Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Area Public School (GBAPS) District recently celebrated School Lunch Hero Day, recognizing the contributions of its Food Service teams. This annual event honors nutrition professionals for their role in supporting student health and well-being.

On May 2, the district highlighted the work of these professionals. At West High School, Michele Salzsieder, a food service head cook retiring after 30 years, was honored with various gifts including flowers and a membership to the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Students from across the district sent her messages of appreciation. At Sullivan Elementary, second graders in Mrs. Terzich’s class crafted thank-you cards for their cafeteria team.

Salzsieder expressed her gratitude: "I retired after 30 years and received so much gratitude from them this Friday, that I was overwhelmed realizing how many people I touched." She added that while the gifts were appreciated, they were secondary to the heartfelt goodbyes she received.

According to the Green Bay Area Public School District's website, its Food Service Department plays a vital role in student nutrition by providing meals through USDA Child Nutrition Programs. The department serves an average of 5,000 breakfasts, 12,500 lunches, and 1,100 dinners daily during the school year and offers additional meal programs during summer months.

The GBAPS District is located in Northeast Wisconsin and is noted as the fourth-largest public school district in the state. It serves over 18,000 students across 39 schools within several communities including Allouez and Green Bay. Established in 1856, it has a rich history tied to local traditions such as high school football rivalries and its connection to the Green Bay Packers' original home field. The district's mission focuses on preparing students for future success.