We were pleased that there was so much interest in our Afterschool Meals CACFP (Children and Adult Care Food Programs) Webinar held last week. Food service directors from across the country tuned in to hear tips on how to implement a successful Afterschool Meal program. I especially want to thank our featured speakers: Alexandra Molina, M.S., Director, McAllen ISD in Texas, and Sandra Kemp, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition at Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico.
It’s been said that the worst of times can bring out the best in people, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the school foodservice community has risen to the occasion by finding creative and innovative ways to feed children during this pandemic. Every day we are reading about ways school districts have gone above and beyond to get meals to kids, even when they are at home for remote learning. At E S Foods, we have been fortunate to do our small part in this effort by providing shelf-stable, grab & go meals
It was welcome news this week for schools, families, and children across the country as the USDA announced that it will extend free meals for kids through December 31, 2020. This includes allowing summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to children into the fall months.
When students head back to school in the fall, it certainly won’t be “business as usual.” What will the new school foodservice landscape look like in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? Although we don’t know yet, schools have to start planning, likely needing not only a Plan B, but Plans C, D . . .