Barren County Schools emphasize importance of school meals during National School Lunch Week

GLASGOW Ky.- As students in the area returned from fall break Monday, they celebrated an important part of the school day.

October 11th through 15th is National School Lunch Week, a week highlighting the time of day where students give their minds a break and refuel. The Barren County School District is celebrating the week with various themes each day. Monday’s theme was related to music, and students wearing a band shirt received a special perk of sweets.

This district offers free breakfast and lunch. All elementary schools in the district can also take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables grant, ensuring that students are always getting that much needed nutrition during the day.

Some district staff rocked their outfits of the band KISS to not only have fun with the week, but also to showcase the importance of getting these meals.

“Having a hot meal for breakfast and lunch every day is vital for academics, stability, and for kids to get their needs met. It’s very important, and the role that we play has been even more magnified through COVID, I think the kids are happy to be back,” said Barren County School District director of food and nutrition services CheyAnne Fant.

Students say while it’s important to keep in mind how essential school lunch is, they say it’s also important to have fun with it, and that the district is doing great to do both.

“I think it’s really important. Nutrition is something that keeps us alive, so I think it’s really good that our lunches are healthy and nutritious,” added Barren County High School Sophomore Alexandria Dixon.

Tuesday’s theme is peace, love, and nachos. Students are encouraged to wear tye-dye, hearts, or groovy gear. Wednesday, students should wear red. Thursday, the fall season will be celebrated with fall colored outfits, and Friday will be Barren County spirit day, with school colors or Barren County apparel.