Michigan Food Service Staff Members Win Michigan Food Hero Contest
Michigan’s dairy farmers launched the Michigan Food Heroes program to recognize school food heroes supplying meals for students in and outside of school during the pandemic. Dawn Pully from Bendle Public Schools, Heidi Leffew from Bear Lake Schools, Jennifer Raymond-Brown representing Jefferson Public Schools, and Kristine Syzmanski from Coleman Community Schools. have been selected as the winners of the Michigan Food Heroes contest. Each winner received a $500 gift card to recognize their contributions and a “tray it forward” to provide their school with a $2500 grant to buy equipment to help serve and store meals for students.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic led to an increase in food insecurity that no one expected. Foodservice workers across Michigan immediately rose to the challenge and have continued to work tirelessly since March of last year to ensure students received meals despite disruptions to their classes. Their dedication to providing nutritious meals aligns perfectly with the passion that Michigan dairy farm families have for feeding people nutritious food. We cannot thank foodservice heroes enough for the work they’ve done in and out of the cafeteria to ensure students across the state do not miss a meal. Congratulations to the deserving recipients of the MI Food Heroes Contest. Your work has certainly not gone unnoticed!” Sharon Toth, CEO, Milk Means More
“They say not all heroes wear capes and that is certainly true”, Cortney Freeland, Director, Youth Wellness Programs at Milk Means More explains.
Michigan’s school food service workers have persevered to ensure our children have nutritious meals available, no matter the obstacle. Michigan’s dairy farmers want to spotlight these heroes and show gratitude for their continued efforts.”
MI Food Hero winners also spoke about their experience working to help feed children throughout the pandemic.“The right thing to do is not always the easiest and I definitely learned that over the last year. This year has made me LOVE my job even more. I want to thank my team for pushing right on through the tough times. Thank you for recognizing the hard work we do” -Dawn Pully, Food Director, Bendle Public Schools.
The right thing to do is not always the easiest and I definitely learned that over the last year. This year has made me LOVE my job even more. I want to thank my team for pushing right on through the tough times. Thank you for recognizing the hard work we do” -Dawn Pully, Food Director, Bendle Public Schools.
Despite Covid, meals continue to be provided by schools to help students dealing with food insecurity.” To find a feeding site near you, please visit https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/.
