From left: A member of the Plainville Fire Department, Jackson School Principal Kate Campbell, Plainville and Wrentham Director of Food Services Judy White and food services staff member Debbie ZuZick assist with food distribution services for King Philip, Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville families while schools are closed due to COVID-19. (Photo courtesy Plainville Public Schools)

The superintendents of the King Philip Regional School District, Norfolk Public Schools, Wrentham Public Schools and Plainville Public Schools would like to recognize all school nutrition professionals in honor of School Lunch Hero Day on Friday.

Gov. Charlie Baker proclaimed Friday, May 1 School Lunch Hero Day as a tribute to all school nutrition professionals. School nutrition professionals throughout the state have been working hard to continue to provide school lunches and access to food for families during the school closure due to COVID-19.

Director of Food Services for Wrentham and Plainville Public Schools Judy White, Director of Food Services for Norfolk Public Schools Linda King and Director of Food Services for King Philip Regional Schools MaryAnn Reynolds have worked to provide food distribution services for families in need throughout the region.

Distributions have been available for families from all four districts twice a day and two times per week at the Jackson School in Plainville. Director White and her team have prepared food bags and have been assisted by Plainville police and fire professionals in the distribution to families.

Additionally, "Grab and Go" lunches have been provided each week in Norfolk and Director Reynolds has distributed food to the Plainville site and to the food pantries in the towns.

"Knowing that many families rely on school meal programs, our food service directors immediately considered those needs and put plans in place to continue meal services when schools were closed," said Dot Pearl, Director of Wellness for the four districts. "The King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham Districts are pleased to celebrate these local heroes who make a difference for students each day, and we thank them for their commitment to our students."

During the regular year, school nutrition professionals work to provide healthy meals to all students while adhering to strict nutrition guidelines and addressing food allergies. They also help students learn about proper nutrition.