State of Montana Newsroom
OPI Encourages Montanans to Honor School Lunch Heroes Next Week
OPI Encourages Montanans to Honor School Lunch Heroes Next Week
April 23, 2020
HELENA— The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is honoring school nutrition specialists on “School Lunch Hero Day” next Friday, May 1 and encourages Montana students, parents, and educators to as well! Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals have a lot on their plates. This year, with the unexpected events related to COVID-19, Montana school districts have stepped up to ensure that our children have access to healthy foods.
“Now more than ever, school nutrition employees deserve recognition for their service to Montana students,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen said Thursday. “As a teacher of 23 years, I understand that our school nutrition employees deliver more than just lunch. School Lunch Hero Day gives all of us the chance to thank these hardworking, everyday heroes for their dedication to students.”
To celebrate their hard work and commitment, OPI is celebrating all Montana school nutrition professionals next Friday. School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff, and communities to thank those who provided 20 million healthy meals to Montana’s students last year.
With schools closed across Montana, school nutrition teams are still working hard to prepare nutritious grab and go breakfasts and lunches for families to pick up – or get delivery via buses or food trucks. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. School leaders, students, parents, and community members can recognize and thank school nutrition professionals with thank you signs at meal pickup sites and on social media.
Get additional details about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition programs in Montana, visit the OPI’s website.
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CONTACT: Dylan Klapmeier
Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction
406-444-3559