North Bellmore Schools Sees Increased Demand For Meals For Kids

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — The North Bellmore School District continues to support the community through the COVID-19 pandemic as essential services remain for children and their families while schools are closed.

The district is providing grab-and-go meals on Mondays and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Martin Avenue Elementary School, with two days of lunch given out on Mondays and three days’ worth on Wednesdays. Since the first week of the program, the average meals provided have increased from 70 to 165.

Meals include both hot and cold items including bagels, chicken nuggets, French toast, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, tacos and a variety of sandwiches. The lunches are being prepared by North Bellmore’s food services staff, who have been working on a rotating basis and continue to practice social distancing as they prepare food.

Overseeing the grab-and-go meal program are Assistant Superintendent for Business Jacqueline Rehak and Food Services Director Helena McKenna. The district’s custodial staff has also been providing valuable support by picking up inventory from other schools to support food preparation at Martin Avenue.

“It has been such an amazing group effort,” Rehak said. “The food services staff has been excellent and our custodial staff has been so helpful. The staff has really come together, without actually coming together. Additionally, Ms. McKenna has been extremely innovative with creating these meals and scheduling the staff while maintaining social distancing.”

Through the efforts of Superintendent of Schools Marie Testa and Board of Education President Nina Lanci, the district has also partnered with the Bellmore Lions Club to provide pizza dinners for families. Lanci, also treasurer of the Lions Club, reached out to Andrea Colandrea, owner of Mama Gina’s Italian Restaurant and Café in Bellmore, to help provide meals for the community.

The Bellmore Lions Club purchased gift certificates, at a reduced price, to be distributed to 80 families in picking up their grab-and-go lunches at Martin Avenue. Testa said this will allow families to bring home a hot pizza from Mama Gina’s at their convenience.

“I knew we had to do something,” Lanci said. “People are struggling to feed their families and are worried for the future. The Lions believe that kindness matters, which is why I reached out to Mama Gina’s so we could bring a hot meal to those in need in our community and to let them know we care.”

Added Testa, “This wonderful partnership with the Lions Club allows us to continue fulfilling our mission of supporting the North Bellmore community. Although we are apart, our connection remains united and strong.”

The district has also partnered with SCOPE Education Service to provide childcare for parents who are first responders or medical professionals. The emergency extended childcare program is offered five days a week in several neighboring communities. More information is available on the district website at www.northbellmoreschools.org.

North Bellmore is also ensuring that the social and emotional needs of children and families are still being met. The district’s staff of counselors, psychologists and social workers continue to provide guidance and support for students and families, and partnerships continue with the Long Island Crisis Center and New York State Office of Children and Family Services.