Welcome back to our blog series, the No Kid Hungry New York Partner Spotlight. We’ll be speaking to our partners across the state, learning what’s new in their summer 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 week, we heard from Jocelyn Lopez at Plattsburgh City School District. which serves 2,000 students in five schools on Lake Champlain.
Tell us about your community. What makes the area special?
Plattsburgh City School District (PCSD) is nestled in a charming, rural city enriched by the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. Our district thrives on a strong sense of community, where students, families, and staff support one another in a close-knit, encouraging environment. At PCSD, we take pride in fostering a warm and collaborative atmosphere that empowers every learner to succeed.
How have kids and families expressed gratitude for flexible summer feeding options such as grab-n-go meals, pick-up meals and home-delivered meals?
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of appreciation we’ve received through heartfelt conversations and thoughtful emails from our families. The support doesn’t stop there—many have also shared beautiful and uplifting photos on social media, reflecting the positive impact of our programs. These expressions of gratitude truly reinforce the strength of our community and inspire us to keep striving for excellence every day.
What are the most popular items on your summer menu? What is your favorite item to serve?
Our offerings have been met with tremendous enthusiasm and appreciation. Among the most popular items are our fresh produce—vibrant lettuce, crisp cucumbers, colorful peppers, and delicious local apples. The weekly pasta meal continues to be a favorite, and our home-baked goods have received countless compliments for their warmth and flavor.
Yet what truly fills us with pride is not any single dish, but the incredible diversity of nutritious, high-quality food we’ve been able to provide. This variety reflects our commitment to meeting the needs and preferences of our students while celebrating the rich bounty of our local community.
What would you say to other program leaders who are reluctant to implement flexible summer feeding options such as grab-n-go, pick-up meals and home-delivered meals?
We wholeheartedly encourage taking that step. While it has required thoughtful planning and dedication—rethinking how to provide five breakfasts and five lunches per student, per week, exploring packaging and freezing options, and coordinating meal pickups with families—the results have been profoundly rewarding.
This approach has transformed the way we serve our students and deepened our mission in ways we never imagined. It elevates the passion for feeding children to an entirely new level, allowing us to meet their needs with care, creativity, and commitment even outside the traditional school setting. The impact is tangible, and the sense of purpose it brings is beyond measure.
If you could tell everyone in America something about summer meals, especially flexible feeding options (e.g. grab-no-go, pick-up meals, home-delivered meals), what would you tell them?
We encourage every family across America to take full advantage of the summer feeding programs available in their communities. In these uncertain times—when the cost of food continues to rise—these programs offer essential support, not only by offsetting grocery expenses, but by providing students with a reassuring sense of consistency and care.
The meals our families receive are the very same nutrient-rich, high-quality foods that students enjoy during the school year, thoughtfully prepared to reflect familiar and comforting choices. When school is out and parents are working, these programs provide peace of mind, knowing their children have access to wholesome, nourishing meals. It’s more than just food—it’s a source of stability, a gesture of care, and a powerful way to help children thrive year-round.
At No Kid Hungry New York, we thank Jocelyn and the food service staff members at Plattsburgh City School District for their dedication and enthusiasm in feeding kids throughout the summer. We’re grateful to support their work and honored to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary program!
