Renewed Tradition Scores a Touchdown
St. Francis Medical Center is pleased to renew a tradition that began in 1992 — providing pre-home game meals to the Lynwood High School Football Team. Put on hold during the pandemic, the program has now returned.
The pre-home game meals were initiated at the invitation of a hospital physician, who also served as the football team’s doctor. Since its inception, the program has served to advance St. Francis’ dedication to building community wellness. It supports local youth, reinforces good nutrition, and lets students know that people care about them.
Head Coach Levar Castillo said the meals help to ensure that the players have nourishing food before the games. He ties the meals in with talks about taking care of your body and maintaining a healthy diet throughout life.
Francisco Fuentes-Palacios, Manager, Food and Nutrition, and the dietary team prepare the food. Francisco said that every meal is carefully planned to include protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and bottled water. “And it tastes good too!”
The Lynwood High School outreach is part of the hospital’s Mission “to deliver compassionate, quality care to patients and better healthcare to communities.” With each meal served, the hospital delivers the message that good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle give you the opportunity to achieve your athletic, academic, and personal goals and to be at your best.
