Gateway’s Exciting New Initiative: Free Lunches with a Possible Food Service Truck Purchase!

Gateway School District is considering buying a new food service vehicle. During a recent board meeting, business manager Mike Zourelias noted that bulk food deliveries sometimes require moving items between buildings, complicating logistics. Currently, the food service department is short on vehicles and is borrowing trucks to handle transportation.

Directors Robin Mungo and Jack Bova raised concerns about the need for a refrigerated vehicle. While it would be more expensive to buy and maintain than a regular truck, it’s crucial for ensuring food quality. Zourelias explained this purchase would be funded through the food service budget, which is around $2 million a year and heavily subsidized by the state.

Board members Cheryl Boise and Valerie Warning requested a comparison of costs between a refrigerated and a non-refrigerated vehicle. They expected to approve a bid advertisement at their meeting on June 23.

In other news, kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. New students can register online via the district’s website, and kids must be 5 by August 31 to enroll. Questions can be directed to the registration office at 412-373-5705.

Free lunches for children 18 and under are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Thursday, at Evergreen Elementary School and the Pitcairn Borough Park Building. Meals must be eaten on-site and the program runs until August 7, with some breaks, like the week of July 4.

A back-to-school event is set for August 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gateway Middle School. It’ll be a great opportunity for students and families to gather, learn about available resources, and get familiar with programs like Parent Square and Skyward. Zourelias sees this as a helpful kickoff for the school year, especially for those new to the district.

Statistics show that parental engagement greatly impacts student success. A 2022 survey reported that 85% of parents feel more connected to their child’s education when they participate in school events. This highlights the importance of community events like the one planned.

As the district moves forward, ensuring adequate food service logistics and fostering community connections will be essential for a successful school year.

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