Plainville Community Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department Director, Ashley Carl, has received national recognition as a "Newman’s Own Foundation School Lunch Hero!" Ashley was nominated by End Hunger Connecticut for this prestigious honor. Following is an excerpt from her nomination:
"Ashley's heart for students experiencing food insecurity inspired her to become a passionate voice for School Meals for All in Connecticut. She organized students, teachers, and administrators to share their experiences with legislators, hosted a successful School Breakfast at the Capitol that gained significant recognition, and facilitated meetings with the Governor of Connecticut to discuss school nutrition needs. Ashley regularly invites lawmakers to dine in her schools to experience first-hand the importance of school meal programs. As a leader within the School Nutrition Association's Policy Committee and one of the "Great Minds" supporting healthy school meals for all, Ashley simultaneously champions Farm to School initiatives while ensuring frontline staff receive recognition for their essential work."