We appreciate all the district food service workers who are working hard to provide breakfast and lunch to children during the time the schools are dismissed. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have about food service during this time:
- What time will meals be served?
- Breakfast (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM). Meals will be “grab and go,” meaning that they will not be eaten at school or on school property.
- Can families bring all siblings enrolled in different schools to one site for meals?
- Yes, we want to make these times as flexible and convenient as possible.
- Do we only serve our enrolled students?
- Our sites are considered ‘Open’ to the community due to the emergency nature. We are technically operating all our schools as Summer Sites. Any children ages 1-18 years old are eligible to receive a meal.
- How will meals be distributed?
- Kitchen managers have been instructed to serve inside school entrances that are close to parking lots, drop off areas and cafeterias so parents can drive up or quickly walk in to get food. This will also allow close access to kitchens for supplies and warmers, helps ensure food safety guidelines are maintained, and provides a space of shelter for food service staff in the case of inclement weather. For both breakfast and lunch, please enter through the “breakfast” doors and follow the signs to exit the cafeteria out the main school door.
- Are we serving over spring break?
- No, we are not and this is for several reasons. First, our planning and ordering is always done a month in advance and so we have already planned to not be in session. Second, staff have already requested these days off in accordance with the calendar. We have to maintain balance with food to ensure we don’t run out.
- Can we distribute food into our neighborhoods?
- Unfortunately, no, as there is great potential for food borne illness. We will be offering hot items since our planning is based on what we have in stock in our warehouse. We are continuing to look at alternative options to make resources more available to students.
- Can we offer share tables?
- No, the health department recommends closing all buffets, salad bars, and share tables to limit the possibility of transmission.
- Why aren’t we serving only cold lunches?
- Again, we did not plan for this dismissal so we have to use the food we have in stock. Also, being able to provide hot meals provides continuity and normalcy which can be comforting to them.
- What about all the waste?
- We are aware this change in operation may result in a lot of unserved food. We will do our best to adjust preparation and service as we determine participation levels.
- Also, the grab and go nature of this system requires the use of a lot of disposables – It is currently what we have stocked in our warehouse and available to use. Disposable materials help us serve our students as quickly and safely as possible.
Our main goal is ensure any students who show up at any school are fed during this dismissal. We anticipate bumps and challenges along the way but will handle them with our number one goal in mind. We will continue to update you as things change.
