Shawnee Mission Thanks School Lunch Heroes

Wanting to thank their School Lunch Heroes, Kindergartner Penelope and fourth-grader Lydia created thank you artwork on the first day of Pickup and Go meals.

“I’m very thankful for the good lunches,” Penelope said.

­­­­­­May 1 officially marks School Lunch Hero Day, but for many families, including Penelope and Lydia’s family, the gratitude for food service extends well beyond one day.

Parent Lee Waldron said he was impressed by how quickly food service launched after school closure. His family has talked a lot about how important this service is for so many children in our community, he said.

“We’ve been talking with Penelope and Lydia about ways to show our gratitude and how what they are serving is so much more than a meal,” Waldron said. “It’s time, energy, and sacrifice.” 

Judy McMullen, Indian Hills Middle School nurse, is one of many staff members volunteering to support food service while providing Pickup and Go meals and said they all have been “working so hard and with joy.”

“They are great, always work as a team, and it’s a delight to be working with all of these hard working and dedicated people,” she said.

When buildings are open during the school year, the Food Service Department provides about 2.9 million meals to Shawnee Mission students. Since Spring Break, they have provided more than 80,000 meals to Shawnee Mission students through the Pickup and Go program.

Nancy Coughenour, director of food service, commends all Shawnee Mission School Lunch Heroes for their work.

“We are in such an incredible time for the nation and I am proud of the food service employees who are willing to step up and prepare these meals for families,” she said. “ It truly shows the wonderful giving hearts of food service employees who come to work each day with a smile and a loving heart for all children.”