Thanksgiving came early for students in the Sunnyside Unified School District. The annual holiday lunch was served at schools throughout the district last week.
Food service staff started preparations a week early to stock every school with a traditional Thanksgiving meal– turkey with all the trimmings– stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and rolls.
“We have homemade rolls that are truly homemade started from yeast (and) the flour that is made in our big central kitchens,” said Karen Bellknap, assistant food service director for Sunnyside Schools.
The meal is also special in that parents and family are invited to eat with students. Bellknap said it’s the largest participation day of the year.
At Elvira Elementary School, the parking lot was full and cars lined the streets near the school. Staff expected to serve more than 800 meals.
Shannon Norris has tried to attend every year, but was thwarted by her work schedule until this year. She’s thankful to spend an extra afternoon with her twin daughters, Naomi and Jessica, who are in the first grade.
“We’ve had a lot moving a lot of challenges lately, but we are still always together,” Norris said. “We’re always happy. We’re healthy and we seem to be trucking along every day with smiles on our faces.”
What else were people at Elvira thankful for?
My family, food health...
All the things that Jesus and God gives me...
Thankful my mom is still here, my kids, and just being here...
My cousin and my sister...
Preparations for the annual meal started a week in advance. 
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.