Sen. Merkley bestows honor during virtual town hall
Feb. 3, 2020 / During a virtual town hall Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., honored Klamath County School District’s Food Services team with a ceremonial American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.
The senator recognized the team, led by food services director Candace Gracik and food services field supervisor Jennifer Detwiler, for their work providing emergency meals during the Bootleg Fire last summer. Following evacuations of Bly-area residents, the food services team organized free community luncheons at the Antler Grill in Bly and provided grab-and-go meals for youth ages 18 and under.
Merkley also commended the district’s team for its ongoing grab-and-go meal program during the COVID-19 school closures. The team provided seven days of breakfasts and lunches to students throughout the district, even delivering meals by school bus.
Gracik’s first day on the job as KCSD’s food service director in March 2020 was the same day the pandemic forced the state to close schools. She started the grab-and-go meal program at that time, and it continued through the summer and into the following year as schools reopened to hybrid learning. Her goal was to ensure that every student received breakfast and lunch on days schools weren’t open to in-person learning.
At every town hall, Sen. Merkley awards a U.S. Capitol flag to a community group or program that is making a positive difference in the community and improves the life of its residents.
|