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Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies and offering service with a smile, Prince Edward County Public Schools nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate.

To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Prince Edward County schools celebrated School Lunch Hero Day May 1. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by the School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day.

“School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hard working heroes,” Bruce Davis, food service supervisor, said.

For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day.

School looks a little different this semester, but for school nutrition employees the routine is much the same. They continue to work daily creating breakfast and lunch for students, except now they take the meals to the children. The school lunch staff splits time between being on campus creating meal bags and traveling to six locations throughout our county to hand out the meals.