Brayton Students Enjoy Free Supper Program
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Kids in North Adams have another reason to hang around after school: Dinner.
The hot meal program was introduced this year at Brayton Elementary School as part of its slate of after-school activities.
Cory Nicholas, the food service director, said about 185 students are now served dinner each weekday evening.
"We, from a food service standpoint, are trying to increase access," he said. "That's our goal. We have expanded with breakfast in the classroom and now supper."
Noella Carlow, the school system's 21st Century after-school and summer program site coordinator, who with Nicholas secured the grant, said the North Adams Public School District is the first in the county to take advantage of the pilot program.
She said it is open to all students in the district who are under the age of 18 but is specifically helpful to parents.
"These kids have other evening activities so this helps parents because their kids can get a hot meal and then go to soccer, choral or dance," she said. "Even parents that are just here to pick up their kids stay a little longer and sit with them while they have dinner."
She added that in the future she hopes to open up the program to entire families.
Father of three Bruce All said he loves the program and looks forward to eating with his kids at the school.
"I think it is just a great program," he said. "They can get three hot meals a week and I wish they had it all of the time."
Thursday's meal was chicken broccoli alfredo with a roll, vegetable and fruit. There is always the option for a sandwich, too.
Carlow said students are seated by bus so they can sit with their siblings and it makes bus pickup easier.
She was also happy to see teachers, who stay after school, have been actually eating with their students.
"Many teachers in the building that work at night come down and sit and talk with the kids," Carlow said. "I think it is really good for students to see their teachers outside of the classroom so they can just talk."
Nicholas said the program would not be possible without the dedication of his staff and the teachers, many of who stay after school to help clean tables and situate the students.
"We are fortunate to have a dedicated food service staff, and we really couldn't do it without the teaching staff, too," he said. "It is a great team and such a great asset and it makes it easy."
Kimberly Roberts-Morandi, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, said the district plans to bring in more family based programming after securing a $20,000 After School and Out of School grant.
"We have a number of partners working with us like Berkshire Health Systems to extend some family and community outreach, especially focusing on nutrition and food prep," she said. "Things that families can do together."
She said the district will contain to look for funds to support more programming.
Tags: after school programs, Brayton School, food program,
