Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Stanfield School District nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment to the Stanfield community, we will celebrate School Hero Day on May 6, 2021. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the "Lunch Lady" graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America's student each school day.
School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hardworking heroes. Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias always offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.
The important and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important nutrient-rich meal of their day. The nutrition professionals in the Stanfield School District have prepared, packaged and served over $27,000 breakfasts and lunches this school year alone. Some of those meals were delivered via buses, parking lot pick-ups, and currently delivered into classrooms or hallways for students to enjoy.
In this challenging year, Clara Nichols, Stephenie Grogan, Catherine Powney and Lisa Logan have had to be flexible in delivery methods and open to quick changes in the program. They have faced many challenges. Some of those challenges being what to prepare that would transport well and hold up to transport, along with holding to the high standards they were accustomed; what equipment was needed to ensure delivery of safe, healthy foods; and how to make food flavorful and fresh in whatever manner the delivery was to be. They are determined to not only feed quality processed foods, but find ways to make and transport from-scratch foods.
You may get more details about School Lunch Hero Day by visiting www.schoollunchheroday.com.