Nutrition Advisory Councils

 

Are you interested in educating students about the importance of good nutrition and promoting your school foodservice program? If so, starting a Nutrition Advisory Council in your school is the way to go.

 

Organizing a Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) in your school benefits both the students and your school nutrition program. A NAC serves as a link between students, school foodservice personnel, administrators, and the community. Not only is a NAC a vehicle to spread the word about the important role good nutrition plays in students' lives, but it provides important feedback from students on what they like - or don't like - about their school foodservice program. By involving students with NAC you will reinforce the idea that school nutrition programs are for them.

 

Nutrition Advisory Councils (NACs) were first formed in 1973 based on the idea that students should have an active role in their school meals programs. NACs offer a forum where ideas can be exchanged for the benefit of all people involved, including teachers and students. NACs are a vehicle to spread the word about the important role good nutrition plays in our lives and encourages student input in school nutrition programs.

 

Nutrition Advisory Council Handbook

Nutrition Advisory Council Affiliation Form

The Georgia School Nutrition Association continues to sponsor the NAC programs in Georgia. GSNA also sponsors a NAC Art Contest for NAC Chapters each year.

NAC ART CONTEST
2026-2027 NAC Art Contest Theme: "Simply the Best! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds!"

CONTEST GUIDELINES & FORMS:  2026-2027 NAC ART CONTEST 

“Simply the Best: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds!” celebrates the healthy choices that help students feel strong, energized, and ready to learn. Students will create artwork that highlights nutritious school meals, wellness habits, and the positive moments that make them simply the best every day.

Create a piece of art that shows what helps you feel your best at school. Your artwork may include:

    • Your favorite healthy school meal

    • Fruits and veggies

    • Drinking water, moving your body, or practicing wellness

    • A positive cafeteria scene

    • Anything that helps your body and mind shine

Your artwork should answer: “What makes me Simply the Best?”

 All students who participate in a GSNA NAC charter are eligible to submit an entry.

Three winners will be selected in these grade categories:

    • One from grades K-5
    • One from grades 6-8
    • One from grades 9-12

Each district will select 3 winners from each category to submit to the state level for judging.

Each entry must be the student’s ORIGINAL drawing on an 8 ½” x 11” plain, white, unlined paper. Poster board is not allowed.

  • All entries must be colorful so they can be reproduced if selected as a state winner.
  •  The student’s name, address, grade, and school must appear on the back of the original artwork.
  •  All entries must be accompanied by a completed official entry form signed by the manager, teacher, or NAC advisor of the student and their school principal.
  •  Award:
    • The three state winners will receive a $50.00 gift card for art supplies, a color copy of their artwork, and a certificate of achievement.
  •  Contest Deadlines:
    • NAC Art Contest Competition (Local) – January 15, 2027
    • NAC Art Contest Competition (District) – February 13, 2027
    • NAC Art Contest Competition (State) – March 2, 2027 

NAC of the Year Award

The Georgia Nutrition Advisory Council of the Year Award recognizes a NAC that has accomplished one special project or activity that promotes  a positive image or awareness of its program.

Nutrition Advisory Council of the Year Award Form

For additional information about any of the NAC activities please contact the GSNA Headquarters office