By APRIL FRONICK
LOUISIANA, Mo. — More than 200 kids will have a week worth of meals thanks to the efforts of several staff members in the Louisiana R-II school district.
Staff members had been preparing and distributing meals daily after students were sent home to learn in March. Once the state decided that classes would not resume on campus, the R-II District decided to make changes to how students received meals.
Superintendent Todd Smith explained that a plan was developed to prepare packages for students that would include five breakfasts and lunches. This helps to further limit the amount of contact from the daily distribution.
Smith said it has been remarkable to see the dedication of the staff in making sure kids receive meals during this time. “Ten of them came in and they checked temperatures and made sure to have masks and they had so much accomplished so quickly,” Smith explained.
Christy Anderson, the district’s food service director, spent the last week preparing the number of kids who will receive packages and developing the plan. She said that everything went well as they worked to put together the packages in designated work stations.
“We definitely have a great group here,” Anderson remarked.
A total of 237 kids will receive packages today (Friday, April 17). That means more than 2,300 bags were assembled.
Packages will include frive breakfasts and five lunches. Some of the items included are ham sandwiches, hamburgers, barbecue rib sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, etc. There are even considerations for those with food allergies. There are instructions on how to heat and assemble items as well. Components are individually packaged separately.
“It has been a bit chaotic, but it came together so fast,” Smith said. “We will be looking to include items that have good shelf life throughout.”
Staff plans to put together packages like this the rest of the school year.
Anderson noted that all staff members, from teachers to administrators to food staff and counselors miss seeing their students every day.
“We just want to keep taking care of our kids and hop they are staying safe and healthy,” she said.
In addition to Anderson, those who took part in putting together the meals on Thursday included: Anita McDaniel, Sandy Traynor, Janet Campbell, Lori Jennings, Tara Mills, Heather Barber, Benita Asquith, Jennifer Miller and Jennifer House. The group was also assisted by Smith and Middle School Principal Bobby Spoonster.
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