United Way helps Ephrata schools enhance meal program

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has recently transformed its Summer Meal Program, thanks to a $30,000 donation from the United Way of King County. This funding facilitated the procurement of an Oliver Speedseal MX2-1908E Tray Sealer, which has proven instrumental in improving meal preparation and distribution for the district's summer food service efforts. 

"Without this machine, it would take two staff members about 90 minutes to package 100 summer meals," said Alain Black, Director of Food Services for Ephrata School District. "Now those two staff members can prepare up to 170 meals in under an hour. That’s a huge difference, especially when demand is growing each week." 

The summer meal distribution program, which runs from June 16 to July 24, 2023, offers free meals to all children aged 18 and younger, irrespective of income status.  

Meal boxes are distributed every Monday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at Ephrata Middle School. Monday boxes will provide meals for three days, while Thursday boxes will cover four days. 

The introduction of the tray sealer has not only streamlined food preparation but also allowed the district to expand its menu.  

The team is now able to offer microwavable entrees and yogurt parfaits — options that were previously deemed too labor-intensive or impractical to produce in large quantities, according to a statement from the district.  

For instance, today’s meal distribution will feature teriyaki chicken dippers with rice and green beans. 

The benefits of the tray sealer extend beyond the summer months. During the school year, the machinery will continue to serve students by sealing sandwiches, salads, and yogurt parfaits that will be stocked in vending machines at Ephrata High School and Ephrata Middle School.  

The elementary schools will also have increased food options within the traditional service lines.  

“This donation from United Way of King County is a game-changer,” Black said. “It’s helping us stretch our time and our budget, while improving the overall quality and accessibility of the meals we serve. We are incredibly grateful.” 

In addition to the evolving menu, the Ephrata School District has observed a significant increase in meal distribution.  

For example, one Thursday in late June, the food services team handed out 300 multi-day meal boxes, exhausting their supplies and leaving many families in line without food, Director of Communications Sarah Morford said.  

This necessity prompted a swift increase in their production capabilities, with 340 meal boxes prepared for distribution the following week, Morford said.  

"We've seen participation increase weekly," she said.  

Since the 40-box increase, the distribution has not had to turn down anyone, according to Morford. 

While the grab-and-go meal option has seen notable success, sit-down meals at Grant Elementary require students to eat on-site. Although participation in seated meals has not matched the high demand for grab-and-go options, the program continues to offer nutrition for those enrolled in summer school. 

Looking forward, the Ephrata School District is optimistic about the capabilities of the Oliver Speedseal and the enhanced dining options for students during the academic year, according to a statement from the district.  

"We’re excited to see how the tray sealer will further improve our food services and ensure kids have access to healthy options, whether it's during summer or throughout the school year,” Morford said.  

    A meal enters the Oliver Speedseal MX2-1908E Tray Sealer to be sealed. The machine was purchased with a $30,000 donation from the United Way of King County.
  

    A sealed meal passes through the Oliver Speedseal MX2-1908E Tray Sealer. The sealer will be used for the remainder of the summer meal program. Then during the school year, it will be used for increased food options that will be placed in vending machines throughout Ephrata Middle School and Ephrata High School.