One year later: More than 1.8 million meals served in UCS!

On Friday, March 13, 2020, the State of Michigan made an unprecedented
decision to help mitigate the spread of a virtually unknown deadly
virus; schools were directed to close their buildings. Utica Community
Schools immediately went into action, converting in-person programs to
continue remotely. UCS Food and Nutrition Services was no exception.

In three short days, by Tuesday, March 17, a district-wide remote food
distribution plan was in place, to serve free healthy meals to our
community for all children 18 and older. Distribution sites went up at
14 UCS schools and community sites, with COVID-19 protocols in place,
offering no charge, to-go meals for all students regardless of where
they went to school or if they qualified for food assistance.

“We recognize the direct link between student learning and nutrition,
and thanks to the extraordinary work of our food service team, we did
not miss a beat when it came to providing nutritious meals to families,”
Interim Superintendent Robert Monroe said. “Our district remains
committed to supporting the needs of our students and providing core
services during this global pandemic.”

During those initial weeks, the community reached out asking “how can I
help” and providing assurances that food distribution information would
be shared with neighbors who depended on the service. It was certainly a
heartwarming reminder of how this school community always cares for
each other.

“On that first day, we had no idea how many meals we would need,” said
Mandy Sosnowski, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at UCS. “The
cars kept coming and we kept making more food. People were so happy to
get the meals, some even cried. After that, there was no doubt; we were
doing the right thing for our community.”

As the pandemic continued, UCS food service workers, who usually serve
students inside school cafeterias, found themselves distributing meals
in 90 degree plus heat or blinding rainstorms. Through it all, over 1.8
million meals have been served by a team of heroes who don’t wear capes
– but proudly wear aprons.

Funded by the USDA, the free meal waivers were introduced in March 2020
due to COVID-19, which allowed schools the flexibility to feed
students. Recently the USDA extended the waivers through this summer.

In Macomb County, one in six children suffer from food insecurity, and
school districts know that a hungry student cannot learn well. While
the needs of our families continue to change, UCS will be there to meet
those needs and help support all students’ through their learning
process.

For more information on UCS Remote Food Service, visit www.uticak12.org/remotefoodservice

Source: Utica Community Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org

Robert Monroe, Interim Superintendent of Schools