WHITELAND — The school year is now over for Clark-Pleasant School Corporation, but school meals will be packed and distributed until June 30.
"It makes us very happy that we're doing this," food service director Patty Doyle said.
A team of 65 food service members split up the work. Some people prepare a portion of the meals on Sundays, while others step in on Mondays and Wednesdays.
"Things are going remarkably well. Fifty percent free and reduced lunch, but a lot of blue collars workers," Clark Pleasant Schools superintendent Patrick Spray said. "We knew were going to have a difficult time during this pandemic. We want to make sure we did exceptional job getting meals out to families."
Outside the school, another major operation is underway volunteers — filling vehicles with food for delivery to families across the district.
Beth Stinson's van is loaded with food for 25 families, mostly front-line workers, nurses, who welcome the meals.
"I can't sew to save my life, so I can't help make masks, this was my way to contribute," Stinson said. "It kind of also gave some of my kids a first-hand look at how we can help out. Just because you can't do this thing, you can help out your community instead."
The cooler is stocked for the next food pick-up. The goal, no child goes hungry. That's the best thank you, ever.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a toll-free number you can call to connect you to free meals for kids. The number to call is 1-866-348-6479 from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
