Lynsi Barnhill, Food Service Director for Paducah Public Schools, has been named to No Kid Hungry’s 2022-2023 Out of School Time Meals Champion Cohort. Barnhill is one of 10 professionals named to this inaugural cohort, who have been exemplary in their work to end hunger in their communities through the Summer and Afterschool Meals Programs
Over the next year, the cohort will work to raise awareness about the Summer and Afterschool Meals Programs, provide their support and expertise to new program sponsors, and work together to develop and share promising practices to providers across the country.
“Kids need proper nutrition to learn, thrive, and grow—every day of the year. These champions have been working tirelessly to ensure kids have the food they need, whether schools are open or not,” says Paige Pokorney, Program Manager for the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices. “We’re so excited to work with and learn from these champions over the next 12 months.”
Ensuring children have access to meals when they’re not in school has always been important, but the pandemic has magnified the importance of out of school time meals. When school doors are closed, school nutrition staff and community organizations step up to get meals out the door. For nearly two years, they have pivoted to serve meals in creative ways, guaranteeing kids are nourished, while also helping staff remain safe throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
"As we have gone through the pandemic, Mrs. Barnhill has led our district with a laser focus on making sure that every child has access to nutritious meals every day of the year, whether in school or out," said PPS Superintendent Dr. Donald Shively. "Her commitment to our students is exemplary, and we are grateful for her leadership."