Food truck serves 138 kids on Election Day
Paula Sellers, director of student services for Anderson County Schools, and Director Tim Parrott presented food to students and families in need at Grand Oaks Elementary, Claxton Elementary and Lake City Elementary schools on Election Day when students were off. - Ben Pounds
“Kids were real excited to be able to come to the food truck and get served, and I think parents were appreciative,” she said. She said the excitement on their faces gave her the greatest reward in doing the program.
The Happy Lunchbox is Anderson County Schools’ new food truck, and its Election Day trip to Grand Oaks Elementary, Claxton Elementary and Lake City Elementary schools was its second trip.
It served 138 meals that day in total, up from 68 on its last trip during fall break. The meals included a chicken sandwich, chips, applesauce and dessert.
“I think we started out slowly, but the word’s getting out,” Sellers said, adding that online notices and word of mouth had helped.
In addition to the truck parking at school sites, a separate van delivered to communities more directly.
Meals were free for all, and the program does not have an income requirement.
A state grant of $194,000 helped pay for the truck.
“We want to be able to serve everyone, even if they don’t have transportation,” Sellers said, explaining the delivery van.
For more information on Anderson County Schools Student Services including future Happy Lunchbox dates, go to acs.ac.