Nestled in the heart of Carroll County, Ohio, Carrollton Exempted Village School District bustles with excitement and activity every Thursday morning. By 8:30 AM, cars start lining up at the Carrollton Middle and High School, the sole site for the district’s summer non-congregate meal program. This year, the program is more vibrant than ever, feeding close to every student in the district.
At the helm of this undertaking is Barbara Burns, the dedicated Food Service Director who has been with the district for twelve years. Barbara and her incredible team of staff and volunteers have made Thursdays a special day for the community.
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Throughout the morning and afternoon, a steady stream of families arrive to pick up five days worth of meals, ensuring their children have access to nutritious food throughout the week. Each meal package includes a mix of cold, frozen, and shelf-stable items, with an added bonus of fresh produce. Containers of strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, and ears of corn are carefully arranged on-site, drawing families in with wholesome, farm-fresh additions to their meals.
This year marks a significant improvement over last summer. Previously, the non-congregate meal program had to wait until summer school was over to avoid overlap. This year, Barbara and her team were able to offer the full five days of non-congregate meals for the entire summer.
The impact has been astounding. Last year, the average number of children served per pick-up was between 400 and 500. This year, that number has soared to an average of 1,100 per pick-up, amounting to an incredible 11,000 meals each week. With a district population of around 1,900 students, the program is nearly feeding every child in the district.
To handle the increased demand, Barbara used a grant from No Kid Hungry to enhance the program. New signage was put up all over the county, welcoming families to the site and providing clear directions. Additional equipment to store milk, including a cooler and carts, was also purchased using the grant, ensuring the bulk milk remained fresh for families to take home.
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However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. It takes a lot of work to ensure this program can run successfully. From ensuring food deliveries arrive on time with the right quantities (and adapting when they don’t), to predicting the number of families that will come each week – these week to week variances add a layer of unpredictability that Barbara and her team are constantly navigating.
Carrollton’s unique geography adds another layer to the story. The district boasts the longest bus route in the state of Ohio, winding through the rural landscape. Transportation is a significant barrier to participation in summer feeding programs, but the community’s spirit of collaboration shines through. Barbara coordinates with local agencies like the Job and Family Services (JFS), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the Family and Children First Council, and various ministry groups to help with outreach and referrals. The district’s active “CARE” Team also works tirelessly with families identified as financially and nutritionally at risk, providing additional services to support them.
Carrollton Ex. Village’s summer non-congregate meal program is more than just a meal distribution initiative; it’s a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and care. Under Barbara Burns’ steadfast leadership, the program continues to thrive, nourishing not just the bodies, but also the hearts and spirits of Carrollton’s children and families.