On October 17, 2018, Bobby Jo Harper, VCHS food service director, lead Sonja Hill-Powell, some of the VCLSD board members, and other partners in the breakfast program through the halls and into the classrooms of Vinton County High School. They visited Mrs. Ward, FCCLA and Project Backpack Leader, and Mr. Downs first period classes. After visiting the classes, they went back to the library to discuss the success of the program. Sonja is a senior manager of School and Summer Nutrition of Children’s Hunger Alliance. Children’s Hunger Alliance purpose is to ensure children without access of nutrition, education, and physical activity. She invited VCLSD superintendent, Rick Brooks, to speak first. He explained how at first there was push back from taking breakfast from the cafeteria into the classrooms, but eventually the idea was strongly accepted. He pointed, out some of the work study students have been able to help distribute the food for the breakfast program and they have enjoyed the opportunity. Next, Bobby Jo Harper, who was a large advocate for the program, stepped up to the podium and said “Our kids really enjoy this program...Kids will ask ‘What are we going to have for breakfast in the morning?’ and it breaks my heart.” This program is very important to the students, putting breakfast in the classroom puts everyone at an equal feeling Harper explained. Erica Zinn, treasurer of the VCLSD, spoke next and discussed how we have received $65,142. We have been able to upgrade our kitchen, buy new supplies, and provide better food choices with the grant awarded by Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom funded by Walmart. A couple teachers even gave input about the new breakfast program. Mrs. Ward says “It doesn’t interrupt class for me… Food in the body gives the students fuel to make the day go better”. Mrs. Matteson made many points about the breakfast program having a positive effect on the students. An important point she made is “The Wilkesville bus is always late, they used to never get breakfast. Now that the breakfast is in the classrooms, those kids get breakfast too!” Vinton County has 415 miles for the buses to cover, making the bus routes starts at 6:00 a.m. Kids who have lunch at 12:30 and miss eating breakfast, having a six and half hour stretch before they have a chance to eat. With the new breakfast program, more than 500 students at Vinton County High School are enjoying a free meal. Overall, the Vinton County Local School District, principal Josh Tripp, and the staff are impressed with this program and thankful for it. Click More+ for additional pictures -By Yearbook Staff Member Lexie Walker