Since the program, more than 500 students have received breakfast. (Credit: David Thomas)
The program, which has been piloted at both North and Central Middle Schools, allows building principals to offer free breakfast at different locations throughout the schools on a mobile cart
The Pennridge School District’s nutritional services department is using grant funds secured by Director of Nutritional Services Beverly Hendricks and her department to get breakfast into the hands of more middle school students.
The program, which has been piloted at both North and Central Middle Schools, allows building principals to offer free breakfast at different locations throughout the schools on a mobile cart. It is geared to students who may not go to the cafeteria and receive a breakfast, said a district press release.
Since the program started, more than 500 students have received breakfast, and numbers are expected to grow at Central and North Middle Schools as the cold weather sets in. The district’s goal is to expand this type of outreach within the school buildings to make breakfast more easily accessible to students, said the release.
The program allows building principals to offer free breakfast at different locations throughout the school on a mobile cart. (Credit: David Thomas)“Staff and principals have been very supportive and receptive to getting this program up and running,” said Hendricks. “We will continue to apply for these grants to fund the equipment we need to continue to offer a healthy nutritious breakfast and drive participation for those that choose not to go to the cafeteria.”
“Thanks to Mrs. Hendricks and our Nutritional Services team, more students at North and Central Middle Schools now have access to healthy, nutritious breakfasts through an innovative pilot program,” said Superintendent Angelo Berrios. “By meeting students where they are, this initiative has already reached hundreds more and reflects our commitment to supporting student well-being and readiness to learn.”
“I am proud to see how our staff consistently goes above and beyond to support our students’ success. Recognizing the critical role that breakfast plays in effective learning, Beverly Hendricks and her team introduced a mobile breakfast cart at two middle schools, significantly increasing access to healthy meals for students,” said school board president Ron Wurz.
“Securing grant funding to support this initiative demonstrates innovative, forward-thinking leadership and a steadfast dedication to student well-being," he said. "This initiative reflects the Pennridge commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment, and it is an excellent example of what it means to be ‘Pennridge Proud.”
