School district’s meals program feeds hundreds during crisis

“Every time somebody comes through the door, I’m so glad to have the support. It is a really big job.”

April 2, 2020 1:30 am
Vashon Island School District’s “grab and go” meal program includes pick-up at Vashon High School and about 15 spots around the island, with meals transported by school buses. Above, Holly Johnson, a district food service staff member, hands out food. She is joined by Liana Mann and Henry and Eleanor Casey at a Tahlequah bus stop (Courtesy Photo).
Vashon Island School District’s “grab and go” meal program includes pick-up at Vashon High School and about 15 spots around the island, with meals transported by school buses. Above, Holly Johnson, a district food service staff member, hands out food. She is joined by Liana Mann and Henry and Eleanor Casey at a Tahlequah bus stop (Courtesy Photo).

By Susan Riemer

While the state’s public schools are closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Vashon Island School District took seriously the governor’s order to continue providing for students’ nutritional needs and is delivering meals each weekday to hundreds of islanders who need them.

Lisa Cyra, a professional chef who has headed the district’s lunch program for a decade, is leading this latest effort with a team of five and several district volunteers. Now, instead of serving hot meals at the three school cafeterias, Cyra and her crew are making breakfasts and lunches and packing them to be picked up at the high school or delivered via school bus.

The program began on March 16 and had 38 participants, she said. As word of the service and need for it spread, more people joined in. Last Friday, after operating for just two weeks, the district provided food for 261 people, and Cyra expects the number to continue rising from there. The free meals, which are tracked separately as COVID-19 expenses, are intended not only for district students but anyone up to age 18 who needs them. Adults are welcome on a limited basis. While a $5 donation is suggested for adult meals, a fund has been set up to defray the cost, making free food available to all who need it.

There is no need to sign up, and no questions are asked, Cyra said; people can just show up at one of the designated bus stops on the north end, Maury Island or Tahlequah. Or they can stop by the high school any day between 8 a.m. and noon. She and her staff always load more food on the buses than they think will be necessary, and if the need arises, could make more from what they have on hand at the high school. For weekend meals, Cyra said the Backpack Pantry has stepped in with additional provisions. Last Friday, the nonprofit provided 75 bags of food, and only a handful went unclaimed.

Cyra recently reflected on the “grab and go” meal effort, developed quickly when government officials were coming to terms with the need to close the schools.

“When we were hearing that schools might be closing and that childcare and nutrition would still need to be provided, my first thought was, ‘Of course we will. How am I going to do that?’” she said.

The first week was tough, she noted, as about half of her typical staff of 10 are unable to participate, and she was trying to figure out how best to address the need. Last week was much smoother, with a plan in place and volunteers from across the district, who have come to the kitchen to help out. She stressed she is grateful for the assistance, spanning district office staff and principals to guidance counselors and teachers.

“We are such a lucky district to have such caring people,” she said. “Every time that somebody comes through that door, I am so glad to have the support. It is a really big job.”

Ten years ago, Cyra oversaw an overhaul of the district’s nutrition program, which provides hand-made food and the best quality ingredients available.

“I have always felt kids in school should be eating real food,” she said. “We are a from-scratch kitchen. I am trying to stay true to that in this crisis, too.”

Brown bag breakfast options include items such as banana bread, granola, yogurt and fresh fruit, while lunches feature one of several types of sandwiches, salads, milk, and a variety of snacks.

In this health-focused time, she said she and her crew disinfect workspaces frequently, wash their hands often and wear gloves. At bus pick-up locations and at the high school, they rely on recommended social distancing practices.

Spring Break had been slated for April 6 to 10. That week, Cyra said, meals will be served Monday through Wednesday, but three days of meals will be provided on Wednesday so that she and her staff might have a short break. Down the road a bit farther, she said they might start providing meals three days a week, with two days’ worth of food provided each time. If that change happens, more information will be made available in advance.

The food program has provided not just food, but an opportunity for the district to put additional resources in the hands of students: library books, Chromebooks and homework packets, among them.

Superintendent Slade McSheehy praised the effort.

“Our staff has really stepped up to meet our students’ and families’ needs. I’m very impressed with the collaboration between our transportation staff, our district volunteers, technology and food services staff. Everyone wants to pitch in and help.”

Cyra stressed that school district personnel are available to help islanders who are struggling with the pandemic and its many stressors.

“I just want people to know that if they have a need, there are many ways to come and get help. We can connect people to more food and other services,” she said. “Don’t be shy about asking for help. We are here to do that.”

Susan Riemer is a communications specialist with the Vashon Island School District and former editor of The Beachcomber.