Starting today, Delaware City Schools is offering free meals for families that have students affected by the school closure.
The district said Friday it will be offering “grab-n-go” lunches, which include the next day’s breakfast, starting Tuesday and would be providing them through March 27.
“We have many students who rely on the school breakfast and lunch program,” said Delaware City Schools Superintendent Heidi Kegley. “An extended closure is very difficult and poses uncertainties for our students. It was important for us to provide this security for our families during these uncertain times. We are grateful to our many staff members who will be making sure lunches are prepared, transported and distributed.”
Curbside pickup will be available weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon at each elementary school and Willis Education Center, located at 74 W. William St. Meals are available to any child or adult.
The district announced its Blessings in a Backpack food bags, which provide meals over the weekend, will be delivered with Friday meals.
There is no grab-n-go lunch service March 30-April 3 during the district’s regularly scheduled spring break, but extended spring break food bags will be available at the grab-n-go sites March 27.
The district will also be distributing food to outlying neighborhoods via school bus drops, and officials have asked families to be patient and wait for the bus if it is running late.
The district said the following locations will have weekday drop offs starting Tuesday and running through March 27:
Bus #41
• 11:05-11:15 – Shroyers Mobile Home Park by the office on U.S. Route 23
• 11:30-11:45 – 1330 Hanover Road Trailer Park at the shelter by the entrance
• 11:50-12:05 – 2672 Panhandle Rd (For students at 2121 Panhandle Road)
Bus #49
• 11:10-11:25 – 174 Silver Maple at the playground
• 11:27-11:42 – Fern and Cumberland
• 11:45-12:00 – Stratford Road at South Town Lane entrance
• 12:02-12:17 – Waters Edge Apartments @ the entrance
Bus #50
• 11:10-11:25 – River and Hayes at the entrance to the apartments
• 11:27-11:42 – Delaware Lanes bowling alley
• 11:45-12:00 – Village Gates Apartments at entrance at Bowtown Road
Bus #33
• 11:05-11:20 – Heritage St. and Adams St.
• 11:23-11:38 – Bruce Road and Downing Road
Bus # 35
• 11:05-11:20 – Trotters Landing at Warrensburg Road entrance
• 11:25-11:40 – 222 Curtis St. – Hidden Ridge Apartments at the entrance to the apartments
“We are grateful for the many partners and the willingness of our staff members to go above and beyond to ensure our students will continue to have access to meals,” the district said in an email Friday.
For additional information about the district’s plans during the closure, visit its website at https://www.dcs.k12.oh.us/Page/5772.
The district’s FAQ page will continue to be updated with additional information as it is known.
Emergency food relief at BV
On Monday, officials at Buckeye Valley Local Schools issued a release via social media to inform residents of the district that it will provide meals at no charge to students who have applied and qualified for the state’s free and reduced lunch price program.
Today (Tuesday, March 13), parents are able to pick up four days worth of meals between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. at Buckeye Valley East, Buckeye Valley West and Buckeye Valley Middle School.
For those parents unable to make it out today, they can pick up three days worth of meals on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at BVE, BVW and BVMS.
On Monday, March 24, parents can pick up five days worth of meals from 4 to 6 p.m. at BVE, BVW and BVMS.
No meals will be provided during the district’s scheduled spring break (March 30 through April 3).
For general BV questions, the community is asked to email [email protected] or visit the district website. Phones will not be answered during the closure.
Olentangy offering meals
On Monday morning, the Olentangy Local School District announced that during the closure, it will be providing breakfast and lunch to district students until further notice.
“These meals are free of charge for students currently receiving free and reduced-priced meals, as well as for students whose families are struggling as a result of the pandemic,” a notice on the district’s website states. “During the open time windows, lunch will be provided for that day plus breakfast for the following morning.”
The following seven sites will be open for meal pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
• Glen Oak Elementary: 7300 Blue Holly Dr., Lewis Center
• Heritage Elementary: 679 Lewis Center Rd., Lewis Center
• Liberty High School: 3584 Home Rd., Powell
• Oak Creek Elementary: 1256 Westwood Dr., Lewis Center
• Olentangy Meadows Elementary: 8950 Emerald Hill Dr., Lewis Center
• Orange High School: 2840 East Orange Rd., Lewis Center
• Tyler Run Elementary: 580 Salisbury Dr., Powell
The prepacked meals can be picked up at the main entrance of each site locations, and “students/parents/guardians can walk to pick up their meals, or parents/guardians can drive through. If driving, meals will be brought directly to the vehicle. A student must be present to receive a meal, and only one day’s worth of meals will be provided per student. Student names will need to be provided, but student identification isn’t necessary,” the notice states.
As for volunteer help, the district notice states, “We are lucky to live in a community that is eager to help our students. While we are grateful for offers to deliver food and make food donations, district staff is available to make deliveries, and USDA guidelines forbid us from using donated food for district-prepared and distributed meals. If you would like to help, please contact Delaware People In Need or United Way of Delaware County.”
Meal plans for BWLS
In a letter addressed to the Big Walnut Local Schools community on Friday, Superintendent Angie Hamberg writes the district will be providing breakfast and lunch to children currently receiving free or reduced meal benefits.
According to the letter, the meals will be provided during the periods of March 17-20 and March 30-April 3.
For details or questions, parents are asked to contact Linda Klamfoth either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 740-965-8958.
“Meals will not be available from the school during spring break,” Hamberg writes. “However, if anyone needs assistance with food or in general, please contact [email protected] and the wonderful Big Walnut Neighborhood Bridges group will help. Thanks again to all of our community members who are helping to support families during this time.”
