Baldwin County Schools Wins Innovation in Nutrition Education Award

A'keti Mayweather shows off the aquaponics station at Baldwin High School during its opening in 2023

The Baldwin County School District is proud to announce that our Nutrition Department has been recognized nationally with the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award as part of the USDA's Action for Healthy Kids’ (AFHK) Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards.

This award celebrates districts across the country that are creating engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for students around food, health, and wellness.

Aquaponics: Where Science Meets School Lunch

At Baldwin High School, students don’t just read about biology and agriculture in textbooks—they live it. Thanks to our aquaponics greenhouse, 79 fish help sustain a thriving garden. Students learn how aquatic ecosystems work, how fish provide essential nutrients for plants, and how those plants cycle back to feed students in the cafeteria.

This farm-to-school model connects classroom learning directly to the lunch tray, creating a powerful, real-world connection to healthy eating.

Recognizing Local Leaders

This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of Nutrition Wellness Coordinator A'keti Mayweather and Nutrition Department Director Susan Nelson. Mayweather was also featured in a statewide Georgia DOE video highlighting innovation in school nutrition—a testament to her dedication and expertise.

Why It Matters

Nutrition education is about giving them ownership of their health and empowering them to make informed choices. Through projects like aquaponics, cooking competitions, and taste-testing locally grown foods, Baldwin County Schools is setting the stage for lifelong wellness.

We’re grateful for the recognition and even more excited about the opportunities this opens for our students.