Officials with the Washoe County School District (WCSD) say school districts around the country are honoring nutrition services staff members for National School Lunch Hero Day.
They said on May 1, the district is inviting students and families to show their appreciation for their school nutrition staff when they pick up their meals with one of these ideas:
- Making thank you cards to drop off at meal pick-up sites
- Designing a poster with a favorite school meal
- Sending an e-card via social media channels, @WashoeSchoolNutrition (Facebook)
- Sending messages, pictures, and/or video recording of students appreciation and tag @WashoeCountySchoolDistrict and use #HeroesWearHairnets
- Having students dress up as their favorite superhero while picking up their meal(s)
- Decorating vehicles for meal pick up
Officials said since traditional classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak, nutrition services staff have continued to work every day, preparing nearly 150,000 meals for children in Washoe County.
“I am tremendously grateful for our Nutrition Services employees who have worked so hard to ensure our children receive the healthy meals they need to continue learning and thriving,” said WCSD Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill. “During an unpredictable and challenging time, we have relied on them to plan, cook, and pack nearly 150,000 meals for distribution in just a few weeks, and they have risen to the challenge. Working in partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, they have made a lifesaving difference for children in Washoe County.”
Officials said nutrition services employees prepare meals that are taken to two dozen sites across the county and are distributed by the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. For more remote sites in the district, nutrition services employees transport the meals themselves.
“Our Nutrition Services staff members are heroes every day,” said Lianka Soliz, director of WCSD Nutrition Services. “They are dedicated to keeping our children supplied with nutritious food—while stressing the importance of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. During the COVID-19 crisis, they have stepped up to the challenge and created nearly 150,000 meals in record time. We hope our students, families, and community will join us in celebrating these outstanding employees and the great work they do every day.”
For more information about free meals for children ages 0-18, visit this link here.
(The Washoe County School District contributed to this report).
