Avery Dennison & FASTSIGNS help Painesville, Ohio, schools deliver summer meals

When the last school bell rang for Painesville City Local Schools, the joyful clanging also signaled the beginning of another busy season for the Lunch Box, a 30′ trailer that delivers free summer meals to children throughout the city that’s located 30 miles east of Cleveland. But those deliveries almost didn’t happen this year.

Because 38% of Painesville’s children live in households beneath the poverty threshold, many qualify for free and reduced-cost cafeteria meals during the school year. During summer break, the Lunch Box is often their only opportunity to get a balanced, nutritious meal each day.

Easily recognized by its custom, colorful vinyl wrap that was donated by Avery Dennison, the Lunch Box typically serves up to 10,000 free lunches each summer. However, the vehicle experienced severe wind damage in 2025: The awning was ripped away, and the trailer’s body panels and vinyl wrap were damaged. Initial repair estimates were higher than the district could afford.

“We had conversations that if we couldn’t get support to cover the cost of these repairs, maybe we wouldn’t be able to run the Lunch Box as we had for the previous nine summers,” said Michelle Papic, director of nutrition services, Painesville City Local Schools.

Avery Dennison immediately volunteered to donate vinyl materials to rewrap the entire trailer. Wolf Designs of Painesville, Ohio, which created the artwork for the original wrap, also reprised its role. Students at Auburn Career Center, a local vocational school, helped with the trailer repairs. And FASTSIGNS of Mentor, Ohio, printed and installed the vinyl.

“It had to look awesome when it was done,” said Kim Hoffman, franchise owner, FASTSIGNS of Mentor. “I believe that was Michelle’s only requirement.”

FASTSIGNS printed the Lunch Box wrap on Avery Dennison MPI 1105 Easy ApplyTM RS Supercast Digital Wrapping Film. The film was paired with DOL 1360Z gloss overlaminate for its additional UV and scratch protection, as well as graphic durability. With a little luck, the district ought to get another decade of service out of their wrap.

“The MPI 1105 film applies nicely,” said Hoffman. “We can slide it around to make certain the panels line up correctly. The material makes installation very easy because the adhesive doesn’t stick until you want it to. Once the panel is properly aligned, it can be tacked down before being permanently attached.”

The result of this community teamwork? The Lunch Box was back on the road for Summer of 2026!

“The kids were excited to see the Lunch Box,” said Papic. “It’s back to business as usual, which is what we wanted all along. We’re beyond grateful. Without the support of the community and all our partners, this would’ve been a big expense for the district. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to keep it running.”