This school year has come with a lot of uncertainties as a result of COVID-19. From the start, however, the school has been very adamant about making sure that no students are left worrying about getting meals and because of this has adapted a pick-up meal system so that students can receive a free breakfast and lunch even when they are not in school.

To learn more about the pick-up meal system I reached out to the Food Service Director, Mr. Kavelak, and asked him some questions about how it all worked.

First, Mr. Kavelak explained that the school offers daily breakfast and lunch pick up at both of the school buildings, and when asked what kind of meals are supplied he stated, “The breakfasts and lunches usually follow the school menu, with the addition of entrée salad meals, and peanut butter and jelly bundle meals. We will sometimes alter the menu if the items for the day are not microwave-friendly.”

Mr. Kavelak then explained that any child 18 or under is eligible to receive the meals and that the students can pick up the meals themselves or parents can pick them up, noting that the students do not need to be present to receive the meals.

He then gave details of when and how to pick up the meals, stating, “Meals may be picked up Monday through Friday at the Jr/Sr High by the Bison Gym doors from 12:30 to 12:50; and at the Elementary on the side of the building nearest Mr. Joy Road from 12:35 to 12:55.” Mr. Kavelak also stated that the school plans on suppling these meals until the end of the school year, at which point they will still offer meals but the method is subject to change since students will no longer be in school.

Lastly, I asked Mr. Kavelak what all went into the planning process to be able to continue supplying meals throughout the school year like this and he stated, “The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture approved a waiver to allow schools to continue operating the Summer Food Service Program until June of 2021.” He explained that this waiver allowed our school, and many others, to continue to make meals available to students even when we are not in school.

Mr. Kavelak says he wishes more students were taking advantage of the meals. He explains, “We would like to have more students take advantage of the meals we are offering daily. The meals are free. We provide a breakfast and a lunch at the same time. Parents can pick the meals up for their children (meaning the students do not have to be present to get the meals) and there is no need to get out of the car, our staff will bring the meals to the cars.”

The school and cafeteria staff have gone through a great deal to make sure that they are able to supply meals to students all year round, even when they are not in school. They provide breakfast and lunch at the same time, which makes the pick-up process easier on both parents and students and have even set it up so that the staff brings the meals out to the awaiting cars. I think this is a great program that the school has set up and it is definitely something that more students should be aware of and taking advantage of.