Food distribution to resume Tuesday
The Grady County School System has served 48,172 meals to local children since March 17, but this week being spring break, the system’s food distribution operation is shuttered for the week.
However, school superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard said the distribution will resume operation on Tuesday, April 14, but only at the county’s seven schools.
According to Dr. Gilliard, the operation has been scaled back to meet the food needs of the community while at the same time maintaining as much social distancing as possible when disbursing the meals.
Two breakfasts and two lunches will be provided next Tuesday and then on Thursday three breakfasts and three lunches will be provided to each child.
“We eventually may go to all prepackaged meals and shift to a one-day distribution of 10 meals per week,” Dr. Gilliard said.
Meals may be picked up next Tuesday and Thursday at the schools, including Southside Elementary School, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.
With Governor Kemp’s order last Thursday that schools will remain closed through May, the superintendent says he plans to continue serving as long as possible unless instructed to do otherwise.
“I want to thank our faculty and staff for all they have done during this difficult time, especially school nutrition service director Mallory Barrett and the school nutrition staff, and transportation director Adrienne Cruel and the bus drivers helping to deliver food, as well as social services director Dr. Katina Cooper, and assistant superintendents Tilda Brimm and Janet Walden who are delivering meals to individuals that do not have transportation to a site. I also want to thank our many teachers that have volunteered to help fill bags and hand out food. Lastly, I cannot forget our 11 and 12 month employees that have continued to show up and assist with the food disbursements. We have served nearly 50,000 meals since schools closed March 17,” Dr. Gilliard said.
School officials remind parents and guardians that children must be present to receive meals. Adults may purchase meals for $5 cash.
