Broome-Tioga BOCES named Bell Elementary as the BOCES Kitchen of the Month. Food service workers Jackie Batzel, Judy Carroll, and Sandy Smith accepted the honor Monday.

With universal free breakfasts and lunches this year in the district, the staff has had to make 25% more lunches. They also participate in the NY Farm to School program, Breakfast in the Classroom, offer traditional lunches and afternoon snacks, and helps the district offer summer meals to students as well.

 “I think it’s awesome. We work hard every day. Just to have someone say, ‘Hey, great job.’, it means a lot,” said Carroll.

“With Judy missing time, that means that someone who didn’t usually run the kitchen had to step up. Sandy was able to work above and beyond what is normally asked of a food service helper. She took the lead,” said Patrick Walsh, Broome-Tioga BOCES School Lunch Director.