Anne Arundel County Public Schools Has Handed Out 1M Meals During Coronavirus Pandemic
GLEN BURNIE, MD. (WJZ) -- When schools were forced to close nearly 2 months ago, districts across Maryland continued to meet the fundamental needs of their students by providing free meals. On Tuesday, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), gave out their one millionth meal.
The School system reached the milestone after just 39 days of serving an average of 8,000 students, three meals a day.
"It's been so helpful to everybody," said Gail Davis, as she picked up food, "People are in need, and even the people are so friendly and helpful."
Superintendent Dr. George Arlotto said Tuesday isn't so much about celebrating as it is recognizing the division of food and nutrition services.
"I'd rather be serving meals to students at lunchtime in the cafeteria as they're used to but we're glad to make this contribution," said Dr. Arlotto.
The AACPS Division of Food and Nutrition Services works hard to provide students a hot lunch, and food from breakfast and dinner at 60 sites, five days a week.
"They're cooking all of the food, they're packaging all of the food because they get three meals at one pick-up," said Jodi Risse the Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services.
With a third of Anne Arundel County students on free or reduced lunches, it's a service that's needed.
"We knew if we're not serving meals they might not be getting fed, at least certainly not 3 meals a day," said Dr. Arlotto.
AACPS plans to continue to provide 3 meals a day through the end of June at which point they will evaluate the situation.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
