Saying happy holidays with a sun butter and jelly sandwich, fruit, vegetable and milk

--- Published on December 28th 2016 ---
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While Cathey Kelly was serving free kids’ lunches over Winter Recess, a grandmother caring for four kids walked up and gave her a big hug.

“I’m so glad you guys are here,” the grandmother said.

NUSD’s free lunch program means that every hungry child in Natomas has a place to turn for food while schools are closed for the holidays. It also provides incentive for parents and kids to get outside and spend time together each day, said Vince Caguin, the District’s Nutrition Services and Warehousing Coordinator.

NUSD is serving nearly 100 free lunches per day at two elementary school campuses – Natomas Park and Jefferson. Meals are served from Tuesday through Friday in a program that began the week after Christmas and will end Friday, Jan. 6.

“We’re right on track with where we want to be,” Caguin said of turnout for NUSD’s first-ever winter break feeding program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Anyone 18 or younger is served a daily entrée from 11:30 a.m. to noon that varies from sun butter and jelly sandwiches to taco salad, pizza, turkey sandwiches, yogurt parfait or garden salad. Vegetables, fruit and milk also are provided.

“This is good!” one boy exclaimed to a companion as they climbed into a waiting car at Jefferson School to munch their sun butter and jelly sandwiches.

Jessica, who has six kids, said the feeding program has been a welcome addition to her holiday season. “It’s a good idea, to help out a little,” she said. “And my kids have been telling me all morning to come.”

Caguin smiled at a recent Twitter tweet in which California Department of Education nutrition officials praised NUSD’s feeding efforts. “You’re doing amazing work,” it read. “Thank you for everything you do to keep your students fed well.”

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