelve years. In the last twelve months, Brown and his team have risen up demonstrating exemplary and excellence in public education foodservice during a global pandemic.
When schools closed in March of 2020, and the Districts’ 50,000 students were learning in a completely virtual environment, Mr. Brown and his team distributed free breakfast and lunch meals for all students at school sites across the city. To date, Mr. Brown’s meal distribution program at dozens of school building sites has provided more than 2.5 million meals since the state-mandated school closure for grades K - 12. Mr. Brown has demonstrated flexibility and steadfast determination to provide food during these unprecedented times. He has shown an unwavering commitment to make sure our students and their families have provisions.
“Joe has shown exceptional service to his district, community, and the school business profession. The OASBO Foundation for School Business Management is thrilled to recognize his excellence and dedication with the Outstanding Food and Nutrition Director of the Year Award,” said Jim Rowan, Executive Director of OASBO.
Mr. Brown’s other accomplishments include sound fiscal responsibility, a Community Eligibility Program that serves approximately 60,000 free meals (breakfast and lunch), and a food education program that provides school gardens and curriculum for teachers to teach children about food sources and take-home do-it-yourself fruit and vegetable kits.
Joseph Brown has admirably served Columbus City Schools and our community, raising expectations and standards when it comes to foodservice.