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Eureka City Schools is offering to feed local children ages 18 and under while schools are shut down during this “unprecedented public health crisis.”

The district sent a letter to parents and guardians today saying it will provide a pickup meal service at Alice Birney, Grant, Lafayette, Washington and Eureka High schools from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff will be on hand to provide each child present with a lunch and a breakfast to take home for the following day. Children must be present to receive the meals, which will be available through walk-up or drive-through service.

Additionally, for families unable to pick up meals, the district is offering a distribution service along its normal bus routes. Each child present at regular bus stops can receive a breakfast and a lunch to take home.

“This service is extended to all children (ages 18 and under) in our community,” reads a letter from ECS Food Services Director Laura Chase. “It is not just for students enrolled in ECS.”

See the full letter sent to parents and guardians copied below:

Dear Parent/Guardians,

We are here and prepared to feed children in our community as we face this unprecedented public health crisis.  Working closely with state and local public health officials, the Eureka City Schools (ECS) Board of Education made the decision to close schools to students starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  As we determine the best way to provide distance learning, we continue to offer food, even while school is closed.

The ECS Food Services team will provide meals to “all” children ages 18 and under in our community through two methods.

Several school sites will be open with an opportunity for families to drive through and pick up meals for their children.  Children must be present in order for meals to be provided.  Each child present will be provided a lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day.  Meals will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the parking lot or bus lane at each participating school.  Please enter through the school’s bus loading zone.  Please stay in your car, and meals will be passed through the window based on the number of children in the car by one of our nutrition services staff.  Walk-ups are also welcome.

Schools Offering Meals:


         Alice Birney Elementary
         Grant Elementary
         Lafayette Elementary
         Washington Elementary
         Eureka High School



Additionally, for families who are unable to pick up meals for their children ages 18 and under, the ECS Transportation Department will provide drop-off meals at all morning bus stops at the normally scheduled bus pick up times.  Each child present will be provided a breakfast and lunch for that day to be taken home for consumption.

This service is extended to all children (ages 18 and under) in our community.  It is not just for students enrolled in ECS.

Both options will be solely for the pickup of meals, and meals will not be consumed on site.  We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by practicing the following recommendations by public health:
         Social distancing (6 feet) and not congregating at the school site once meals have been distributed
         Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds; use 70% alcohol-based sanitizer if no water is available
         Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
         Sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw away used tissue, and wash hands
         Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and spaces
         Stay home if you are sick

Sincerely,

Laura Chase
ECS Food Services Director