School system cuts food distribution program down to two days a week per health officials
THE WALMART shopping center parking lot continues to be a popular point for school breakfasts and lunches to be picked up for local children.
On the recommendation of the Georgia Department of Public Health to limit social contact, the Grady County School System has reduced its food distribution to two days per week, but a total of 10 meals per child will continue to be provided, according to Grady County school superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard.
The school system also reduced its remote distribution locations from 16 to 13.
Tuesday was the first day of distribution this week and 1,872 students were served a total of 7,488 meals, according to Dr. Gilliard. That brings the grand total to 27,586 meals served since the program began on March 17.
On Tuesday, children were given two breakfasts and two lunches to carry them until Thursday when the school system will distribute three breakfasts and three lunches to each child.
The food may be picked up from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Thursday , but due to Spring Break April 6-10, no meals will be distributed next week.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that the statewide school closure will extend through April 24. Dr. Gilliard said the school system will resume its food distribution operation on Tuesday, April 14 and it will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays until school reopens or the summer food program begins unless arrangements cannot be made or further health restrictions are put in place.
Meals will continue to be made available at all of the county schools with the exception of Southside. The revised list of remote locations includes:
Gordon Heights Baptist Church, 1351 Fifth St. S.E.;
Wal-Mart parking lot, U.S. Hwy. 84;
Southern Terrace Park, First Street S.W.;
Midway Baptist Church, 2389 GA 93 South;
Karema Estates, Joyner Road and 20th Street S.E. intersection;
Johnson Meat Market, U.S. 84 East;
Tired Creek Boulevard neighborhood, behind Mr. Chick;
Former Friendship Methodist Church, 495 12th Ave. N.E.;
Calvary Post Office, 6468 GA 111 South;
Davis Park, First Street N.E.;
South Cairo mobile home park, 1744 GA 111 South;
Reno Volunteer Fire Department, 4458 GA 111 South;
Eastside Baptist Church, Fifth Street N.E.;
Adults may purchase meals for $5 cash.
School officials remind parents and guardians that children must be present to receive meals.
