North Scott schools will begin providing prepared meals Wednesday at 13 sites, three days a week for any child, not just those enrolled in the district.
Superintendent Joe Stutting said he expects the federal government will reimburse the district. But he and board members pledged to do it regardless.
“If it winds up we don’t get reimbursed, we’ll do it anyway. We’ll start writing grants. Some organizations have stepped up, too,” he said.
The district used social media to collect meal requests.
“We’re over 250 meals requested right now. We feel that number will go up. It might not be unusual to get to 500 or 700 meals per day. We’ll be using mini vans and other things to get these meals out,” he told the board Monday.
Stutting said food service director Amy Guerrero and Armstrong Elementary principal Tim Green are developing a meal distribution plan.
“We’re getting all indications the federal government is going to authorize schools will get reimbursed,” he said. Regardless, “we’re going to do it one way or another. Lots of people are willing to step up and help, but it will sure help if we know we’re going to get reimbursed.”
Initial discussions involve central drop-off locations, as well as possible home delivery for those unable to leave their homes.
“They’re thinking about delivering two days' worth of meals at a time, probably three days a week. We’re looking for the best locations.”
At the same time, they do not want to create a health threat. “We need to manage it so we don’t build to a point where we have a crowd,” he said.
Meals are for children 18 or under, regardless of town of residence or school enrollment.
Meals will be prepared in school facilities by ServSafe Certified staff members. Meals will be served grab and go style. Staff will provide one meal for the day of pick up, and prepared breakfast and lunches for the days until the next drop-off.
Meals may include peanuts.
Stutting said the district will work to accommodate some food allergies, but urged patience as the program begins.
Meals should be reserved so the district knows how much to prepare. To learn more, visit the district website, or call the administration center, (563) 285-4819.
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Meal drop-off schedule, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Donahue - Fire Station, 10:30 a.m.
Dixon - Fire Station, 10:30 a.m.
Eldridge
Methodist Church, 10:10 a.m.
Centennial Park, 10: 25 a.m.
Lutheran Church, 10: 45 a.m.
Long Grove
Shepard Elementary, 10:10 a.m.
Country Estates Mobile Home and RV Park entrance, 10:15 a.m.
Maysville - Fire Station, 10:15 a.m.
McCausland -Fire Station, 10:35 a.m.
Mount Joy - Mount Joy Mobile Home Park office area, 10:15 a.m.
Park View
Lutheran Church, 10:15 a.m.
Armstrong Elementary, 10:30 a.m.
Princeton- Virgil Grissom Elementary, 10:45 a.m.