Extra funding allows all PV students to receive free breakfast and lunch

Kelly Brewer, Social Media Manager • October 5, 2020

A popular meal that students are served at lunch.

Pleasant Valley School District has received funding that allows students to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch per day.

PV recently switched food programs from the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The Federal Government has provided funding for this program and the extra funds have allowed all PV students to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch per day.

PV’s food service program is now reimbursed for all meals served. The free meals are expected to continue until Dec. 31 or until the extra funds run out.

The free meals consist of one entree and the fruits and vegetables provided. However, if students choose to purchase extra entrees or ala carte items such as chips, Propel, banana, etc. they must have funds in their lunch account.

PV is not the only district who has been able to receive these funds. Any school district can join this program, however they must apply for an application first. Bettendorf Community School District is also a part of this program.

These funds have relieved a lot of stress for many parents.“As a parent, we have many things on our plate. With these free meals, it gives parents, including myself, one less thing to worry about. Parents aren’t having to worry about whether their kids can buy lunch or not and it saves us all some extra money,” said Joel Naumen. Parents and students can rely on this service on their online days as well, with the option to come to the school and pick up food.

PV provides nutritious items so that they can ensure kids are being fed a proper diet that will help students be energized and refreshed in order to perform well in school.

PV purchases milk from Prairie Farms, fresh produce from Loffredo, and other food items from Kohl Wholesale. All of which support local dairy farms and locally/family owned businesses in the Midwest. Andrea Mahler, Food Service Director for PV, wanted to “encourage all to start using this service as [PV] employs 40 [food service workers].”

The free lunches have been active since Sept. 21. PV encourages students to take advantage of these funds through December or until funds run out, whichever comes first.

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About the Contributors

Kelly Brewer, Social Media Manager

Kelly Brewer, a senior at Pleasant Valley Highschool is the Social Media Manager for The Spartan Shield Online. Brewer moved around the country frequently as a child, but lastly from Kentucky with her family after her parents took jobs in the Quad Cities. She plans to attend the University of Iowa and study to become an Orthodontist. Kelly explains her hopes, “I want to help people feel confident in themselves and having a perfect smile is the start to that.” In her free time, Brewer enjoys dancing which she has done since age 3 and competed for Expressions Quad Cities for the last 9 years as well. She has won various awards such as Nationals with her team. She grew up with four brothers and one sister, and loves spending time with family and friends. She volunteers at the family museum frequently and loves giving back when she can.

Addi Steele, Photo Manager

Addi Steele is a senior who serves as a photo manager for the Spartan Shield. Addi is a very committed athlete and is very involved in multiple school activities. Steele has participated in cheer since freshman year as a member of both the football and basketball squads. She’s been a varsity cheerleader since freshman year, and this year was named captain of the varsity football cheer team. Adding to her cheer activities, Addi is a member of the Sparkles cheer team, and outside of school, Addi works as a YMCA gymnastics coach teaching lessons at the Bett Plex. When she’s not busy with her athletics, you can find Addi taking long drives, walking her dog, Sparky, or spending time with her cat, Lola. After high school, Addi plans on attending college in Arizona.