Check out what's happening in the Student Nutrition Services Department!
THIS MONTH'S FEATURE:
USDA Allows School Districts to Provide Free Meals for Kids 0-18 For School Year 2021-22
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the extension of the free meals for kids age 0-18. The flexibility allows Durango 9-R to operate the Seamless Summer Option, which makes free meals available to all children, for free, through the end of School Year 2021-22. This unprecedented move will help ensure all children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allowing school food authorities to participate under SSO during COVID-19 operations during the regular school year facilitates the safe provision of meals by eliminating the need to collect meal payments, including cash payments, at meal sites. This speeds up service of meals, thereby reducing contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.
9-R Rolls Out Remote Meal Services to Support Families
On March 25, 2020, Durango 9-R began providing access to breakfast and lunch in take-home packages at central pickup sites for all families in Durango as a continued support for families during school closures. These sites included remote bus stops as well as drive-though pickup locations at each of the 9-R elementary schools.
All children from age 0-18 within the 9-R school district boundaries were eligible to pick up breakfast and lunch at these established locations at designated times for pick up, regardless of whether they are 9-R students. Meals were made available on regularly scheduled school days per the 2019-20 academic calendar and continued through the duration of school closures required to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building New Partnerships to Deepen Community Connections
The dedicated staff of Durango 9-R Student Nutrition Services are dedicated to creating a healthy food environment that supports student achievement through local food partnerships. Click on the link below to learn more.
School Garden Cultivates Food, Learning Health, and Community of Riverview Students
A collaborative effort is growing healthy brains and bodies, robust scientific inquiry, and strong community at Riverview Elementary School. Click on the link below to learn more about the Riverview School Garden.
Salad Bars at All Schools
(Currently suspended until further notice due to COVID-19)
Salad bars at schools increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our students. Click on the link below to learn more.
Farm-to-School Program Grows with Distribution Center
A local food distribution center built in Durango High School over the summer of 2016 now serves as a food hub for seven area school districts, thanks to Durango School District's thriving Farm-to-School program. Click the link below to learn more.
Flavor Stations Coming Soon to 9-R School Kitchens
A flavor station (also called a spice station or flavor bar) is a great way to get kids excited about trying new foods and participating in school lunch!
Gourmet Beef Boxes Fundraiser - December 2019
Special and just in time for the holidays, the Student Nutrition Services program is offering Specialty Gourmet Beef Boxes. The boxes contain fine cuts of our own, locally sourced beef, including favorites like NY Steak and Ribeye. Click on the link below to learn how to participate in this fundraiser.
