News from Food Service

This is a good time to review your student’s meal account balance. We kindly ask that any negative balances be settled as soon as possible.

Checks may be made payable to the Town of Lunenburg. For your convenience, credit card payments are also accepted through the online payment service LINQ.

https://linqconnect.com/main

In addition, for students who are graduating with a positive balance, funds may be transferred to a sibling’s account. Transfers can be completed through LINQ, or families may email the Food Service Director with transfer requests.

Families who wish to have remaining balances refunded may submit a completed reimbursement form to the Food Service Director

The reimburse form is linked below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVjYbBDnii_j2WoFlHT5AfPwBCOfqVm8/view?usp=sharing

Please contact the food service director with questions or concerns.

Lunch Hero Day is celebrated on the first Friday in May. Each year, I like to show my gratitude for the hard work our cafeteria staff do every day. Please follow the link below for free resources that allow students of all ages to get creative, there are printable activity pages, coloring sheets, “finish the comic” pages, and more great ways for students to show appreciation for the lunch heroes in their school.

If your family qualifies for free or reduced-price meal benefits through our school meal program. In addition to meals, this qualification may also make your student eligible for waived or reduced fees school-related costs, including:

• Athletics
• Class dues and activity fees
• PSAT testing
• Field trip assistance (this depends on funding)
• And more

However, in order for your student to receive these additional benefits, we are required to have your permission to share your meal benefit status with other departments in the school. These benefits may be very useful for seniors given all of the senior class events coming up. I f you have not completed a sharing information form this school year you can do so now. I f have completed one there is no need to do so again.

In the past, this information may have been shared automatically. Due to changes in privacy requirements, we now must receive your explicit consent before we can apply any waivers or discounts.

Please complete the attached Sharing Information Form or use the link for our Online Sharing Information Google Form below as soon as possible to ensure your student receives all eligible benefits.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Nadine Lorenzen 978-582-4115 x1148 nlorenzen@lunenburgschools.net

Potatoes are a source of many important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, potassium, and niacin. Niacin is a type of B-vitamin that helps make energy in your body. One half a cup of cooked potatoes is a good source of vitamin C. Don’t forget to eat the potato skin to get all of these different nutrients.

Healthy Serving Ideas

• Chop potatoes into 1” cubes, toss with a few TB of olive oil, salt & pepper, and roast in 425°F oven for 35 minutes or until tender, turning once. Use white potatoes OR sweet potatoes!

• Make sweet potato pancakes. Add 1 cup of mashed sweet potato and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to your pancake batter.

• Make Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, for a creamy, protein rich dish.

Harvest of the Month Book Club

Gr. K-5: No Small Potatoes by Tonya Bolden

Gr. 6-8: Potatoes on Rooftops by Hadley Dyer

Gr. 9-12: Potato: The History of the Propitious Esculent by John Reader

Potato Purchasing Pointers

Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin and without sprouts. Avoid potatoes with green coloring. Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Not the refrigerator! Place them in a plastic bag with holes.

Fun Facts

Potatoes were the first vegetable to be grown in space.

People in the U.S. eat an average of 124 lbs of potatoes per year.

Gold Rush miners valued the potato. They traded gold for potatoes, ounce for ounce.

Where to Find Local Potatoes MassGrown Map (MDAR) https://massnrc.org/farmlocator