School meals distributed
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany ISD’s school meal program started this week with pickup breakfast and lunch bags, and administrators are looking at possibly setting up remote locations if needed.
AISD cafeteria manager Debra Boyett said Tuesday that her staff handed out about 20 breakfasts the first two morning, along with 35 to 40 lunches on those two days.
“The pickup procedure in the circle drive at the elementary school is working well, so we’re going to continue distributing as many meals as we can that way,” said Boyett.
Albany superintendent Jonathan Scott said that administrators are looking to see if there are “pockets” in the community where they might set up a table in order for students to more easily access their lunches if their parents cannot bring them to the elementary campus.
“That’s not anything we’re going to do immediately,” said Scott. “We need to get at least a week under our belt and see where any changes might lead us. Hopefully we’re moving in the right direction.”
He said that any changes in the procedures would be relayed via Bloomz and Zoom, as well as in the newspaper.
Scott and Boyett both emphasized that students must be present in order for the meals to be given out.
“We had a few parents who came without their kids the first day, but I think most of them know now,” said Scott.
The superintendent also said that the district’s meal distribution while schools are closed has been approved as a “closed program,” which means that Albany ISD will be reimbursed for free and reduced lunches.
“The district will assume the costs for other students,” Scott said.
Breakfast sacks are available in the NSES circle from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. each weekday morning, while lunches can be picked up between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
There doesn’t need to be any notice for student breakfast, but workers need to know by 9:00 a.m. each morning how many lunches to prepare. Parents can call the NSES office at 325-762-3384 or tell the staff when they drive through for breakfast.
