MARVELOUS JOB: Koehn praised for revitalizing food service

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August 15, 2017 - 12:00 AM

Food service was expanded throughout the summer of 2017 across USD 257. Kathy Koehn, the district’s food coordinator, was the primary force behind the change.
Koehn was recognized with the Child Nutrition & Wellness Kansans CAN Best Practice award on Aug. 8. Koehn said she was happy to receive this recognition from the state’s Department of Education.
“It was a surprise and an honor,” Koehn said of her award. “It’s the first Kansans CAN Best Practice Award, so it’s kind of an honor to be one of those recipients.”
Two of Koehn’s programs were M.A.R.V. — Meals and Reading Vehicle — and Fun Fridays. This past summer was the third installment of M.A.R.V., which was funded by USDA, according to Koehn.
M.A.R.V. students used a retired school bus renovated with dinette sets. This year, the program expanded from only the month of June up through Aug. 10. Kids from ages 1-18 were able to eat for free. The bus can accommodate up to 32.
“The goal is to increase sites and participation in this program,” Koehn said. “We won in providing great customer service for renovating this bus and we took it out to find people.”
The M.A.R.V. bus made a total of eight stops per day, which included meals in Gas, LaHarpe, as well as multiple stops near Cedarbrook and Eisenhower Dr.
With the new locations and extended months, there were 2,200 more meals served than last year. Two of the larger sponsors to help out with the program are Walmart and Thrive Allen County.

THE ONLY sad note to the story is that Koehn will be leaving USD 257 on Sept. 1. Koehn’s husband, Jack, retired on June 30 as superintendent of USD 257 to take a position with OPAA!  food service.
“We’re just trying to get a feel for retirement and stuff,” Koehn said. “We’re hoping to travel more, do more, seeing our granddaughter and kids. We’ve lived here for four years and it was a good four years. We’re handing off our duties to someone else.”
Iola High School secretary Judy Baker will be taking over the food service department. Koehn said there is no pressure on Baker on filling in some big shoes left behind. She expects Baker to be put her own style when coordinating food service.
“There’s a lot of ways to reach kids and so my advice is to make this your own and do it however you have to do it and enjoy it,” Koehn said. “It doesn’t have to be done my way. That’s just what worked for me. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

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