South Ripley summer food program serves 25,000 meals

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – South Ripley’s Food Service Department served more than 25,000 meals to local students through a new summer program. 

The Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded initiative that ensures children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months, at no cost to the student or their family. 

This was the first summer that South Ripley participated in the program and it was led by Food Service Director Farrah McCracken. She coordinated the planning and implementation to make it happen.

“The response from families was incredible, and I couldn't be more grateful for our cafeteria teams and community volunteers who worked together every week to make this  program a success,” McKracken said. 

Each Friday during June and July, families were able to pick up a week's worth of breakfasts and lunches for eligible children through a convenient grab-and-go delivery format. 

This initiative resulted in 12,850 breakfasts and 12,910 lunches being served to South Ripley students. 

Superintendent Rob Moorhead acknowledged the accomplishment of providing more than 25,000 meals in its inaugural year. 

“It speaks to both the need that exists in our community and the dedication of our Food Service Department and volunteers. We are proud to have been able to support our students and families throughout the summer,” Moorhead said. 

The school corporation is also crediting High School/Junior High Cafeteria Manager April Adams, Elementary Cafeteria Manager Tracy Burns, and the many cafeteria staff members who dedicated part of their summer to preparing and packaging thousands of meals. 

It was also made possible by volunteers with the Versailles Lions Club, South Ripley boys and girls soccer, and South Ripley staff members who distributed meals each week. 

McKracken said she couldn’t have done this alone and described it as a true team effort. 

“We are incredibly thankful for every person who helped make our first Summer Food Service Program such a tremendous success, and we look forward to serving even more  families in the years ahead,” she added.