Salem Schools Nutrition Program Distributes More Than 100K Meals

SALEM, MA – Salem schools are working hard to support their students during the coronavirus outbreak, both in their school work at home and by providing meals every day. Now, Salem Public Schools' Food and Nutrition Services are being recognized for making and distributing more than 100,000 meals to those in need.

Deb Jeffers, School Nutrition Director at the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, has lead a team of 24 people in making and distributing thousands of meals to students across the district since the beginning of March. FNS manages a summer food program every year once school lets out, so when students were sent home early to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, Jeffers and her team quickly transitioned into "summer mode."

"When school closed, summer started for us," she said. "We took our knowledge that we already had for summer feeding and we changed a few things."

Jeffers said her team is practicing social distancing and adhering to CDC health guidelines in order to keep workers safe. Due to the unusual circumstances, FNS was able to acquire a waiver from the state that allowed them to close the school year food program and open the summer food program early. Changes to the summer food program also include allowing parents to pick up meals for their students, distributing meals on multiple days and allowing students to bring their meals home instead of eating their meals on site, which they were previously required to do.

Packaged breakfast and lunch meals are available Monday through Friday. On Fridays, the program distributes meals for Saturday and Sunday as well. There are 15 food distribution sites across the town, including at school lobbies.

The program distributes nearly 1,800 meals per day.

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Salem is part of the Community Eligibility Program, which means that it is a 100% free lunch district.

"This allows for there to be no stigma attached to it, so that all students have access," Jeffers said.

Jeffers said students and their families have been appreciative of her team's work, especially during such uncertain times.

"A lot of people don't have jobs, so instead of having to worry about feeding their kids, we have the food available for every kid," she said. "It doesn't matter where they're from. It could be Peabody, anywhere. If they set food in Salem we feed them."

Root, a nonprofit organization that helps young adults develop skills for life and work readiness, posted a message on its Facebook page Monday, thanking Jeffers and her team for all of their hard work.

For more information on the Food & Nutrition Services, visit salemk12.org.

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