Cadott School meal features locally grown lettuce

Although schools are closed statewide until word is given otherwise, meals continue to be served to students through the Cadott School District. Recently, those who have signed up for the meals, whether by delivery or pick-up (at the high school commons), were treated to lettuce grown in Keith Becker’s ag classroom.

“It was so nice, because it gave us an op- portunity…it was all going to kind of get old at the same time,” said superintendent Jenny Starck. “The timing worked out. People were pretty happy about that.”

The lettuce was used as a prominent feature in homemade sandwiches.

“Eventually, we’d like to get a greenhouse and have more of that…” said Starck. “Being local and more connected to your food, I just think it’s good anyway.”

As part of the state DPI program, typically run in conjunction with summer school, the meals program expanded to provide the funding during the school closure. Students under 18 are eligible for a lunch and a breakfast.

“You don’t have to be free and reduced,” said Starck “So, that’s really been helpful, because then, there is no stigma. Whoever wants lunches, can get lunches. As long as they live in our district, anybody (under 18) would be eligible.”

Starck says about 40 families pick up meals, while there are 450 prepared daily.

“It’s a great issue to have,” said Starck.

As head of the food program at the school, Starck says Deb Zais has been wonderful, as well as the rest of the food service staff and the paraprofessionals who help deliver the food.

“They get it done, they get it ready,” said Starck.

Starck says she is glad the district decided to send out meals, as, in rural areas, kids are sometimes home alone while parents are working and that it’s a nice “check up” on the kids during the delivery.

The meals may be dropped off at a student’s regular bus stop, not necessarily to their door, with four bus routes running.

“It’s a good partnership with Kobussen,” said Starck.

The meal delivery started March 30, and Starck says the program will run until school is back in session, Monday through Friday, except for holidays. If the school year does not resume, she said Cadott plans to run the program as long as the state allows them to continue.

See LOCAL LETTUCE/ Page 3 “I’m just so impressed and happy with the food service people, the paras and everyone who is doing the work,” said Starck. “I think they feel good. It’s been very well received and families are flexible.”

If anyone is not receiving meals and would like to do so, they can contact Karita Harvey at the district office, at 715-289-3795.

Backpack Buddies, which sends meals home with students over the weekend, is coordinated through the food pantry, for those already enrolled in that program.

Starck also says Cadott will “Be the Lights” Thursday, April 16, from 8-9 p.m., with the field lights on at the track. The community is asked to turn the porch lights on, in support and celebration of athletes and seniors, who are missing out on the rest of the 2019-20 school year.

The public is reminded to follow social distancing, with no congregating at the schools or field.