Bears Lunchbox Express Expands Delivery

Mon, 06/01/2020 - 10:12am — John Embry

With so many changes in our community and beyond due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, folks may feel discouraged or frustrated that this summer is shaping up to be a very unusual one. However, this strange time has caused many to think creatively to ensure an awesome summer, nonetheless. This is the case with Kaitlin Harrison, Butler County Schools’ Nutrition Director and her committed staff of food service workers. The group has decided to expand the already successful Bears Lunchbox Express summer meals program.

Harrison explains, “this summer looks completely different than previous summers with the cancellation of Boys and Girls Club, Bears Den, VBS, sports camps, etc. and we knew more than ever we needed to meet our students where they were.”

Therefore, beginning, today, June 1, the Bears Lunchbox Express will feature both north and south routes as well as a drive-thru service at Morgantown Elementary.

“North and south routes to cover our entire county was the best way to reach our students while they are spending the summer healthy at home. We also decided to keep our drive-thru service at Morgantown Elementary due to the overall success of the program during our NTI days,” Harrison adds.

The Bears Lunchbox Express provides breakfast and lunch to children ages eighteen and under at no charge. Meals are balanced, nutritious and kid-approved. With even some of the items supplied by local farms.

Harrison is committed to ensuring that students have healthy meals, not just during the school year but in the summer as well. But says she could never pull off a venture of this magnitude without her incredible staff. “I have an amazing staff who have remained committed to serving our students no matter the circumstances.”

Harrison also reassures that safety is a priority for her and her staff. “We will continue utilizing several safety features, such as the use of appropriate PPE, social distancing and allowing the meals to be taken off site to discourage congregating at the route sites.”

Options to receive meals include drive-thru service at Morgantown Elementary from 8am-noon, Monday thru Friday as well as the following stops:

Rochester Park 10:25am Roundhill Corner Market 10:30am

Davis Crossroads Store 11:00am Temple Hill Church 11:00am

Sugar Grove Store 11:40am Good News Center 11:40am

Morgantown City Park 12:20pm Kent Manor Apartments 12:15pm

Huff-Ingram Apartments 12:45pm Tucks Ct/Mobile Village 12:35pm

West Heights 1:15pm Oak Hill Apartments 1:00pm

Thanks for Kaitlin Harrison and her staff for organizing this worthwhile program.

Butler County Schools Foodservice Staff:

BCHS BCMS MES NBES
Joy Franzell Kay Hartlerode Rachael Cameron Karrie Johnson

Jana Hammers Brenda Givens Kay Givens Juanita Garrison

Jamie Alford Darlene Renfrow Sue Davis Sheena Romans