Food distribution program comes to a close - 720,000 meals later

Lincoln Public Schools concluded its grab-and-go food distribution program on July 27, marking the end of a herculean effort that resulted in the distribution of roughly 720,000 meals for students in need.

When schools were forced to close in March, LPS Director of Nutrition Services Edith Zumwalt and her staff knew they had to find a way to still feed the thousands of students who depend on school for breakfast and lunch.

“It’s very important for us to make sure children have food,” Zumwalt said. “That’s what we do.”

Families were able to pick up a week’s worth of pre-packaged meals for their students drive-thru style at 12 school sites across the city. Distribution was every Monday, 11-12:30. At the program’s peak in April and May, LPS staff were distributing 40 meals a minute.

“Nutrition Services staff were quick to step up and be willing to work and help make these meals,” Zumwalt said.

The meals, which were funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, included many of the most popular entrees - hamburgers, corn dogs, chicken nuggets - as well as fresh fruit and meals for special diets, such as gluten free and lactose free.

Watch the following video to learn more about the grab-and-go food distribution program.


Published: July 30, 2020, Updated: July 30, 2020