By KATIE HURST/ Lifestyles Editor

Students in Shelby County school cafeterias aren’t the only ones to notice a difference in the district’s food.

The Alabama School Nutrition Association recently recognized the school district’s child nutrition coordinator, Maureen Alexander, as the Outstanding Director of the Year for her work providing healthy meals in school cafeterias, according to a press release.

Alexander has served as Shelby County’s child nutrition program coordinator for the past six years. She previously served as the director of child nutrition for the Jefferson County School District.

As the state winner, Alexander’s nomination has also been submitted for regional and national consideration.

The Shelby County Child Nutrition Department has been recognized several times this year, including having 20 schools named as Gold Award of Distinction winners by the U.S. Healthier Schools initiative.

“This is certainly a well-deserved honor for Mrs. Alexander and really speaks very highly of our entire Child Nutrition Department,” said Tom Ferguson, assistant superintendent of operations, in the press release.

Alexander said she was honored to be selected by her fellow professional colleagues.

“I am so honored to be selected as the Outstanding Director of the Year in Alabama,” she said. “This is truly a milestone in my life.”