(Left to right) Donna Hoover, Elaine Ealy, Alice Thomas, Madonna Harris, Judy Wheetley, Alana Jones, Ardelima Macon.
Before the EF4 tornado hit central Arkansas on Sunday, April 27th, leaving a 41.3 mile path of destruction, we knew there was something special about the Mayflower School District. We knew they cared deeply about feeding kids― whether or not school was in session― because they had been a Summer Meals sponsor for many years. We knew they were committed to giving their students every opportunity to achieve academically because Food Service Director Krista Stephens and the child nutrition staff were fast to recognize the benefits and begin implementing the Breakfast in the Classroom model. They have received two Share Our Strength breakfast grants and are looking forward to further expanding their alternative breakfast programs. Seeing first-hand the positive results of breakfast-after-the-bell, they were also one of the first schools to participate in the Arkansas Meals for Achievement pilot program that makes it possible for schools to feed all students breakfast, regardless of their free or reduced status.
So, although Mayflower School District was already high on our list, the help they are providing to their friends and neighbors in the wake of last Sunday’s tornado makes them one of our Arkansas No Kid Hungry Heroes. The child nutrition staff (pictured above) has been moving frozen food from truck to truck ―almost around the clock since the nightmare began― to keep it frozen. “I’m so incredibly proud of their hard work and teamwork,” said Krista Stephens, “especially since many had family members who were injured or lost their homes in the storm.” Ben E Keith and US Foods―who provided the refrigerated trucks so the school would not lose the frozen food it had on school premises at the time of the tornado―“both really came through for us,” continued Stephens. “They saved us from a devastating food loss. We are estimating only having lost about $500 worth of food.”
With everything on her plate right now, Krista took time out to let our Arkansas No Kid Hungry field manager, Jane Adams, know that she and her Mayflower team were all right, and that they would make it through. We are proud to be partners with Krista Stephens and all the dedicated child nutrition staff in the Mayflower School District. The Alliance, the Arkansas No Kid Hungry team and national partner, Share Our Strength, will continue monitoring the rebuilding efforts of Mayflower School district to see how we can assist in the process.