District nutrition director: summer pickup program has distributed over 24,000 breakfasts to date

Elizabeth Walkske, the Harrisburg School District—s assistant child nutrition director and district dietitian, reported to the board that the district—s summer meal pickup program has seen strong participation and wide reach.

"So a grand total, we've done over 24,000 breakfasts, and just about 24,500 lunches," Walkske said, summarizing distribution across the pickup schedule. She told the board that May—s single pickup produced 312 bags (936 breakfasts and 936 lunches), June nearly 4,000 bags (12,651 breakfasts and 12,829 lunches), and the single record day on June 30 produced 490 bags (1,470 breakfasts and 1,470 lunches). Walkske said families received multiple meals per bag depending on the pickup day (for example, four breakfasts and four lunches on Fridays; three each on Tuesdays), which explains variation in per-day totals.

Walkske said the program was opened to neighboring districts while flyers were being posted; she told the board families from Canton, Beresford and Parker also used the pickup option. She described program innovations presented to the district office, including a pizza-kit option and themed days for student volunteers; the presentation included photos of volunteers and menu items. Board members thanked Walkske and staff for the work and the community response.

The board received the presentation as information; no formal action was required. The district—s summer distribution numbers will be included in future administrative updates as staff track participation and any needed adjustments.