Beginning March 16, the emergency feeding program has served free meals once every week on Monday. To get each family through the week, families receive 5 breakfast meals and 5 lunch meals per child.

Statewide stay at home measures to help prevent the spread of COVID 19 have affected many families financially who are now finding it harder to make ends meet. Kings Local Schools started the program to provide for families who need meals.

“This program is for all children 18 years and younger,” says Jennifer Arlinghaus, Food Service Director for the Kings Local School District. “It is not solely for those on the school free and reduced meal program, all children are welcomed to participate.”

According to Arlinghaus, the feeding program is serving roughly 3000 meals per week, and is preparing 5000 meals per week on average. Arlinghaus says that the program can serve however many people need assistance.

“We will prepare enough meals for everyone and I encourage all families that need assistance to come by and we will provide meals to them.”

For the program to be effective, meals are provided at easily accessible locations.

“We serve at Joshua’s Place and Columbia Intermediate from noon to 1 p.m.,” said Dawn Gould, Community Relations Coordinator for Kings Local Schools. 

For information on where to pick up meals and the feeding program rules, visit the district’s website here.