POLAND — Alongside doctors, nurses, and other essential personnel, school nutrition professionals have emerged as local heroes during the COVID-19 crisis. Day after day, they arrive in parking lots, shuttered schools, and makeshift distribution centers, to serve healthy food to thousands of students and families.
In Androscoggin County, many nutrition programs have creatively adapted to the crisis. Some districts are distributing meals along bus routes typically used for picking and dropping off students. Other districts have surveyed students, allowing them to provide feedback on what they would most like prepared for upcoming meals. Many nutrition programs have been supported by ed techs and bus drivers who have taken on new roles during this time.
Ellen Dore, food service director for Regional School Unit 16 (Mechanic Falls, Minot, and Poland), highlighted the hard work being done by many school districts. “RSU 16 prepares between 1,100 to 1,200 meals a day. My staff and the transportation department have really been the force behind the success of this program. We ended school on a Friday and came to work on the next Monday, figured out a whole new way to operate and started it up on Tuesday.
“I think that sums up most of the districts in the state of Maine. We’re not just the cafeteria crew…we’re school lunch heroes.”
Mary Moran, public health coordinator for MaineHealth said that as a local coordinator for Let’s Go!, an obesity prevention initiative of MaineHealth implemented in partnership with Healthy Androscoggin, school nutrition professionals’ dedication to nourishing kids is no surprise.
“Across Maine, they are always working tirelessly to prepare meals that are healthy, balanced and appealing to students,” Moran said. “The majority of cafeterias who partner with us offer easy-to-eat sliced fruits and a variety of vegetables, an effort to encourage students to choose healthy options. Throughout the typical school year, many regularly source local produce for school meals, supporting Maine farmers. The Department of Education runs several programs, including Farm and Sea to School, Local Foods to Local Schools, and Maine Harvest Lunch Week, dedicated to making innovative use of local, seasonal produce. These creative programs help contribute to nutritious school meals while engaging students in fun, healthy food-related activities and supporting local produce.”
With the economic impact of COVID-19, many families need access to healthy meals now more than ever. School nutrition programs across the state are going the extra mile to support kids and families. For more information on where to find your local school meals, visit www.maine.gov/doe/meals or contact your local school department. Free and reduced- price meals are available based on income, and families are encouraged to apply. This keeps kids nourished with healthy meals while providing important funding to support the school meal program. To apply, contact your local school department.
