By SARAH HODGES STALLS
Beaufort County Schools

“If I can put my feet on the floor, I can come to work,” she said with a mega-watt smile.

After more than 35 years with Child Nutrition for Beaufort County Schools, Joyce Gibbs remains excited about her contribution to the education of young people in this county — a role she takes as seriously as any teacher or administrator.

“It is hard work,” explained the manager of the P.S. Jones Middle School Cafeteria. “You have to want to do it. And you have to care.” Gibbs said this is definitely a job for team players; others should not even apply.

“We may be the only hot food a child gets,” explained the school district’s longest employed Child Nutrition staff member. “You want to think everyone gets the nutritious meals they need throughout the day but that’s not the case.”

It’s a fact that makes her sad, but in turn, makes her even more dedicated to her job. At P.S. Jones Middle School, there are more than 800 students that could be in the care of Gibbs and her team any given school day.

Gibbs and the Child Nutrition team understand there is a direct connection between a well-nourished, well-rested child and the progress they make in the classroom. That is where her key goals for every day come in.

“We have to make sure the food looks good and tastes good,” she explained. “As far as quality, the very last child should always get the exact same thing as the first child gets from our serving line.”

As far as changes she has seen over the years, Gibbs credits the addition of commodity foods like fresh fruits and vegetables as one of the best. “Fresh fruits like the strawberries we get from Southside Farms are a real treat for many students that don’t get them at home.”

According to Gibbs, a former principal gave her great advice when she first began with Beaufort County Schools and the Child Nutrition Department. “He told me to go over there and learn all you can, and go beyond.” Those words have stuck and led her to a managerial position.

For this mom, it’s about much more than cooking and nutrition. There are opportunities to bond with students. “If you take that minute to talk with a student and see why they acting the way they are sometimes, you have the chance to build that child up and make a difference.” She paused and smiled. “They are our future.”

School Nutrition Employee Week is recognized nationally as May 2-6. Beaufort County Schools is proud to celebrate our most veteran employees of the district’s Child Nutrition Department this special week.