DEARBORN, Mich. – In a groundbreaking initiative, Dearborn Public Schools is offering Iftar meals to students during the holy month of Ramadan.
This marks the first time the district has provided meals specifically for this period, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko announced, “For the first time ever, the Dearborn Public Schools is offering meals during the month of Ramadan to students.”
The initiative responds to the needs of the district’s significant Muslim student population, which comprises more than half of the student body.
Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims. It is a month of fasting from sunup to sundown.
Students who observe the fast do not participate in the regular lunch period during this period. To accommodate these students, the district will distribute sack meals that can be taken home and consumed after sunset.
Emi Kreste, the Food Service Director for Dearborn Public Schools, said, “This was an opportunity for those students that cannot eat during school. And now they can take the meals at home and eat them with their family at their time that they are fasting.”
The meals will include options from the five main nutrition groups: protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk.
Students at Dearborn High School have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that it makes them feel included and respected.
“We made sure to offer shelf-stable meals, so the students are able to take it home with them at the end of the school day,” said Courtney Burrows, Senior Director of Food Services for the district’s food service management partner.
The meals will be cycled daily to provide variety.
For students wishing to access these meals, the process is simple.
“Just go through a special line that we have created here in the cafeteria of all of our schools. Just provide their name or last name at the register, and they’re going to be able to get a bag lunch that’s shelf stable,” said Kreste.
The Ramadan meal option will be available to middle and high school students throughout March, until spring break.
This initiative supports the students’ religious practices and fosters a sense of community and belonging within the school district.