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 Julia Takos at Poughkeepsie City School District, a diverse Pre-K through 12 district in the Hudson Valley.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now in your school meals program?
Some of the challenges I’m facing are short staffing and supply chain issues.
What about your breakfast program are you particularly proud of?
I’m proud to be the first person the students see when entering the building, with breakfast waiting for them.
What’s your favorite breakfast to serve? What do the kids love to eat?
My favorite breakfast meal to serve is an assorted bagel with cream cheese. The kids love the sausage, egg and cheese on croissant. and jelly.
What keeps you motivated to do this work?
The children keep me motivated to do this work.
If you could tell everyone in America something about school breakfast, what would you tell them?
I would tell America it is important for all children to have a well balanced and nutritious breakfast meal daily. In my district we don’t know if this is the first meal or the last meal of the day. Having breakfast also helps keep the children focused and helps with learning process.
At No Kid Hungry New York, we thank Julia and the food service staff members at Poughkeepsie City 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!