Fletcher and Ring Elementary School students in the child care program thanked the JPS food service department in honor of School Lunch Hero Day. Submitted photo

In honor of School Lunch Hero Day, Fletcher and Ring Elementary School students in the child care program thanked the JPS food service department for all their dedication and hard work by creating posters to hang at the “grab and go” locations for school meals.

Local law office, Lewis & Lewis, also donated sweet treats, coffee and juice for the workers to thank them for helping Jamestown children. JPS food service workers have made and distributed over 100,000 meals since school buildings closed in March.

In addition to the School Lunch Heroes Day celebration, the local community has noticed the department’s hard work and has also donated some amazing items to JPS food service staff. All of the food service workers must wear masks and the community has really stepped up to help.

Moonlight Electric, Lincoln School Nurse Sandra Leone and “The Sewing Ladies” from the JHS Musical all donated masks for the workers. Dan Anderson, from JPS Information Services, also donated 3D-printed mask adjusters he created.

In addition to the mask donations, Washington and Love teachers Pat and Jill Smeraldo, and their family, donated coffee and doughnuts for all Food Service staff. JPS Paraprofessional Vesna Carlson donated pizza to Washington’s staff. ENL teacher and Futuros Latinos Club Advisor Emily Naetzker donated pizza to JHS Cafeteria staff. Bairs Pizza donated to Jefferson staff. A Jamestown Police Officer donated pizza for the Persell staff. Washington Middle School Counselor Sam Restivo donated doughnuts to Washington staff. Persell Middle School students wrote thank you letters and Wegmans generously provided bouquets of flowers to all JPS Food Service Workers.

“Each day our staff arrives to prepare meals for upwards of 1,500 hungry students throughout the district,” said Jeffrey Smith, JPS director of food services. “On several occasions, we have received donations of food, safety equipment and even bouquets of flowers for our staff. I can’t begin to tell how much the staff appreciates these donations; many of them were brought to tears by the kindness shown to them. On behalf of everyone at the Jamestown Public School Food Service Department, I want to say thank you to these community members, who have made all of our days a little brighter with your kindness, support and love.”

While school buildings are closed due to the coronavirus, JPS is able to provide “grab-and-go” meals for all Jamestown students. Lunch will be provided, along with breakfast for the following day. Meals are available Monday through Friday. Meals for Saturday and Sunday will also be provided on Friday.