28 Mar 2006
Ceremony Honors Entrepreneur, Community Leader
DALLAS– Community leaders and Dallas Independent School District students joined district and city officials today at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Maria Luna Food Service Facility, at 1515 Grand Ave.
The $32 million facility is named in honor of Maria Luna, a Mexican immigrant, entrepreneur and community leader. She was the only female charter member of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Luna Tortilla Factory, which she founded in 1938, is still in business today.
"Maria Luna was a hard worker who inspired others and her creativity allowed Hispanic women to make a living and thrive in a new culture," said Ron Price, District 9 trustee. "She was a shrewd business woman who valued education and encouraged others to give only their best efforts. Her reputation and her inspiration will live on for many decades to come."
The 170,000 square-foot building will have administrative offices for the Food and Child Nutrition Services department and a central food services warehouse/commissary. Baked goods will be produced in a new central kitchen, which also will feature a training center for nutrition education workshops for staff and community. "The facility will allow the department to expand services to staff and students, improve efficiency and customer service and enhance food safety," said Dora Rivas, division manager – Food and Child Nutrition Services.
URS Corporation designed the facility and Austin Commercial is the program manager.
Mariachis de los Artes from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts performed at the ceremony and the Thomas C. Marsh Middle School JROTC also were part of the program.
In January 2002, DISD passed the largest education construction bond program in the history of Texas. The $1.37 billion program is funding 21 new schools, almost 60 additions that include early childhood additions to present schools, and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. Contractors are working on more than 140 school facilities, including new schools, additions to schools, and renovations to schools.
On Wednesday, April 12, at 2 p.m., a groundbreaking will take place for the Harold Wendell Lang Sr. Middle School, 1678 Chenault St. For more information on the bond program, go to www.dallasisd.org/bond.