Two Million Meals Served Since Pandemic Start

Black Mountain Primary second-grader Lainey King accepted the two-millionth meal served by county schools since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featured Photos (in order, from top): 1. On Nov. 9, Black Mountain Primary second-grader Lainey King stands with her parents after receiving the two-millionth meal served since the onset of the pandemic. 2. Black Mountain Primary students hold up their "2,000,000 Meals Served" sing. 3. Students line their school's approach to wait for Lainey King.

Story By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications Dept.
Photos By: Tim Reaves, BCS Communications Dept.

Buncombe County School Nutrition has done it again.

Black Mountain Primary students hold their handmade Two Million Meals Served sign.

Today, Black Mountain Primary second-grader Lainey King accepted the two-millionth meal served by county schools since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Cheered on by masked and physically distanced classmates holding colorful signs and standing with her parents, Lainey accepted a bagged lunch and balloons from Nutrition Manager Jessica Myers just outside the school’s front door.

“We are doing it totally for them, for the children,” said Myers, who serves both Black Mountain Primary and Elementary schools. “I’m so excited that we get to celebrate this with them.”

Second grade teacher Ms. Lisa McLemore led the students in energetically celebrating Lainey and their school's Nutrition team. After her big moment, Lainey described the experience as “exciting” and said she was glad that kids could always get a healthy meal from her school.

“The food has a lot of good vitamins in it, and vitamins are very healthy for you,” she said with a smile through her face covering.

The total was already staggering when the one-millionth meal was served at Woodfin Elementary on June 2. It symbolized the fortitude of local schools and educators to meet student needs no matter the circumstances. With in-person instruction suspended, students received bagged meals curbside through the summer and until schools partially reopened in reduced numbers on Sept. 28 under ‘Plan B - Beyond.’ Students in class then received hand delivered meals each day, and curbside meals remained available for remote learners.

Students line their school's approach to wait for Lainey King.

“It has been tough, but it’s been amazing,” Myers added. “My staff is amazing and we have bonded so much, like best friends. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Lainey’s mother Lisa King said her family has appreciated the ongoing meal service during the school year, as well as during the summer months.

“We’re just super thankful and grateful for all the hard work that they’ve put in to making these meals for the children,” King said. “You can tell that they really enjoy their jobs, and I think the love is definitely felt for the families.”

WLOS news joined the Black Mountain Primary community for this event and broadcasted their story during 11/9 6 p.m. broadcast.

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Learn about current meals options in Buncombe County Schools.

Video: Why do BCS Nutrition staff do what they do? It's about love. Here's what they had to say.

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