Frankenmuth

Feeding the Community 16 W hen our schools closed unexpectedly on March 13, teachers, students, administrators and parents were left with much uncertainty. Food Service Director Cindy Hegenauer provided the first "normal" service that our schools could offer to families – meals. Under a federal program, the Frankenmuth School District was able to provide free breakfasts and lunches to children 18-years- old and younger, and those with an IEP up to 26 years. Students did not need to attend the Frankenmuth School District to participate. For the first day, Cindy's staff prepared cold lunches and breakfasts and served them out of the Concession Stand behind the high school. Parents simply drove up and told how many meals they needed. "After the first day, our staff was exhausted! This was a whole new process for us and we really had to think about efficiency." She also didn't enjoy serving all cold meals – and that's when our first donation arrived. Dorothy Zehnder from the Bavarian Inn sent several huge tubs of cooked pasta from her kitchen to ours. The next day instead of all cold meals, our students enjoyed homemade macaroni and cheese – a school favorite. The students loved it and so did our staff. This served as the catalyst for their new plan of ensuring that every student had a hot meal each day. Dorothy's donation was the first of many from our community. As area businesses made arrangements to temporarily close, they shared bread, fruits, vegetables, cheese, applesauce, popcorn and even plastic bags. Not one week passed without someone dropping off something for our lunch program. Our staff was committed to having fun while taking the meals to the cars. They planned themes around the meals, dressed up, had music, and even decorations. T h e program ended on June 11 after serving 28,188 meals to area families. Superintendent Adele Martin said, "When we look back at this strange time, I hope that our students remember that their community thought that it was important that they were cared for. It was a priority for business leaders, city officials, church leaders, and especially our food service staff who ensured that they had a hot meal each day. I am so proud to live and work in Frankenmuth." Check in online and learn more about the steps we are taking to keep our patients safe: COVENANTMEDEXPRESS.COM Our other URGENT CARE locations: EXTRAORDINARY URGENT CARE PK 5/20 13268 Covenant HealthCare is taking extraordinary measures to ensure your safety at our six urgent care locations. Frankenmuth 600 North Main, 989.652.1320 Saginaw: 5570 State Saginaw: 2970 Pierce Saginaw: 3360 Tittabawassee Bay City: 2919 East Wilder Hemlock: 16440 Gratiot One parent commented, "The only time we are leaving home is pick up the meals at the school. I can't thank your staff enough for being the bright spot in our day. My kids are excited to see what they have planned." Dorothy Zehnder & Randy Hegenauer sit in a car as they oversee the food pick up line.

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