School district faces food insecurity and inflation

PARMA, Ohio — City of Parma Schools Food Services Supervisor Bob Gorman said that for some students, the end of the school year is cause for concern.

“Food insecurity isn’t necessarily about missing a meal,” he said. “Maybe it’s not having a full meal or just like a partial meal. It could be just a ramen noodle again. It could be having no more fruits or vegetables with your meal.

According to Feeding America, summer is the hungriest time of year for 22 million children who usually eat at school.

Gorman said that’s why the district is offering free lunches to students during the break.

“This year, we will feed three schools: Thoreau Park, John Muir and Ridge-Brook.

He said there have been challenges, such as obtaining food and staff shortages.

“Keep your fingers crossed I could still get food and fingers crossed I could still get staff,” he said.

However, he is still optimistic about his ability to turn to local suppliers to feed students this summer.

“We still believe in local foods,” he said. “We always believe in serving fresh local food. »

He said the 2022 summer feeding program begins June 13 and students can expect a variety of meals.

“We’re going to have your typical school lunch menus, which for Parma will include a fruit and veg bar and then hot meals,” he said. “We will have another cold meal that will be available for the children.”

He said the dates and times will be posted on the school’s website.