School Lunch Hero Day
Celebrate School Lunch Hero Day Friday, May 4, 2018
On Friday, May 4, 2018, we celebrate the 6th Annual School Lunch Hero Day!
The significance and benefits of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. School Lunch Hero Day is a chance to highlight the difference School Nutrition Professionals make for every child who comes through the cafeteria. These staff are committed to providing healthful, nutritious meals to the District’s children, in addition to the positive daily interactions and support that happen in the cafeteria line. Between preparing healthy meals for America’s students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, School Nutrition Professionals are true heroes.
LPS Heroes – Here’s a glimpse of 3 LPS Heroes
But be on the lookout, because there’s Heroes hard at work in your own school!
Delivering Meals in New Places – Randolph
Sometimes lunch doesn’t always go as planned, which is what happened at Randolph on November 11, 2017 when the fire alarm sounded at 12:15 pm in the middle of meal service. Everyone was evacuated from the school and the fire department arrived. The problem was identified (a blown transformer), however with no power to the school, everyone was moved to nearby Our Saviors Lutheran Church for the remainder of the school day. “Our lunch staff didn’t miss a beat” said Vicky Fasnacht, Executive Secretary at Randolph. Kitchen staff (Left to Right: Nancy Rhynalds, Manager Joyce Bennett, Jennie Huntington, and Rosa Monterroso) were able to safely return to the kitchen and with the assistance of other Randolph staff, loaded up vehicles with milk, fruit and snacks for 450 students and 60 staff. Thanks for your cool heads, quick action and smart thinking!
Delivering Meals in New Ways – Lincoln High
Heroes are busy at work during breakfast too. Last month, Lincoln High Nutrition Services staff began offering breakfast service at the 2 entrances to school rather than in the cafeteria. In this short time, the number of students eating breakfast has nearly doubled! (Left: Manager Wendy Stutzman scans a student card as he grabs breakfast on his way to class).
Delivering Meals in New Attire – West Lincoln
Last year West Lincoln Nutrition Services staff (Left to right: Ericka Miller, Fatemah Saleh, Kelly Eusterbrock and Marsha Peniska) not only delivered meals, they delivered it with style in their Super Hero Uniforms. Be on the lookout for “Hero Happenings” in your cafeteria this year.
Delivering Meals in Record time: 13,000 MPH*
*During the average 2 hour lunch period LPS serves over 26,000 lunches. On that same day these nutrition heros are also making 7,300 breakfasts as well as meals and snacks for the LPS Early Childhood programs and after school programs.
School Lunch Hero Day was inspired by the graphic novels series written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The series, which now includes 10 novels, 
chronicles the adventures of Betty, the school lunch lady, who fights crime when she’s not serving Sloppy Joes.
School Lunch Hero Day provides you with the perfect opportunity to recognize the hardworking professionals in your school cafeterias. Be on the lookout for the Super Heroes in your building.
