United States Congressman James McGovern paid a visit to the Matthew J. Kuss Middle School on October 26, 2009, to witness some of the changes in the school menu that have taken place. McGovern, who co-chairs the House Hunger Caucus, has a longstanding concern about the nutrition of America's children and wants to expand food programs in schools. "I know how important at healthy lunch is to learning," stated the Congressman as he met with local officials. The Congressman shared a lunch, consisting of a chicken patty sandwich, a Caesar salad, oven-baked fries, 1-percent milk, pickles and a locally grown Bosc pear. "We've made a big effort to get fresh, locally-grown produce into the menu," commented Assistant Director for Food Services Lynn Petrowski, who also serves as the president of the Massachusetts School Nutrition Association. Click here for the Herald News article about the visit. For more information about the visit, contact Ms. Petrowski at 508-235-2646.

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(Top row, left and center) Assistant Director for Food Services Lynn Petrowski talks with cafeteria workers Judi Soloman, Karen Bentz, Olga Camara, Jacqueline Carter and Mary Sewell in advance of the Congressman's visit. (Top row, right) Ms. Petrowski points out that the bosc pear was grown in an orchard in Littleton, MA. (Middle row, left and right) Basilio Demedeiros and Justin Getchell join the Congressman for lunch. (Bottom row, left and center) School Superintendent Meg Mayo-Brown, Kuss Principal Nancy Mullen, and UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program Director Pat Bebo listen as he talks about the importance of nutrition in learning. (Bottom row, right) Pat Bebo, congressional staffer Patrick Norton, Lynn Petrowski, Children In Balance Project Manager Marcia Picard, and food service supervisor Kelly Mello listen as Herald News staff reporter Will Richmond writes.