Welcome back to our blog series, the No Kid Hungry New York Partner Spotlight. Each month, we’ll be speaking to our partners across the state, learning what’s new in their school meals programs, and celebrating the tremendous work they do to ensure that more kids have access to the the fuel they need to learn, grow and thrive. This month, we heard from Catherine Shutt, Culinary Director at Arkport Central School District, a rural PK-12 district in the Southern Tier.
Can you describe your community and school district? What do you love about where you live and work?
We are a rural PK-12 district. I love the sense of community and knowing most of the students and/or their parents.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now in your school meals program?
Our biggest challenge is the rising cost of everything. We try to be creative while spending wisely. One thing we have implemented is using silverware (not plastic) for lunch. Our second biggest challenge is trying to keep up with our increased participation since becoming CEP.
What’s new in breakfast in your school meals program this year?
We received a grant from No Kid Hungry and with part of the grant purchased a breakfast cart. We have this available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays upstairs for 7-12th grades. We average 10-15 students a day, which in our small school is about a 6% increase!
What’s your favorite breakfast to serve? What do the kids love to eat?
Our favorite is breakfast pizza! The kids love Breakfast on a Stick, which they refer to as “Corn Dogs.”
If you could tell everyone in America something about school breakfast, what would you tell them?
How important it is for students to start their day out! We are diligent about saying “Good Morning” to every student. With that and a full belly, it starts their day out right!
At No Kid Hungry New York, we thank the Catherine and food service staff members at Arkport Central School District for their dedication and enthusiasm in feeding kids throughout the school year. We’re grateful to support their work and honored to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary program!