The Mobile Café in Harrisonburg, Va. was made possible through strong partner collaboration garnered by the local school district.
Rowan-Salisbury (N.C.) Schools Yum Yum Bus As Rowan-Salisbury School Nutrition Program gears up for another summer of “meals on the bus,” the effects of last year’s program have continued to shine through
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the winter months. A few years ago, after attending a Summer Palooza! Summit offered by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Rowan-Salisbury schools made a commitment to increase their summer meals by 10 percent. They had no idea how their efforts would not only exceed anyone’s expectations, but also make so many lasting impressions. For years they rented trucks to deliver meals to camps, churches and other summer sites until in 2016 they chose to go another route. Rowan-Salisbury decided to use buses to serve meals to students in rural communities and housing developments. They were able to deliver books and fresh produce to families in over 130 sites each day by partnering with several organizations like the public library and local farmer’s market. In summer 2017, the Yum Yum Bus was fully outfitted with air conditioning, countertops and a diner-like seating area for students to enjoy meals in a nice atmosphere. The Dairy Alliance provided insulated cooler bags and hard-sided coolers to maintain
cold temperatures of dairy foods. School principals and administrators rode on the Yum Yum Bus to check out this “mini restaurant” their School Nutrition Program had cruising the streets of Rowan County. They were more than amazed at the service provided. Committed to do more, the Yum Yum Bus hit the streets again over the Christmas holidays bearing presents for the children and families of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. This summer Rowan-Salisbury Schools will add a second Yum Yum Bus to its fleet of mobile summer meal vehicles. And don’t be surprised if this one carries the tune of “Meals on the Bus are Yum, Yum, Yum.” About The Dairy Alliance On behalf of dairy farm families, The Dairy Alliance, a non-profit works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors and the public to promote dairy foods. For more information, visit thedairyalliance.com.
SouthEast Education Network
Spring/Summer 2018
83