A spirit of community and togetherness filled Frisbee Park on Friday, June 6, as Rialto Integrated Child Nutrition School hosted its annual Kick-Off BBQ event, serving approximately 1,500 meals. Held annually during the first week of summer vacation, the RUSD Child Nutrition School event continues to grow in size and vitality. This year, Rialto’s award-winning summer program saw incredible turnout and support, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of summer activities in the community.
After months of planning and persistent efforts from Rialto’s dedicated nutritionists, with the help of dedicated volunteers, the annual Kick-Off BBQ event came to fruition. Partnering with the City of Rialto, various county programs, school nutritionists, local farmers, Master Gardeners and educational opportunities offered by the district, the event offered a variety of experiences for families. This collaboration provided an engaging and enriching platform for the community with plenty to see, do and learn.
The Summer School Feeding Kickoff event was further honored with the presence of Representative Pete Aguilar, House Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, representatives from Senator Ochoa Bogue’s office, San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Rialto City Council Member Joe Baca, Mayor Pro Tempore Andy Carrizales and Mayor Deborah Robertson, whose attendance underscored the importance of community support and highlighted the profound impact of school nutrition programs.
The USDA also participated in the event to recognize the Rialto Unified School District’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The district proudly served Walking Tacos made with USDA certified ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese, along with a variety of DOD certified fresh fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, mandarins, cherries and corn. The emphasis on fresh, nutritious foods was a central theme of the event.
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From left: Acting Superintendent Edward DeSouza, USDA Representative MaryKay Gominger and Principal Child Nutrition Officer Fausat Rahman Davis. -
“We’re really pleased to see such a large turnout,” said Child Nutrition Director Fausat Rahman Davis, “Events like this are essential to make sure children have nutritious meals even when they’re not in school.”
The event’s huge success is a testament to the hard work of countless volunteers and the unwavering support of the community. No Kid Hungry’s generous donation, which funded meals for the adults accompanying their children, further highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the event a success. A true reflection of community spirit, this collaboration demonstrates the positive impact a united community effort can have around a common goal.
The Rialto Unified School District will continue to provide free lunches through its summer meal program to all children ages 1 to 18. For more information about the district’s program, visit rialtousd.org.
