School Lunch Hero Day is here! Today we honor the school nutrition professionals making a difference in the lives of their students by ensuring their access to healthy meals, even when schools have been closed.
Never has it been more important to recognize the efforts of school nutrition staff as they remain on the front lines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, serving meals at emergency feeding sites across the nation.
To help celebrate our school lunch heroes, we’re highlighting districts who have stood out in their communities as both an inspiration and an example of modern day heroes fighting against student hunger.
The nation’s second-largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, is doing everything in their power to make sure their 700,000 students are fed. LAUSD school nutrition professionals have distributed over 13 million meals at their 63 Grab & Go centers and show no signs of slowing down. Food Service Director Manish Singh explains “LAUSD will continue to support our students and the community in their hour of need. It is a privilege to be able to provide nutritious meals to everyone, no questions asked”. Click the video below to take a look inside Los Angeles Unified’s emergency feeding operation as their #SchoolLunchHeroes make sure no child goes hungry during this crisis.
Anne Arundel Public Schools in Maryland have transformed their School Lunch Hero Day into a week long celebration! The outpouring of appreciation and support from the community for their food service staff is truly inspiring.
Anne Arundel school lunch heroes go above and beyond to not only service students in need, but to uplift their spirits too!
It’s no surprise that they have captured their communities hearts. They are #AACPSAwesome!
The school lunch heroes at Franklin Township Public Schools in New Jersey demonstrate how heroic lunch efforts can extend beyond the school district. Not only are school nutrition professionals serving meals to students, they can also ensure that members of their local community have access to a healthy lunch too! Recently, Franklin Township food service staff showed their support beyond the cafeteria by surprising medical workers and volunteers with lunch at a COVID-19 testing site.
Now that’s the stuff #SchoolLunchHeroes are made of!
At Manteca Unified School District in California, school nutrition professionals are committed to providing healthy meals to students and it shows! Nothing says love like hearts and healthy meals.
These #SchoolLunchHeroes put the safety of the community first – adhering to social distancing guidelines using carts, tape lines, and serving through trunks to avoid contact. “While these are uncertain times, and it’s not easy being essential, it feels incredible to be feeding our kids” said Nutrition Services Director, Brandy Campbell. “We love the smiles, the waves, the signs, the gifts, and, most of all, the appreciation and gratitude that families are showing us”.
In these unprecedented times it’s inspiring to see members of the school nutrition community come together in support of students and families like never before.
All #SchoolLunchHeroes deserve to be celebrated for their dedication and commitment to serving students for a brighter future.
We thank you all for your efforts in serving our children across the nation!
Wishing you all a healthy and happy School Lunch Hero Day!