Midland Public Schools
Faced with compounding adversity, the Chartwells School Nutrition Team at Midland Public Schools, led by Director, Tina Malzahn, stepped up to provide meals for families in need when the floods hit the Midland community in May. Providing free meal pick up locations throughout the community of Midland, this stellar team fed families forced out of their homes and residing at Midland High School. These efforts were on top of the meals the staff created, packaged and delivered to students and community children learning from home when the pandemic hit in March. With the help and support of Midland Public Schools Transportation Team, United Way and Community Volunteers, they gave 345,833 free meals to community families and another 180,004 through the summer months.
Chef Jake Kelly is very proud of the Midland foodservice team and how hard they work each day. Kelly said, “The staff adapted quickly to all the adversity they faced and have continued to work very hard.” Working within the many guidelines in place for school meals, the school nutrition team at Midland Public Schools strives to transform everyday meals and make them more appealing for the students.
Like many districts across the state, Midland Public Schools offers free breakfast and lunch to all students through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The school nutrition team has found creative ways to increase access to school breakfast and lunch. In the elementary schools, both meals are safely delivered to students in their classrooms. At the secondary schools, carts are wheeled out near the entryways so students can grab breakfast on their way into the building. In addition to preparing meals for the students in the building, the staff is also feeding students learning virtually. A world health crisis or a natural disaster, nothing can stop this passionate and devoted team from pivoting their plans and ensuring safe, nutritious meals are available for all students in Midland.
Free meals are available for pickup on Tuesdays and Thursdays to all community children at select locations 11:30-12:30 pm. and on Saturdays to all community children at Midland High and Central Park Elementary from 9:00 am -11:00 am. More Information
