Potomac Elementary School wrapped up its third summer food program two weeks ago. Over the eight week summer break, over 24,000 meals were served to kids 18 years and younger in Potomac, but also in Seeley Lake, Condon, Bonner, Clinton, Missoula, Lolo and Victor.
The program is made possible in part by a program through the United States Department of Agriculture, which provides some funding in the form of reimbursements to support getting breakfast, lunch, fresh fruit and vegetables and milk to participating families seven days a week during the summer.
But the real effort comes from Potomac School employees Sarah Duello, special education instructor, and Amy Truett, the school’s cook.
Truett said they try to provide at least one homemade item each week. Pulled pork, mac and cheese, spaghetti, spanish rice and a variety of sandwiches have made the menu, all of which Truett makes. Volunteers help portion boxes of food to be delivered and load them into delivery vehicles.
The food offered through the program is intended to be healthy but also easy for kids to grab on their way to or from various activities that pop up in the summer. Truett said feedback they’ve received from parents appreciation for the fresh produce, healthy options and home cooked meals.
The first year of the program happened during the covid-19 pandemic — during which Duello remembers dropping off lunches on a school bus — and its popularity transpired into keeping it as an option to feed kids through the summer. The first year of the program fed around 70 kids and now, Truett said they’re feeding more than 260.
“Amy and Sarah did an amazing job coordinating, organizing and providing such a healthy and valuable program to area children,” Potomac School Principal Sarah Schmill said via email. “I am blown away that they provided over 28,000 meals to children this summer. The feedback from families was so positive and appreciative, which is a testament to the quality of the summer food program Amy and Sarah have created.”
Truett and Duello are planning to continue the program next summer and hope to get the option open for Seeley Lake Elementary School. Seeley Lake Elementary would need to apply to get under the summer food program umbrella and volunteers would be integral to getting food boxes together, but Truett said Potomac School could sponsor Seeley Lake Elementary since their location is an approved site for the summer food program.
Truett and Duello would like to thank Kathy, Linda, Millie, Brayden, Skyler, Allyson, Sawyar, Sarah S., Tina, Happer, Alexis, Diane, Teresa, Jason, Eric and Mica, with a special note of thanks to Deb, Tylar and Tonya for transporting so many boxes to families in need.
They offered an additional thank you to Pattee Creek Market in Missoula for the fresh fruits and vegetables, Trevor at Community Delivery Co for the milk and Sysco for all the tasty treats.
“You all are the best suppliers,” Truett and Duello said via email. “We appreciate all the community involvement, love and support.”
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