ABSS Food Truck (MAC II)

The ABSS Child Nutrition Program Fact Sheet

Our Federal Funding:

The Alamance Burlington School System (ABSS) Child Nutrition Program is a non-profit operation that operates within the Alamance Burlington school district under The National School Lunch Program (NSLP), National School Breakfast (NSB) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). These are federally-assisted meal programs that provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches to children each school day and during the summer when school is not in.

As a participant in the program we receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal that we serve. In exchange, School Nutrition must serve lunches that meet Federal meal pattern requirements and offer the lunches at a free, or reduced-price to eligible children.

All NSLP lunches must meet Federal requirements, though decisions about the specific foods to serve and the methods of preparation are made by local school food authorities.

What our Federal Funding Pays For:

ABSS School Nutrition must pay their local staff, purchase, maintain and repair/replace our kitchen and other equipment with these same federal funds.

No Local Funding:

ABSS School Nutrition does not receive any state or local funds whatsoever. We operate strictly on the federal reimbursement that we receive as federal funding for the meals that we provide as listed above.

In fact, the ABSS Child Nutrition is actually required to pay what is called "indirect cost" (rental for their offices and kitchen facilities) to the school district that it operates within.

Why we need your donation to purchase "Mac's Diner 2":

"Mac's Diner" is an additional program to the ABSS' federal mandate.  The food truck must be fully-funded and maintained through outside fundraising.   The first "Mac's Diner" Program has been so successful, and the demand is so great, that the ABSS Child Nutrition Program and its team need a second Food Truck to help serve the kids in every corner of Alamance County, that they currently cannot reach, as they simply don't have enough capacity.

If you have any questions about the ABSS Child Nutrition Program, please feel free to contact: Ms. Pamela Bailey, BSND, MSF

Executive Director of School Nutrition

Office: (336-438-4000 ex. 20061)

Cellphone: (336-516-7085)

EMail: pamela_bailey@abss.k12.nc

Why does Alamance County need a food truck to feed students during the summer?

There are approximately 12,000 students in the Alamance- Burlington School System who qualify for free or reduced meals during the school year. To be eligible for free meals, for example, a family of four would have a gross monthly income of less than $2,790; to receive reduced meals that same family of four would have a gross monthly income of less than $3,970. During the summer months, when children are out of school, the only access to meals would be to get to one of the nutri- tion sites around the county. While these sites strive to feed as many children as possible, not having transportation limits many to have access to the food. In the summer of 2019, 1900 children received lunch and 650 breakfast at these sites. The ABSS School Nutrition Services provides the food for the summer feeding program. The first Mac's Diner food truck was delivered in September 2020. As of the end of February, the food truck has distributed more than 10,000 meals.

What is the goal of this project?

The goal is to raise the funds to purchase a 2nd food truck for the Nutrition Services Program of the Alamance-Burlington School System to serve students when school is not in session. They have food and a driver but no means to bring the food to areas where there is a concentrated need. Other school systems (Davidson, Guilford, and Danville VA) are using food trucks for this very purpose.

Who is involved with this project?

This is a combined effort of Alamance County’s faith community, business community, and individuals who recognize the need and importance of feeding children who are food insecure during the summer months.

Where will the money come from?

Group and individual donations, as well as fund raisers will be the source of money for this project.

When will this fund raising happen?

The targeted period will be April through September  2021, with the anticipated operation date to be Fall2021.

How can I help?

This effort will require many supporters! Large and small donations are appreciated. In addition, you can help by spreading the word and encouraging others to participate.

How to donate:

Checks (preferred):

Make payable to ABSS School Nutrition with Mac Truck #2 on the memo line. Send to: ABSS School Nutrition, 1712 Vaughn Rd, Burlington, NC 27217

Video of ABSS Food Truck "Mac's Diner (1)" in Action:

https://vimeo.com/537858257

Questions?

Contact Margaret Skulnik at the FUMCG Church Office,

EMail:  C4C@fumcgraham-nc.org

Contact Pamela Bailey at ABSS Child Nutrition Office: 336-570-6080 or pamela_bailey@abss.k12.nc.us