Aldine Celebrates School Lunch Hero Day on May 7

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On Friday, May 7, Aldine ISD will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day! You might be wondering, “what is a school lunch hero?” A school lunch hero is a school nutrition employee that not only prepares healthy meals for students, but they do it while adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, adapting to COVID-19 protocols, providing curbside meals, preparing weekend meal bundles, and so much more. School lunch staff are truly heroes.

School Lunch Hero Day is a nationwide celebration to highlight the difference child nutrition staff make for every student that comes through the cafeteria. District cafeteria staff do so much more than prepare nutritious meals for students. They also provide nutrition education and teach students how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with food beyond the school walls. 

Did you know that 90% of our Aldine ISD students qualify for free or reduced-price meals? This means that Aldine ISD has an important task to ensure that every student has an opportunity to eat school breakfast and lunch on campus. (Learn More on All The Things: The Aldine ISD Podcast)

This year, our child nutrition staff has created various ways to ensure Aldine ISD students can receive nutritious meals each day. They implemented mobile Grab and Go Breakfast stations for easier accessibility for students upon entering school, updated cafeterias to be more welcoming, and also updated school lunch offerings to ensure student favorites were on the menu each week. 

“School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hard-working heroes,” Dani Sheffield, executive director of child nutrition services, said. “Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias always offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.” 

Another reason we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day is to recognize the role that child nutrition plays to benefit students in the lunchroom and in the classroom. 

School Lunch Hero Day gives you a chance to acknowledge your campus child nutrition staff. Below are a few ways you can celebrate campus School Lunch Heroes! 

• Recognize School Lunch Staff achievements during morning announcements 
• Make signs, banners or posters to decorate the cafeteria and to promote the work your staff does. 
• Send a thoughtful greeting to make your School Lunch Heroes feel special.
• Promote School Lunch Hero Day on your social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.