Does the thought of preparing food for a family gathering stress you out? What if you had to prepare breakfast and lunch for hundreds of children every weekday and have it ready to serve at an exact time? Impossible? Well, not for Bulloch County's school nutrition staff.
The school district's team of 85 school nutrition staff have prepared more than 1.4 million meals so far this school year, and they'll serve thousands more during the summer feeding program. They are our school nutrition heroes.
Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering customer service to their young customers, Bulloch County Schools' nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, the school district joined the nation this week in celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on May 5.
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 students each school day.
In Bulloch County's schools this week, nutrition professionals have been honored and recognized by students, school staff, parents, and the community.
"We've prepared thank you cards and banners for students to sign, and we've visited schools to present each staff member with certificates," said Desiree Yaeger, the district's interim school nutrition director.
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 hard working heroes for their dedication to fueling our students for success,” said Yaeger.
One of the district's heroes is Hughette Bonnette, the food service manager for Portal Middle High School. She has helped prepare meals for children for 28 years.
"My sister was working in food service here in Bulloch County, she told me about a job opening, and here I am 28 years later," said Bonnette. "I love my job, I love cooking and being around children."
Sarah James, the food service manager for Langston Chapel's elementary and middle schools is another hero. She's been in school nutrition for 17 years.
"I worked in food service at industrial plants," said James. "I came here one day for a meeting for my daughter, and I learned the lunchroom needed a manager. I applied for the job and was hired. The best part of my job is seeing the children smile and say, 'Oh this is my favorite; it is so good."
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 importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day.
"I enjoy serving children because having a balanced meal helps them to focus more on learning," said James.
More than 30% of Bulloch County's population lives in poverty, and more than 60% of the school district's 11,000 students are eligible for free and reduced meals due to economic hardship. Also, more than 100 students have no permanent home where meals can be stored and prepared. Food insecurity is a reality that local educators and school nutrition staff see daily. So they know the importance of preparing and serving nutritious meals to children.
Bulloch County's school nutrition staff were super heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools closed temporarily. The school district closed on March 16, 2020, and by March 17, sites were in place for families to pick up free breakfast and lunch for any children up to age 18. The service grew to 78 mobile sites that served between 2,500 to 2,900 children per day for 18 weeks thanks to support from school bus drivers who drove daily routes to distribute food. More than 325,000 meals were prepared and distributed during this time. Our school nutrition staff were honored by the City of Statesboro for their service during this time.
Bonnette and James encourage others to be school lunch heroes. If you'd like to be a school lunch hero, apply online at www.bullochschools.org/jobs.
"It's hard work, but I feel that we do something the children need," said Bonnette. "I know when they come into our cafeteria they will get a smile and a meal each day."
