Nourishing Young Minds: Osseo Area Schools' Summer Meal Program Keeps Kids Fed and Focused

Nutrition is a vital component of a child's well-being, even when school is not in session. Osseo Area Schools' summer nutrition managers are leading the charge to ensure that students across the district have access to balanced meals throughout the summer months.

Fueling Young Minds: Osseo Area Schools' Commitment to Nourishing Students Year-Round

Feeding the Future: A Passion-Driven Approach to Summer Meals

At Park Center High School, the food service staff work tirelessly each day to prepare balanced meals for children across the district. Angelina Smith, one of the summer school nutrition managers for District 279, emphasizes the importance of this endeavor, stating, "Kids and food are synonymous. Like peanut butter and jelly; pancakes and syrup. You know, cereal and milk. That type of thing. It's for the kids, always." Smith's dedication to the program is palpable, as she takes pride in serving breakfast and lunch to Park Center High School students during the school year and overseeing the summer meals operation, which provides meals and snacks for anyone 18 and under.

Expanding Reach, Nourishing More: The Growing Need for Summer Meals

The meal distribution process at Osseo Area Schools starts as early as 6:30 a.m. each day, with the staff preparing breakfasts, snacks, and lunches to be transported to various locations throughout the district. Rachel Hibbler, Smith's fellow summer nutrition manager, has witnessed the growing need for these services. "It varies every week, but we are doing probably about double of what we did last summer," Hibbler shares. This increase in demand can be attributed, in part, to the expansion of programs and community partnerships, but the sheer volume of children served underscores the vital role that the summer meal program plays in the lives of Osseo Area Schools' students.

Fueling Minds, Nourishing Hearts: The Transformative Impact of Summer Meals

For Hibbler, the work she does is more than just a job – it's a labor of love. "Feeding people is my love language. Acts of service are my love language," she says. "Every day, when I come to work, I'm doing what I love." This passion-driven approach to providing summer meals extends beyond the walls of Park Center High School, as the program distributes meals and snacks to various locations, including other schools, city parks, and community meeting spaces. Smith emphasizes the inclusive nature of the program, encouraging students to invite their friends to partake in the meals, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Sustaining Nourishment, Empowering Futures: The Federally Funded Summer Food Service Program

The summer meal program at Osseo Area Schools is made possible through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. This initiative ensures that children across the district have access to nutritious meals, even when school is not in session. The program runs until mid-August, providing food for anyone aged 18 and under, regardless of whether they are a district student. By leveraging this federal funding, Osseo Area Schools is able to continue its commitment to nourishing young minds and empowering students to thrive throughout the summer months.