District 131 Has Distributed Nearly 200,000 Student Meals Since March

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

May 28, 2020

The numbers are in: from March 16 to May 22, East Aurora School District 131 distributed a total of 197,173 student meals.

The efforts began on Monday, March 16, when the “normal” school day in East Aurora changed dramatically. Students stayed home for remote learning, as schools were closed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When remote learning began, the district’s goal was to follow the Illinois State Board of Education’s priorities of providing for the emotional and physical well-being, nutrition, and engagement with school content for students.

At that time, District 131 administrators quickly prepared and announced a plan for distributing student meals—first through four school sites, including Allen, Dieterich, and Oak Park Elementary schools, as well as East High School.

On March 25, student meal distribution expanded to student bus routes, with grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches distributed along bus routes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Then on March 30, a fifth school site, Benavides STEAM Academy, was added.

“We are tremendously proud of the number of families we have been able to help, and grateful to all who have served, and continue to serve on the front lines of our meal distribution to students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell. “With the help of so many individuals, we are providing a critical service to our families.”

On May 20, a letter was handed to district workers as they distributed meals along one of the bus routes. It read:

Thank you to all of those people who have put in the work, the time, dedication, and the strength to pack meals daily during these difficult times. Thank you to all of those people who work in the school district, the bus drivers, the employees handing out the meals, and everyone who has helped in this endeavor to bringing meals to our communities. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Sincerely, A Grateful Family

Now that the school year has ended, the grab-and-go student meal continues, with a new schedule. Meals will be distributed at four (4) school sites, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Parents and guardians may also pick up student meals on behalf of a student, ages 18 and under. Siblings may also pick up meals for their siblings. School sites include:

• Benavides STEAM Academy, 250 E. Indian Trail Road; DOOR 1
• Allen Elementary, 700 S. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora; DOOR 8
• Cowherd Middle School, 441 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora; DOOR 3
• East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, DOOR 8

Beginning May 27, District 131 will continue student meal distribution through bus stops. Grab-and-go meals will be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students can expect the bus to arrive at their regular bus stop approximately two (2) hours after their normal pick up time. For example, if normal pick up time is 7:00 a.m., you can expect the bus at approximately 9:00 a.m.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.