By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
See photo gallery below from both ARIS and WMS events
Elmore County Public Schools is celebrating National School Lunch Week this week from October 14th through the 18th. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Your Lunch, Your Treasure! Set Sail for a Taste Adventure,” highlighted the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Special guest servers were invited to help during lunch at Airport Road Intermediate School and Wetumpka Middle School on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This is the first time that Elmore County Public Schools could take part in the campaign. In the past, the National lunch campaign fell during fall break and also scheduling conflicts due to the COVID response.
The children have been able to experience tasteful foods from around the world along with all American classics throughout the week. For each student that eats a school lunch this week, they will receive a special “pirate” treasure.
Tuesday’s event was ‘Dress Like a Pirate Day’ at Airport Road Intermediate School and it was a huge hit, with students enthusiastically diving into their Sea Rover’s Fare and leaving with pirate hats and smiles. There were 480 lunch meals that were served at ARIS on Tuesday.
“It was an exciting day for our staff and students to witness the love and support from our community members and ECPS staff,” said ARIS Principal Marcy Stephens.
Special guests that attended at ARIS on Tuesday were Joe Clark ALSDE, Harvey Starling Owner of Publications Plus, Tanner Hicks Community Relations Coordinator/Development Assistant for AWF, Representative Jerry Starnes, Don Duncan Owner of Don Duncan All American Auto and Tire, Ashley Williams Owner of Pest Pro, and Cadi Mills Vice Chair for MACC. The Elmore County CNP Director Cacyce Davis, Assistant CNP Director Monette Salter, and CNP Field Supervisor Shelly Fuller were in attendance as well.
“It takes a village to raise a community and being present and accessible for the kids is most important. I am very thankful to be a part of the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce and have this opportunity available to me today to be here at ARIS to celebrate National School Lunch Week,” said Cadi Mills.
Wednesday’s global menu at Wetumpka Middle School, designed by Manager Cheryl Lucas, gave students a chance to explore diverse flavors while learning about different cultures. There were 550 lunch meals that were served at Wetumpka Middle School on Wednesday.
Special guests that attended at WMS on Wednesday were Wetumpka Councilman Steve Gantt, Wetumpka Councilwoman Lyness Justiss, County Commissioner Henry Hines, Mayor Jerry Willis, Representative Troy Stubbs, ECBOE Vice Chairman Michael Morgan, and Wetumpka City Clerk Tiffany Robinson. The CNP Director Cacyce Davis and Assistant CNP Director Monette Salter were in attendance as well.
“While it was a lot of fun for us to interact with students and participate in lunch around the world, it was also a great opportunity to see firsthand just how hard all of our CNP folks work every day to prepare healthy, delicious meals for our students,” said Michael Morgan.
“Our National School Lunch Week events have been a tremendous success, and the energy from our students and guest servers has been incredible,” said Director Cacyce Davis.
She continued, “This week has shown us how school meals can bring together not just students, but the entire community. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated café teams, who continually go the extra mile to ensure that lunchtime is a positive and engaging experience every school day. From pirate adventures on Tuesday to exploring flavors from around the world on Wednesday, it has been wonderful to see the excitement as students try new foods and engage with our special guest servers. We are so grateful for the participation of our district and community leaders who helped make these days even more memorable. Moments like these highlight the importance of school meals in fostering both nutrition and a strong sense of community.
County Commissioner for District 1 Henry Hines spoke to EAN about serving the students at WMS.
“It is great to show our students and future leaders that we are here to support and serve,” Hines said.
Elmore County students can enjoy the convenience of a healthy school lunch at no charge due to the district’s participation in the community eligibility provision (CEP).
IMPORTANT MENU INFORMATION:
• To view and print your menus for your school, visit https://schools.mealviewer.com
Remember, menus vary by school, and MealViewer provides the most up to date information about our meals. You can also access MealViewer on your phone using the MealViewer app for quick and easy access!
For more information and updates from Elmore County Child Nutrition, please visit their Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/ElmoreCountyCNP
You can also visit the Elmore County Public Schools website at: https://www.elmoreco.com
