Keeping kids fed during a pandemic is a challenge, but it’s one that the Ellwood City Area School District’s Food Service staff and volunteers continues to conquer.
John Dzurina, Food Service Director for the district, said the successful operation would not be possible without the daily determination of his staff and volunteers.
Dzurina said on average 920 kids are fed per day. With a healthy and filling breakfast and lunch both being served, that adds up to about 1,840 meals per day.
Currently those meals include cereals, juice, milk, sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables. Hot meals have not been on the menu at this point, but Dzurina said the staff has brainstormed ways to add those items and change up the choices a bit. He said they will be introducing a cold chicken patty sandwich and possibly a hamburger, both of which can be distributed cold but then heated before eating. Another possibility is the cravables cold lunch kit.
He said although he never could have predicted that a pandemic would completely change the way the children in the community are fed, his staff came together quickly to find a solution so that no mouths would go unfed, and no students would be left with empty bellies.
“I have been pleased with the process we have in place,” Dzurina said. “It has been a smooth operation.”
Food Service Coordinator John Dzurina celebrates after serving 1,000 student breakfasts and lunches in an April 3 Twitter post by @ECSchools
Dzurina said seeing the satisfaction of the students makes all the effort worth it. A few students, according to Dzurina, have verbally thanked the staff for the meal distribution and told staff that without such an option they might not have meals.
Gina Schaas, head cook for the district, said she couldn’t imagine not continuing to feed the students.
“It feels good to be able to do this,” she said. “We love our kids.”
Dzurina said his staff has been unwavering in their efforts.
“They are working hard every single day,” he said. “And although it is their job, they are truly doing this out of the kindness in their hearts.”
Schaas said that despite the fact that she has a family member at home with health issues that could make them more susceptible to Coronavirus, she will continue to work to feed area students who mean a lot to her.
“I miss the kids,” she said. “I miss seeing their faces.”
Stephanie Borroni, assistant cook for the district, agrees.
“I miss seeing the kids and listening to them,” Borroni said. “They have some really great stories, it’s strange not having them around.”
Schaas and Borroni said they both have seen the appreciation and love from the community regarding their work in feeding the students.
Borroni said she has heard stories about drivers being given letters and cards and tokens of appreciation and it’s very touching.
The school’s staff and six volunteers and six bus drivers work to distribute the breakfast and lunches at three stationary locations including at each of the schools at North Side and Perry and a joint location between Hartman and Lincoln. There are six designated bus routes that also distribute food.
“I am so proud of everyone involved,” Dzurina said.
And to think these are the same workers that are fighting for their jobs because the school board wants to outsource them.