The Centreville Schools Food Club

We have been extremely busy since officially opening the Centreville Public Schools Food Club shortly before Christmas. From meeting with and talking to various organizations, to fulfilling Food Club orders, the work has been non-stop. We are thankful to be so busy!

In the few short months of operation, we have learned a great deal and met many challenges. As educators, we took on something that was completely new to us: inventory control, product ordering systems, food safety training, order packaging and more. Thankfully, we continue to improve and innovate with each passing week! As our staff gains a better understanding of how to operate the Food Club, we will be positioned to turn over the day-to-day operation to our Agriculture Science students. Ultimately the Food Club will be run by students, for students.

As we gain momentum with the Food Club and settle into a routine, we hope to establish new partnerships and develop new ideas to further enhance the benefits the Food Club provides. This newsletter is intended to provide an overview, updates, and news associated with the Food Club. We hope you enjoy the first issue and share it with your family and friends. Your role with the Centreville Public Schools Food Club, whatever it may be, is making a difference--thank you!

Chad Brady

Superintendent, Centreville Public Schools

Percent of students at Centreville Public Schools that qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast.

Food Club shoppers have access to more than 200 pounds of ground venison provided by hunters who took part in this year's Kalamazoo Doe Derby. The one-pound frozen packages were donated at no cost to the Food Club and have been a hot item serving our families. Area hunters taking part in this year's Doe Derby are to thank for the large donation of venison.

The Kalamazoo Doe Derby is aimed at improving availability of quality protein to food-focused nonprofits – especially in rural areas where food access and deer overpopulation are both disproportionate.

Audrey Carey, Community Engagement Specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, had this to say about the importance of this new initiative,

"For us, the deer issue is the perfect trifecta – we’re reducing road hazards, minimizing crop damage, and improving access to protein – one of the most in-demand items for food banks and families in need. Looking ahead, venison donation and school food club sustainability will be key focus areas for the MFBFOC Social Mission."

Thank you, Doe Derby participants, for your contribution!

(contributed by Audrey Carey)

The Green & White Swine Show is an opportunity for our Centreville FFA members to showcase the hard work they have put into raising pigs since September. Fourteen FFA Members and nine pigs attended this year's show. These students have been diligently caring for their animals and developing skills in responsibility, decision-making, and animal management. While at the show, students participated in livestock judging, showmanship and market classes, and a skill-a-thon. We are proud of their dedication both in and out of the ring. Here are the places of each pig in their separate market classes.

• Hank- Reserve Hampshire Market Hog
• Sue- 3rd Place Hampshire Market Hog
• Honey- 7th Place
• Charlotte- 4th Place
• Poptart- 9th Place
• Babe- 7th Place
• Silver Bells- 5th Place
• LG- 6th Place
• Sargent Bacon- 6th Place

All nine pigs will be processed and donated to the Centreville Food Club providing families with pork sausage. The Centreville FFA is proud to provide food for families in our community.

(contributed by Megan Milliman)

Thanks to our friends at Lennard Ag and Walther Farms, the Centreville Food Club is able to provide potatoes direct from the farm to the dinner table. Both operations have been instrumental in providing this nutrient-rich food option. Our families are enjoying every spud!

Thank you, Lennard Ag and Walther Farms, for supporting the Centreville Public Schools Food Club!

A key partner for the success of the Food Club is South Michigan Food Bank. Because of their involvement, the FC is able to tap into USDA pricing--allowing us to expand our purchasing power and product availability.

The South Michigan Food Bank has also supported the FC with training, support, and guidance. Thank you, South Michigan Food Bank, for your partnership and commitment to end food insecurity in our community.

Chartwells is the food service company that operates the cafeterias at Centreville Public Schools. Chartwells has been a huge help to the FC with not only additional storage space but also with donations. Thanks to our Chartwells Food Service team the FC has received over 100 one pound packages of ham and hard salami. This donation provides more great protein options for our FC families.

Thank you, Chartwells!

The Jason Scramlin Agency continues to deliver and provide support to the Centreville Public Schools Food Club. Jason has been actively involved in seeking grant funding on behalf of the FC and has been a key partner with its initial launch.

In November, the FC provided over 100 Centreville school families with a fully packaged Thanksgiving Day dinner. This, in large part, was because of Jason's commitment to the Food Club initiative. Thank you, Jason, for your support!

Did you know that the FC has received significant contributions from near and far. Although these donors wish to remain anonymous we want to be sure to mention their involvement.

"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver."

- Barbara De Angelis

Thank you for your support!

Food Club Operation, Partnership, or Donations

Chad Brady, Superintendent

cbrady@cpschools.org

269.467.5220

Food Club Student Involvement

Jenny Troyer, Agriculture Science teacher

jtroyer@cpschools.org