Community

County recognizes National School Lunch Week

During National School Lunch Week from Oct. 12-16, the Chautauqua County Health Department is recognizing school food service professionals across the county.

"Healthy eating is such an important part of helping children grow, learn and stay healthy," said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County public health director. "School meals give children a chance to enjoy healthy foods, try something new and normalize nutritious eating that can last a lifetime. We are grateful to the people who work every day to make those opportunities possible."

There are 17,000 children enrolled in public schools across Chautauqua County each year. The Jamestown Public Schools District, the county's largest school district, serves 4,300 students across five elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. The high school cafeteria alone serves about 1,100 meals each day.

The JPS food service team finds creative ways to encourage students to try new foods. Through its Farm to School efforts, the district gives students a chance to sample new foods, like wheat berry salad with apples. Students try recipes and share their feedback. The district is also working to include more locally grown foods and locally raised proteins in school meals.

"None of this happens without a great team," said Scott Johnson, food service director for Jamestown Public Schools. "There is so much planning that goes into every meal, from choosing healthy foods and working with our local farmers to preparing and serving the food each day. I'm proud of the work our staff do to make sure our students have healthy meals they can enjoy."

Students at both Jamestown High School and Sherman Central School are also using newly completed cafeterias and dining spaces. Updated kitchens, equipment and storage areas give food service teams the space and tools they need to prepare and serve nutritious meals for students each day.

The new dining spaces give students a welcoming place to eat, immerse students in an environment full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, relax and connect with friends. Lunchtime offers a break from the structured school day and a chance to socialize, build relationships and support student well-being.

"Getting to know the kids is one of the things I enjoy most about my job," said Sue Watrous, food service director for the Sherman and Clymer school districts. "You see them grow and change over the years, and you get to build relationships that can last a long time. It's rewarding to be part of their day, to encourage them to try healthy foods and make good choices, and to know that the meals we serve can make a difference in their health and well-being."

One collaborative summer food program serving the Cassadaga Valley, Bemus Point and Sherman school districts provided 46,710 meals to 751 children this past summer. The program is managed by Heidi Ottaway, food service director for the Cassadaga Valley Central School District.

"For many kids, school meals are an important part of their day, and that need doesn't go away when the school year ends," said Ottaway. "Our summer meal program gives us an opportunity to continue supporting children and families during the summer months. Cassadaga Valley is proud to partner with Bemus Point and Sherman to make sure children in our communities have access to meals throughout the summer."

Other districts are also finding new ways to reach children and families. Jamestown Public Schools expanded its Summer Feeding Program this year by adding home meal delivery. With support from a No Kid Hungry New York grant, the district prepared and delivered more than 450 meals each day throughout the Jamestown residential area, in addition to serving meals at three in-person dining sites.

Community organizations across Chautauqua County also offer summer food programs, giving children and families more ways to access healthy meals when school is out.

"We are grateful to the schools and community organizations across Chautauqua County that work to make sure children have access to healthy food all year long," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. "These programs help support the health and well-being of children and families in our community."