BPL Photo Challenge Celebrates National Make Lunch Count Day

BPL Photo Challenge: National Make Lunch Count Day. Share photos with hashtag #BHM247

By Heather McWilliams, Manager of Smithfield Branch Library

On Monday, April 13, 2020, the Birmingham Public Library's Photo Challenge celebrated National Make Lunch Count Day.

The importance of free school lunches to help students get a good meal has been highlighted with schools across Alabama and the nation shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Did you know that the word “lunch” originates from the words “”nuncheon” or “nunchin” meaning “noon drink”? The Oxford English Dictionary reports usage of the words beginning in 1580 to describe a meal that was eaten between more substantial meals.

Now, we have a better grasp on how important lunch is. For kids, lunch is extremely important because this is when they get their vitamins and nutrients for the day. If they don’t get the supplements their bodies need, their mental and physical developments could suffer.

For BPL’s National Make Lunch Count Day photo challenge, take a photo of your lunch on your personal social media account and include the hashtag #BHM247. 

Birmingham City Schools and Jefferson County schools have partnered with Kikstart to continue to provide free lunches for Birmingham students.

Kikstart is a nonprofit based in Hueytown, Ala. that provides free meals for low-income children.

 See listing of locations in this article from CBS 42 by clicking below https://www.cbs42.com/news/health/coronavirus/birmingham-city-schools-continues-meal-service-with-new-partnership/ 

 For students in the Birmingham City School System, meals began on Monday, April 13, and continue through June 5. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided. This service is open to anyone 18 years and younger.

These free meals will be served to students at the following Birmingham City Schools:

Hudson K-8, 3300 F. L. Shuttlesworth Drive, Birmingham, Ala. 35207

 Huffman High,  950 Springville Road Birmingham, Ala. 35215

P.D. Jackson Olin High, 1300 Avenue F. Ensley, Birmingham, Ala. 35218

 A.H. Parker High,  400 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr., Birmingham, Ala. 35204

 Ramsay High, 1800 13th Avenue South, Birmingham, Ala. 35205

 Wenonah High, 2800 Wilson Road, Birmingham, Ala.35221

 Woodlawn High, 5620 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Ala. 35212

For Jefferson County Schools, meals will be provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through June 5. Students can pick up breakfast and lunch.

A revised meals distribution list is available for Jefferson County Schools on its website.

 Follow @BhamCitySchools on twitter for updates. Here is a link to the Birmingham City School website: https://www.bhamcityschools.org/ 

 Follow @JEFCOED on twitter for updates. Here is a link to the Jefferson County School website:
https://www.jefcoed.com/