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Sherry Bryant: Hunger hero -
Above, students at Carney Public Schools stand with food service worker Sherry Bryant and celebrate her Hunger Hero Award. Bryan received it from Tysons Foods for going the extra mile in providing nutritional meals that all students can enjoy, regardless of their food limitations. On the right, Bryant is hugged by her oldest daughter, who drove three hours to surprise her for the award. Her son and youngest daughter hold posters depicting Bryant as a comic book superhero. Photos/Emily Kalka
Sherry Bryant got the surprise of her life on April 24.
The food service worker at Carney Public Schools walked into the multipurpose room that afternoon to find almost the entire student body, teachers and her three children cheering for her. The shock was clear on her face as she beelined for her kids and hugged them.
For these students, Bryant is more than a lunch lady. It’s because of her work that many students with food allergies can feel included.
Bryant was named a Hunger Hero by Tyson Foods in honor of her work nurturing the minds and bodies of Carney students.
Each year, the company selects five recipients from across the U.S. for their Hunger Heroes Program. Tyson looks to recognize individuals in school district food service programs who raise expectations and improve the cafeteria experience. In addition to the recognition, each school receives a $5,000 grant from the company to enhance the food service program.
“I’m overwhelmed right now. Surprised. Shocked. Overwhelmed. Grateful,” Bryant said. “I treat them (the students) like they’re my own. I do. I baby them.”
JaNetta Barr, a Carney parent, nominated her for the award. She said that Bryant has gone above and beyond to ensure that no kid is left out at lunchtime by accommodating the most common food allergies experienced by students. She even made a traditional Thanksgiving meal that was safe for these students, including Barr’s son.
“She spends time looking up and figuring out what foods, like… he had meatloaf today that met his allergy restrictions,” Barr said. “That’s a lot of work. It’s a lot to do, so I think when somebody does all of that work, it’s worth recognizing.”
According to the submission Barr wrote for the award, Bryant works tirelessly and spends hours researching alternative food options to offer meals without the top nine allergens. She’s also worked to improve and streamline cafeteria operations by introducing a pre-order option for older students.
“Sherry is much more than just a lunch lady serving meals. She is all about nurturing young minds and bodies, fostering a sense of community and building positive relationships, making the cafeteria more than just a place to get food,” Barr wrote.
Bryant said she doesn’t mind the extra work. She searches the internet for different recipes, often contemplating them on her drive to and from work.
“I just do it. I don’t want them to go without,” she said.