Reed City schools’ summer meal program open to students

Reed City Area Public Schools has provided students and their families with supplemental nutrition over the summer months before, and the food service department has been hard at work planning meals for this season.
Pioneer photo/Olivia Fellows

REED CITY — Throughout the summer, school administrations continue working to provide services to students, including regular meals.

Reed City Area Public Schools already began this year's summer program, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students 18 and under or persons up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled that is recognized by a state or local public educational agency. Program operates June 6-July 29, but will be closed July 1, 4, and 5.

The district is partnering with Chartwells, a food company offering students and school communities wholesome, nutrient-dense foods.

Tricia Conell, food service director at RCAPS, said the focus is always on healthy options.

“We offer a variety of fresh fruits and veggies every day,” Conell said. “We have three entrees available, so they can have we have a pizza option available every day. Then we offer things like cheeseburgers and corndogs, and we'll do tacos and nachos. We offer subs and wraps every day, so kids can have a variety and maybe experience some things that they wouldn't get normally during the summer.

“Now more than ever, with the rising cost of food and gas, programs like this truly offer an option to help parents out,” she added. “I know there's probably a lot of parents that are struggling and need that extra help. Kids aren't getting the nutritious meals that they need, because it's truly hard for parents to afford that stuff right now.”

The pandemic has hindered many food service departments’ ability to get correct shipments, and Devries said they will often receive around a quarter of what they order with a given shipment.

“You become really good at just flying by the seat of your pants because you don't know until that truck arrives sometimes what's going to be on it,” Devries said. “I'm hoping we are ready for the new year, parents are ready, and we can continue to meet the needs of the students that we've been doing for the last few years.”