Jackson Public School District students walked through the Bates Elementary School cafeteria, grabbing plates from the shelf above the stainless steel serving line. Behind the line, a masked and gloved cafeteria worker placed barbecue chicken wings, french fries, a roll and small containers filled with fruit on white styrofoam plates. Near the line’s exit, students picked up milk or juice to add to their tray before heading to their seats at low-slung cafeteria tables. Teachers monitored the scene, opening juice cups and milk cartons. The scene looked much like one on a regular school day, but there was one difference – it was after 5 p.m.
The district began its expanded JPS Supper Meal Program on Nov. 3. The program, known formally as the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program, is USDA grant-funded.
“We’re part of the community and this is certainly a need and a void that we can fill,” Jackson Public Schools Executive Director of Public Engagement Sherwin Johnson told the Mississippi Free Press on Nov. 4…