Nutrition Director Wins National Hunger Award | Childhood Hunger Advocate Honored

St.Landry Parish Tackles Summer Hunger with Grab-and-Go Meals

St. Landry Parish, La. – The St. landry Parish School District is actively combating childhood hunger this summer by distributing 6,000 summer meals each week through its annual Summer Meals Grab and Go Program.

This initiative ensures that children in the parish have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school is out.

Weekly Food Boxes Provide crucial support

Each week, children between the ages of 0 and 18 receive boxes packed with seven breakfasts and seven lunches. These meals consist of non-perishable items designed to last the entire week.

according to Craig Tyler, who oversees the assembly line, the goal is to provide a “seven-day box” containing all the necessary meals for the week.

A Labour of Love

For the dedicated team members involved, the Summer Meals Grab and Go Program is more than just a job. It’s a mission driven by care and concern for the children in their community.

“We do it for the children; they matter, and they deserve these meals,” said Jessica Chenier, a team member passionate about the program’s impact.

Lucretia Hertzock, the Director of Child Nutrition for the St. Landry Parish schools, shares this sentiment, stating, “The end goal is to feed as many children as we can, and we love our children in St. Landry Parish.”

Hertzock Recognized as a Summer Hunger Hero

Hertzock’s commitment to fighting childhood hunger recently earned her recognition as one of no Kid Hungry’s 2025 Summer Hunger Heroes. This national campaign acknowledged her exceptional efforts to ensure that every child in St. Landry Parish has access to nutritional meals.

Hertzock expressed surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “I didn’t even know about the award, and I do not know who nominated me, but I am very happy that someone saw that I do good work.”

She emphasized that the program’s success is a team effort, adding, “And I have a marvelous team that allows me to be honored, and it’s with their hard work and sacrifice that we can shine as a team.”

Addressing Food Insecurity in St. Landry Parish

The Summer Meals Grab and Go Program directly addresses the critical issue of food insecurity within the community.

“Food insecurity is huge,and people are suffering,so it is important for us as a school board and organization to be able to recognize the needs of the students in the district and be able to fill in those gaps,” Hertzock explained.

Pro Tip: Encourage your local schools to participate in summer meal programs. Your support can make a huge difference!

The Broader Impact of Summer Meal programs

Summer meal programs play a vital role in addressing food insecurity among children when school is not in session. According to a report by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), these programs not only provide essential nutrition but also support children’s overall well-being and academic performance.

Did You Know? Summer meal programs can help bridge the nutrition gap, ensuring that children maintain healthy eating habits year-round.

Summer Meal Program: Key Aspects

Feature	Description
Eligibility	Typically, children aged 18 and under are eligible.
Meal Composition	Meals are designed to meet nutritional standards.
Funding	Primarily funded through federal programs.
Distribution	Meals are distributed at various sites,including schools,community centers,and parks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Meal Programs

What impact do you think these summer meal programs have on the community?

How can local businesses and individuals further support initiatives like the Summer meals Grab and Go Program?

for additional data about the district’s summer meal program, click here.

Share your thoughts and experiences below!

Here are two PAA (Program Activity Area) related questions based on teh provided text, each on a new line:

nutrition Director Wins National Hunger award: A Champion for Childhood Hunger

The national Hunger award, a prestigious recognition, honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in the fight against hunger. This year, the spotlight shines on a remarkable Nutrition Director whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact on combating childhood hunger and improving food security within their community. This article explores the achievements of this dedicated advocate and the broader implications of their work.

Key Achievements of the Award Recipient

The Nutrition director, whose dedication has earned this well-deserved recognition, has spearheaded several crucial initiatives. Their work goes beyond simply providing food; it encompasses a holistic approach to ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals and the resources they need to thrive. Some key areas of impact include:

• Expanding Food Access Programs: Successfully implemented and expanded access to free and reduced-price meals in schools and community centers.
• Nutritional Education Initiatives: Developed and launched educational programs for children and families on healthy eating habits.
• Collaboration with local Organizations: Forged strategic partnerships with food banks, local farms, and other non-profits to enhance food distribution networks.
• Advocacy for Policy Change: Actively lobbied for policies that support increased funding for child nutrition programs.

Impact on Childhood Hunger and Food security

The Nutrition Director’s initiatives have had a tangible and measurable impact on reducing childhood hunger. Studies demonstrate a direct correlation between their programs and improved student health, performance in school, and overall well-being. The focus on food security ensures that children have consistent access to nutritious meals, which is essential for their physical and cognitive growth. The principles of food security and the fight against child hunger are at the core of their success.

Specific Examples of Impact

The following table illustrates the tangible results of their efforts within the community:

Initiative	Result	Key Benefit
Breakfast in School Program	Increased participation in breakfast by 40%	Improved academic performance and concentration.
Summer Meals Program Expansion	Provided over 50,000 meals during summer breaks	Reduced summer hunger and promoted consistent nutrition.
Healthy Eating Workshops	Reached over 1,000 families	Increased awareness of nutritional needs and facilitated healthier food choices.

Strategies for Combatting Childhood Hunger

The award-winning Nutrition Director has employed several key strategies that could be implemented to reduce child hunger.These are:

• Community Engagement: Build local partnerships to advocate for food assistance funding.
• policy Advocacy: Advocate for school meals, support school breakfast programs, and support SNAP(Supplemental nutrition Assistance Program) to tackle food insecurity.
• Innovative Program Development: Create food programs to serve manny children throughout holidays or summer.

Practical Tips and Resources

Here are some resources and tips on how you can definitely help fight child hunger.

Volunteer at a Local Food Bank

Your time can make a big difference. Food banks depend on volunteers to package and distribute food.

Donate to Food Banks and Organizations

Monetary donations help provide resources to combat child hunger.

Advocate for Policy Change

Support Legislation that increases funding for child nutrition programs.

By focusing on these strategies, we can work together to provide many children with food to eat, as well as help the community.