By Angie Hutschreider
MARCELINE – OPAA Staff at Marceline R-V got some new equipment thanks to a grant written by Director of Nutrition Services Opaa! Food Management Services Megan Berry.
Berry was selected by the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) as the recipient of one of two grants worth up to $50,000 in Winston Foodservice Equipment.
The grant is among 2025 SNF Equipment Grants available to help school meal programs overcome staffing, budget or operational challenges. The additional funding supports programs working to expand fresh and scratch-made menu options, increase efficiencies and enhance the cafeteria experience to nourish students’ school days.
Berry and her staff feed about 230 students and staff daily at Marceline R-V Middle and High School, 30-40 at the Early Learning Center and about 215 students and staff in the elementary school.
In her grant, she requested several items, including a school double oven, vegetable stove, holding cabinets along with warmers to go on top of them.
Berry said the new equipment will allow for more hot lunch options, thus increasing lunch program participation at all district schools. New equipment will also save the district from the costly repairs to old equipment.
The oven itself will be a huge asset for the staff. Staff had been using a single household-sized oven that cooked unevenly.
“Having this will cut down a lot of stress on my employees and will definitely enhance our quality of our food by not having to cook so far in advance and then the food sit in a warmer,” she said.
This is the first “big” grant Berry said she has ever received. She has been in her role at Marceline R-V for two years, and has received several other grants during that time, including a No Kid Hungry Grant during her first year as director, which allowed the purchase of a steam table for the elementary school cafeteria. After winning a second, No Kid Hungry Grant the district got two additional warmers.
This year she has won a total of $55,000 in grants.
“I have hit the jackpot on grants this year,” she said. “I was in shock – and it just keeps coming.”
By winning the bids, not only is the school district saving money on new equipment and repairs, it is helping staff and students across the board.
“Receiving new equipment greatly benefits our students and staff and financially impact our district in a positive way,” said Berry. “Hot, healthy and nutritious meals served to our students and staff daily allows our participation to raise in all buildings. Students work better in their classrooms when their nutritional needs are met.”
