Norton Elementary School

Alachua County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Director Jamie Lovett is one of just eleven individuals from across the nation selected as a ‘Summer Hunger Hero’ by No Kid Hungry, a national campaign established in 2010 to reduce child hunger.

According to a news release from No Kid Hungry, “this year’s heroes have gone above and beyond to expand summer meals in rural communities.”

"I’m truly honored to be recognized by No Kid Hungry as a Summer Hunger Hero,” said Lovett. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and help ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals throughout the summer.”

Lovett and her team at the Food and Nutrition Services Department worked to establish what are called non-congregate meal programs for Alachua County children, particularly in the county’s outlying areas. Non-congregate programs allow families to pick up meals or meal ingredients to take home rather than having children eat on site. As a result of their efforts, the number of non-congregate summer meals served last summer was more than four times as much as the previous summer.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible Food & Nutrition staff, who have come together to expand access to meals through both our traditional summer feeding sites and our non-congregate meal service locations,” said Lovett. “We hope the program is making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve."

This summer, non-congregate meals, locally referred to as ‘grab and go,’ are being distributed at 11 sites in Archer, High Springs, Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry and Waldo. Those programs continue through July 25. Information about all summer meal sites and distribution dates and times is available at yourchoicefresh.com

“No Kid Hungry is proud to honor Jamie Lovett for her tireless work to ensure kids in rural communities receive summer meals,” said Sky Beard, No Kid Hungry’s Florida director. “Her dedication to ensuring every child gets a healthy meal during the summer is inspiring.”