Northwest Community Schools brings awareness to breast cancer by serving up ... - The Jackson Citizen Patriot

Northwest Community Schools brings awareness to breast cancer by serving up ... - The Jackson Citizen Patriot

By Rene Wheaton | Jackson Citizen Patriot The Jackson Citizen Patriot
on October 31, 2012 at 8:30 AM, updated October 31, 2012 at 8:32 AM Brought to you by

JACKSON, MI -- What do sweet and sour meatballs, grilled chicken breast with chipotle cream sauce and salmon patties have in common?

Turns out they all have a pink cast to them, and that’s why they were on the menu at Northwest High School’s third annual Pink Day.

Patti Russell, food service director of Northwest Community Schools, started serving up pink dishes as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a way to get students involved in the issue.

“I like a challenge so I liked the idea of making all the food pink,” Russell said.

The meatballs and salmon were served over pink rice and students were given a special treat of Cherry Chip Cake.

“We never have cake,” Russell said. “So that was a big treat.”

Many students also dressed in pink for the day, and gift bags were handed out to students really decked out in pink.

Jeremy Savicke, 15, was wearing pink in honor of his grandmother.

“My grandmother has breast cancer,” he said. “She beat it once, but it came back again, so I’m wearing this for her.”

Kaylee Steffes, 14, thought it was great to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness.

“I had a great-grandmother and great-aunt die from breast cancer,” she said. “I definitely wanted to wear pink, and I already had this outfit in my closet.”

Russell said there are often special meals at the high school, including a special lunch for veterans and Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.

“Our students are always very appreciative,” she said. “These kids are great as far as issues go and what’s going on in the world. I’m very impressed with the kids we have here.”