The school nutrition teams go above and beyond to ensure students have access to nutritious meals that support a healthy learning environment. The District celebrates School Lunch Hero Day, in acknowledgement of the tireless efforts of the individuals who work behind the scenes. Their dedication touches the lives of students, families, and the entire school community.
The work day for BPUSD nutrition workers begins early in the morning as they prepare and cook some of our students' first meals of the day. They take the time to greet students with a smile at every meal, and carefully plan out each food item that they receive. The District recognizes that for some children, school meals may be the only nutrient-rich foods available in their day. At the end of the school day, nutrition staff diligently oversee the cleanliness and safety of the cafeteria and kitchen spaces. They ensure that all food is properly stored or disposed of, equipment is thoroughly cleaned, and their workspace is prepared and ready to go for the next day. Beyond that, the BPUSD nutrition teams work tirelessly to craft an array of nutritious meals, carefully balancing each plate to cater to various dietary needs while ensuring they remain enjoyable for students.
With the help of dedicated nutrition staff, the District has made significant strides by:
- Serving 2,500,000 meals per year
- Providing students a third meal for supper
- Offering all students free meals regardless of a family’s income
- Incorporating farm to school produce and cooking meals from scratch
- Integrating salad and veggie stations
- Planning flexible meals such as vegetarian or meatless options
- Implementation of environmentally friendly food disposal processes
- Offering free summer meals to all children under the age of 18
“Our commitment to incorporating farm to school produce and scratch cooking has transformed not only our menus but sparked excitement and enthusiasm among our students,” said BPUSD Director of Nutrition Services Rosa M. Estrella said.
School Lunch Hero Day serves as an opportunity for us to express gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our educational environment.
PHOTOS
2024_LunchHero1: Food and nutrition service workers pose for a photo at Central Elementary. From left to right: Dulce Alvarado Gates, Sandra Pedroza (Kitchen Manager), and Martha Corona.
2024_LunchHero2: Students at Foster Elementary receive assistance with their school lunch from Nutrition Services aide Marietta Medina.
2024_LunchHero3: A group of students at Foster Elementary receive assistance from a food and nutrition worker Patricia Guerrero during lunch time.
2024_LunchHero4: Food and nutrition service workers pose for a photo at Bursch Elementary. From left to right: Martha Hoyos, Elaine Layfield, Leslie Garcia, and Gloria Lopez.
2024_LunchHero5: Food and nutrition service workers pose for a photo at Heath Elementary. From left to right: Elizabeth Garibay, Maria Pinedo, Alma Doroteo, Frania Galindo, Alejandra Rodriguez, and Brittany Aguilar.