Families who rely on free and reduced-price school meals for their children may be worried about the mandated time away from school buildings in light of the coronavirus emergency, so most school districts that will be closed for a week or more are finding a way to make sure children in need have food.
Hall County County School Superintendent Will Schofield said in a Friday afternoon video the district will have school bus drivers making deliveries.
"Our bus drivers will be running a route once a day so we can deliver meals to students whose only meal may be a free or reduced breakfast and lunch," Schofield said.
Drivers will run regular routes beginning at 8:15 a.m. each weekday to deliver meals. In addition, all elementary schools in the county will be open from 10 - 11 a.m. for meal pick-up at a designated location outside the school; any Hall County middle and high school student may pick up meals at the elementary school in their area. The meals will be provided at no cost to families.
Other school districts are offering the same type of service for students. The Gainesville City School System has established pick-up sites for food beginning, Wednesday, March 18. Gwinnett County School District officials said they will provide meal pick-up at 68 different schools in the system, providing free lunches for any students under the age of 18.
Other districts may also be offering meals during the school closures. Check with your local school district to get specific information.