Two refrigerated PET Dairy trucks are helping Pender County Schools deliver fresh, nutritious meals to students and families this summer.
The trucks, provided through the support of Mr. Dean Holmes and PET Dairy’s Goldsboro Branch, are stationed at the Maple Hill and Atkinson Town Hall meal sites as part of the district’s Summer Meals initiative. PET Dairy, a part of Dairy Farmers of America, is also supporting the effort by lending members of its delivery team to assist Pender County Schools staff with meal deliveries.
Through the first three weeks of the Summer Meals initiative, Pender County Schools and Aramark have distributed 52,714 meals to children and families across the county. The continued support from community partners has helped the district keep meals accessible, fresh, and ready for families throughout the summer.
“This partnership is a tremendous example of what can happen when local organizations come together to support students and families,” said Rob Stanton, General Manager of Aramark Student Nutrition. “The additional refrigerated trucks and delivery assistance help us maintain the quality and safety of meals while expanding our ability to serve communities across Pender County.”
Mr. Holmes said service to customers and the community has always been a priority for PET Dairy.
“We are thankful to provide healthy choices and nutrition for students year-round,” Holmes said.
Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove said partnerships like this reflect the district’s commitment to meeting student needs beyond the traditional school year.
“Our Summer Meals program is about more than food distribution, it is about caring for children, supporting families, and removing barriers for our students,” Breedlove said. “We are grateful to Mr. Holmes, and PET Dairy for helping us continue that mission throughout the summer.”
Each Wednesday through August 12th, families can pick up seven days’ worth of breakfast and lunch items at the following locations:
• Atkinson Town Hall
• C.F. Pope Elementary
• Malpass Corner Elementary
• Maple Hill Presbyterian Church
• Rocky Point Elementary
• South Topsail Elementary
Pickup times are from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and no application or ID is necessary.
Left to right - Jason Woodward, Dean Holmes, Stan Meeks from PET Dairy.