#United States #Zee Zees #National Food Group #Grab The Tab #Illinois, Florida, Utah

National Food Group's Remarkable Initiative to Alleviate Student Meal Debt

In a proactive move to tackle the rising issue of student meal debt, National Food Group has unveiled its latest initiative through the Zee Zees® brand. This program, known as Grab The Tab, has made substantial contributions to educational institutions across Illinois, Florida, and Utah, providing more than $100,000 in debt relief and essential product support.

As educational institutions navigate the complexities of budgeting against rising food costs, the necessity for programs like Grab The Tab has never been more evident. Schools often struggle to meet the nutritional needs of their students while managing the financial constraints posed by fluctuating federal support and internal budgets. National Food Group recognized these challenges and acted decisively.

Grants Supporting Local Schools

With over $100,000 in total funding, the grants awarded will directly impact various school districts. Notable recipients include:

• - School District U-46 in Elgin, IL: $51,384
• - Columbia Elementary in West Jordan, UT: $11,842
• - Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, FL (encompassing Newsome High, Randall Middle, and Tinker Elementary): $38,168

Shani Hall, the General Manager of Student Nutrition Services at Hillsborough County Public Schools, expressed her gratitude, saying, "This generous grant will help us eliminate lunch debt for many of our students, particularly those from military families. It secures their ability to focus solely on their education without the distraction of unpaid meal balances."

Keith Klein, Principal at Columbia Elementary, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the emotional relief the grant provides for families. He stated, "This money will fill a need and lift a burden off the shoulders of parents. At the end of the day, it's about helping kids."

Addressing School Meal Funding Challenges

Despite federal assistance programs, many schools still find themselves in precarious positions regarding meal funding. Changes in USDA policy and consistently rising food prices create financial gaps that districts struggle to fill, often at the expense of student welfare. The Grab The Tab initiative was inaugurated in 2023 specifically to offer tangible support to schools in these critical times.

Dr. Ann Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Operations at School District U-46, noted, "This grant goes beyond mere dollars; it's an investment in our students and our community. By alleviating this financial burden, National Food Group empowers us to channel more resources towards student success and well-being."

Commitment to Community Values

Samantha Bourque, National Food Group’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, emphasized the importance of school food services as the heartbeat of local communities. "Ensuring students receive nutritious meals is fundamental to their readiness to learn. Easing meal debt is one way we can show our ongoing support to schools and families nationwide," she remarked.

In a celebration of this impactful initiative, representatives from Zee Zees and National Food Group plan to visit the recipient schools this spring. These visits will be an opportunity to formally present grant awards and celebrate the collaborative efforts of school leaders, food service teams, and students.

About Grab The Tab and National Food Group

Grab The Tab operates under Project SERVE, which is National Food Group's commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company pledges 5% of their profits and employee time to enhancing food access, fostering foodservice career paths, and advocating for sustainability.

Founded in 1990, National Food Group has established itself as one of the fastest-growing independent foodservice manufacturers and distributors in the United States. The company’s diverse range of brands, including Zee Zees, caters to K–12 schools, healthcare providers, correctional facilities, and various other clients, ensuring nutritious and budget-friendly meal options are available. For more about their initiatives, check out Grab The Tab and Project SERVE.