BRANDYWINE HEIGHTS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Brandywine Heights Area School District has been named the recipient of the 2025 PASBO School Operations Impact Award for its Feeding Futures: Grab & Go Summer Meal Program. The award was presented at the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials’ (PASBO) 70th Annual Conference in Hershey, PA.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT), the award recognizes outstanding school business operations that lead to more effective use of educational resources. Brandywine Heights earned this distinction for its creative and community-centered approach to tackling food insecurity among students.

Led by Superintendent Andrew Potteiger, Business Manager Nicole L. DelGuerico, and Food Service Coordinator Paige Kowolewski, the District launched its first summer meal program in 2023. With support from a NoKidHungry grant and the USDA’s Rural, Non-Congregate Summer Meal Service option, the District distributed more than 22,310 fresh and nutritious meals over a 10-week period—reaching an average of 227 students each week.

The Grab & Go model was designed to remove barriers to food access by providing free, easily accessible meals for students throughout the summer, maintaining consistency in meal service even when school was out of session.

“Brandywine Heights School District came together to find an innovative solution to a growing community challenge,” said Hannah Barrick, PASBO Executive Director. “The immense effort from school district staff, volunteers, and the community resulted in an exceptional outcome for students.”

The District remains committed to supporting the whole child—inside and outside the classroom—and is proud to be recognized for this important work.