The Russell County School District’s summer feeding program has provided nearly 100,000 meals to local children during the summer break.
During Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Michael Ford presented Food Services Director Jessica Holt’s monthly report, which showed the district distributed a total of 95,494 meals to an average of 1,137 children each week between June 10 and July 15.
Ford said the district provides seven-day meal kits containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches to help ensure children continue receiving nutritious meals while school is out of session. He also noted the district has expanded the program through its Farm to School Initiative by incorporating locally grown vegetables into the meal kits.
Ford described the weekly meal distribution is “an undertaking, a process,” praising cafeteria employees, volunteers, and school administrators—including the high school principal and assistant principals—for their long hours and dedication in making the program successful.
Food Services Director Jessica Holt said the summer feeding program offers more than just meals. She said it also allows staff members to stay connected with students throughout the summer and, in her words, “keep a check on them.”
The report was presented during Monday night’s regular meeting of the Russell County Board of Education. (photo credit: Russell County Schools Nutrition) 