Rick Pate Honored as School Nutrition “Friend of the Year”

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate was named the 2026 Friend of the Year by the Alabama School Nutrition Association (ASNA) at the group’s annual meeting, a recognition of his work connecting local farms with school cafeterias across the State.

“I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the Year Award,” Pate said in after accepting the award. “The work that school nutrition directors and staff put in every single day to serve Alabama’s students does not go unnoticed.”

Pate specifically thanked school nutrition professionals for embracing the Alabama Farm to School Incentive Program, which reimburses schools for serving locally grown fruits, vegetables and proteins. “Because of their willingness to connect with local farmers, we are able to put more fresh, Alabama-grown products on cafeteria trays,” he said. “This program is a win for agriculture, a win for our schools and most importantly, a win for Alabama’s students.”

The incentive initiative provides schools with a per-meal reimbursement for locally sourced products, strengthening ties between producers and child nutrition programs and opening new markets for Alabama farmers. In recent years, millions of meals featuring Alabama-grown ingredients have been served in districts across the State.

In addition to Farm to School, Pate helped elevate Sweet Grown Alabama, the State’s agricultural branding program that highlights locally produced foods and connects growers with buyers. Sweet Grown Alabama has been a centerpiece of efforts to promote Alabama agriculture at home and beyond, encouraging consumers and institutional buyers alike to choose Alabama-grown products.

ASNA represents more than 2,500 school nutrition professionals who work daily to improve child nutrition and support Alabama students’ health. The Association’s mission focuses on professional development, program quality and advocacy to ensure excellence in school meals.