Boston Public Schools assured the public Monday that it is prepared to assist families with meals during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the school closures slated to last through April 27.
BPS said that on Tuesday, March 17, they will have 16 designated locations throughout the city as BPS food distribution sites for families to pick up packaged meal options for free breakfast and lunch meals.
BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius told WGBH News that their department is ready for the challenge.
"We are also going to be feeding all students," she said. "Charter, public, private, any students that come in and I want all parents to know we are going to step up and feed our children of Boston."
BPS said the hours of operation will be 8:30-11:30 a.m. and offer a variety of packaged meal options. Those getting meals may do a drive through pick-up or safe social distancing pick-up.
In addition, the city of Boston in partnership with Project Bread, YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Family, and other community organizations set up 53 city-wide food distribution sites.
“For families that don't go to Boston Public Schools, we will not turn away anybody and that includes parents and older adults. All are welcome,” Cassellius said.
BPS Food and Nutrition Services serves more than 13 million meals to students at 126 Boston Public Schools at off site locations annually through three primary programs during the school year according to the BPS school department website.
All 16 of the BPS distribution sites will be open Tuesday morning.
“All my city colleagues are working diligently around the clock to be ready for everybody,” Cassellius said. “ We're also doing this with health and equity at the forefront, meaning it may take a little bit longer, so pace yourself coming out.”
