Notice
A letter from our president 2008.
The opening of the 2008-2009 school year marks Opaa!'s 30th year serving the nutritional needs of children in Missouri public schools. I know that my father would be proud of the impact Opaa! has had on the lives of the children and faculty that we serve and very proud of the workforce that has been gathered to deliver the quality food service program that has made Opaa! successful.
A lot has changed in these 30 years-but one thing hasn't, Opaa!'s commitment to delivering a nutritious meal with a smile. As I reflect back on these 30 years I realize that Opaa! wouldn't be where it is today if it weren't for the hard work and dedication that you bring to the job everyday. We are feeding America's future.
During the course of the 2007-08 school year, we reaffirmed our commitment to our definition of success: making a difference in the lives of our customers nutritionally, emotionally and financially. We are proud of the strength of our client school district relationships and added six new school districts to the growing Opaa! family during the year.
One achievement of note came this past spring when we were notified that our nutrition partnership with the Nixa School District was recognized with the "District of Excellence" distinction from the School Nutrition Association. This partnership was one of only six in the nation to receive the honor this year and the only one recognized in Missouri. We believe that this award reinforces our belief in the power of Opaa!'s Partnership Pyramid as shown to the left.
Other 2007-08 highlights:
- Achieved 100% certification of all Directors of Nutrition Services in the nationally recognized "Serve-Safe Program."
- Earned commitments from additional client school districts to increase the numbers of breakfasts served during MAP testing week.
- Implemented a number of successful nutritional promotions such as "Fear Factor," designed to get children to try vegetables that they may not have eaten before.
- Introduced "Eat a Rainbow," a collaboration with College of the Ozarks and the Nixa School District on a project that included staff professional development activities and a visiting chef program-with student involvement-that culminated in a student health fair.
- Increased levels of participation in our philanthropy relationship with the Junior Achievement program.
Again, we would like to recognize the commitment and dedication of the outstanding food service professionals that carry out the Opaa! mission daily. "Make Their Day" comes alive only through their efforts and to those individuals, we say "thanks."
Here's to our next 30 years!



