Aramark Salutes School Lunch Heroes; Provides 20 Million Meals to Students During Covid-19 Crisis
April 28, 2020 – In celebration of School Lunch Hero Day (May 1) and in the midst of the largest public health crisis in recent history, Philadelphia-based Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) is saluting the dedicated school nutrition professionals across the country. The nation’s leading provider of K-12 food & nutrition services also announced today that it is serving one million meals a day to students, and it has safely provided 20 million meals to students in hundreds of school districts across the country, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Aramark’s assistance comes as school districts have been forced to close their facilities and adjust meal programs to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This disruption of normal operations has impacted students and their families, teachers, staff and surrounding communities, as well as threatened the ability of many school systems to ensure that their most vulnerable student populations receive nutritious meals. Aramark employees are proud members of the school nutrition community and help advance the company’s unique ability to quickly and safely ensure millions of students and families have access to nutritious meals.
“School nutrition professionals have been on the front lines navigating changing regulations to preserve community access to meals during this public health crisis,” said Barbara Flanagan, president of Aramark’s K-12 Education division. “At Aramark, we are especially honored to salute these devoted heroes who are helping to ensure that children and families stay nourished during this unprecedented time for our country.”
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. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series.
Students and families will be showing their appreciation for their school nutrition staff when they pick up their meals in a variety of ways, including making thank you cards and posters; decorating vehicles and buses; dressing as their favorite superhero; and sharing videos and greetings on social media using #HeroesWearHairnets.
Aramark is partnering with 298 school districts to continue food & nutrition services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Following are a few examples:
