8th Annual Lunch Hero Day Celebrated at Depew Schools
\r\nFor the eighth year Depew Union Free School District celebrated Lunch Hero Day on May 6 in order to recognize its amazing food service workers with a day of appreciation. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, students at all levels showed their appreciation through cards, gifts and specially made books. \r\n
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Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Depew nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. \r\n
\r\n“From their warm and compassionate welcoming environment that they provide in the cafeteria to the personal touch that they deliver with every student’s meal, to how they encourage our kids to eat healthier; Depew's nutritional professionals are truly heroes to our school-community and deserve to be recognized,” said Dr. Jeffrey Rabey, superintendent. \r\n
\r\nIn the past students have created cards, posters and artwork and given gifts to show their appreciation to the food service professionals that serve up their favorite breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. This year, first grade classrooms created handmade class books and read their messages aloud to our Lunch Heroes. The Food Service staff also received Lunch Hero shirts to wear on this special day among other surprises across the district.\r\n
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“The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school breakfast and lunch are the most important and nutrient-rich meals of their day,” said Barbara Albi, Depew’s Food Service Director. “It’s really a very simple recipe: research shows that kids, who eat well, learn better. Therefore, the hard work that is done in our school cafeterias every day is not just about preparing and serving meals to our kids. It is also about helping to make good education possible.” \r\n
\r\nThis is the tenth year Lunch Hero Day has been celebrated nationally. Depew has celebrated its Lunch Heroes since 2014, including through the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. \r\n