Harvey High School Students to Receive Free Meals at Lake Erie College| Before After-School Activities

In an initiative aimed at supporting local students, Harvey High School athletes and marching band members will now have access to free meals at Lake Erie College before certain after-school activities.

The Meals for Student Athletes program started in 2019 as a collaborative partnership between Cross Outreach Ministry and St. John Baptist Church’s Men in Mission Ministry, which receives funding through grants, fundraisers, sponsorships, and donations.

Now, Lake Erie College and AVI Foodsystems are part of the effort.

AVI Foodsystems will provide discounted rates, and Meals for Student Athletes will provide the funds.

“We are very excited about Lake Erie College and AVI Foodsystems seeing the vision and benefits of partnering together in support of providing nutritious meals for students engaged in competition,” says Reverand Brian Jones of St. John Baptist Church. “We hope to measure the outcomes so the program can be replicated and advanced statewide.”

"Lake Erie College is proud to support our community's youth through this partnership,” Lake Erie College President Jennifer A. Schuller says. “By offering nourishing meals, we hope to empower students to perform their best both on and off the field."

Meals will be available to all student-athletes before home games and to marching band members following weekend competitions.

“The district is extremely appreciative of this collaboration in support of our students," stated Superintendent Josh Englehart. “This effort not only directly benefits hundreds of our students by ensuring a great meal prior to competition, but also is a substantial help to many of our families who are tasked with many demands between work and home. This is a great example of our Painesville community coming together in the interest of our kids and families.”

“AVI Foodsystems is thrilled to join forces with Lake Erie College and Meals for Student Athletes in this important initiative,” says Nick Marcarelli, AVI Foodsystems Resident Director. ‘By providing high-quality meals to these dedicated students, we’re supporting their success both on the field and in the classroom.”

The next meal will be served on August 23rd for football players and the cheer team.