ROCKY POINT, NC —Pender County Schools (PCS) and Aramark recently celebrated two decades of partnership in providing nutritious and delicious meals to students. The milestone event, which was held at Heide Trask High School, brought together members from both organizations to honor their shared commitment to student well-being.
For 20 years, Aramark’s food service team has worked side-by-side with PCS to ensure that every student receives healthy, tasty meals served with care. This dedication extends beyond the school year. This summer alone, Aramark distributed just shy of 65,000 free meals to students across the county.
As part of its continued commitment to fighting hunger, PCS will once again participate in the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program for the 2025–26 school year. Through CEP, all students at 15 qualifying schools will receive free breakfast and lunch, removing barriers to access and helping students focus on learning.
The celebration highlighted the leadership of Grace Maschinski, District Manager of Aramark for Pender County; Rob Stanton, General Manager for Aramark in Pender County Schools; and Matthew Muse, Food Service Director of Aramark in Pender County Schools.
Several PCS leaders attended the event, including:
Ms. Jennifer Hansen, District 1 Board Member
Dr. Brad Breedlove, PCS Superintendent
Mr. Kevin Taylor, PCS Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Lisa Nowlin, PCS Chief Finance Officer
Dr. Joel Grim, PCS Chief Operations Officer
School administrators in attendance included Tony Hudson, Principal of Heide Trask High School; Bobby Simmons, Principal of Cape Fear Middle School; and Laurin Garza, Principal of West Pender Middle School.
“This partnership is built on a shared belief that every child deserves to be nourished, cared for, and supported,” said Dr. Breedlove. “We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and excited for the future.”
Looking ahead, PCS and Aramark remain committed to expanding access to quality meals and finding new ways to serve students and their families. With a strong foundation built over the past 20 years, the partnership is poised for a bright future and dedication to ensuring every student has the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
