FERNDALE, Wash. — Today, Friday, March 20th, is the first day of grab-and-go meal distribution to allow families most threatened by school closures to pick up free meals with minimal contact.
Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation to close all public and private schools in the state beginning March 17th through at least April 24th in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus. This action interrupted access to food and other services available to students in families that rely on the free and reduced-price meal program.
Following that proclamation Inslee noted to school employees, “this is not a vacation” and Washington Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Chris Reykdal identified access to food and childcare as priorities.
Many students rely on school meals to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, as this outbreak begins to impact the economic environment, we know more families may find themselves needing assistance. During these school closures, school districts may provide breakfast and lunch to any student, regardless of their family income, at the location(s) designated by the district.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources – Washington Office of Superintendent of Public InstructionAdvertisementClick for more information
AdvertisementClick for more information
Wednesday, March 18th, the Ferndale School District announced they would begin grab-and-go meal distribution at some Ferndale area schools today from 11am to 1pm. Meals can be picked up at any distribution point regardless of which school the student attends.
Distribution points:
- Ferndale High School
- Central Elementary
- Horizon Middle School / Eagleridge Elementary campus
- Custer Elementary
- Skyline Elementary
- Cascadia Elementary
- North Bellingham Learning Center
Meals distributions are planned to continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and all Ferndale School District students are eligible, not just those who participate in the free and reduced-price meal program.
- Monday distribution: Lunch for Monday, breakfast and lunch for Tuesday and breakfast for Wednesday
- Wednesday distribution: Lunch for Wednesday, breakfast and lunch for Thursday and breakfast for Friday
- Friday distribution: Lunch for Friday and breakfast for Monday
Breakfast meals will include an entree, fruit and/or juice and milk. Lunch meals will include a sandwich, vegetable, fruit or juice and milk.
Families who are not able to make it to the distribution centers at these times are asked to call the District at 360-383-9236. They will make arrangements to deliver meals if possible.