Baldwin-Whitehall School District is set to ensure no child in the district goes hungry this year.
As an extension of the Seamless Summer Option, a weekly summer meal provider program, all children under age 18 will have access to free, weekly meal packs through BWSD during the 2021-2022 school year.
“Proper nutrition is foundational for academic success,” said BWSD communications consultant Carrie Butler.
Butler assured that “applications are not required and meals are free to any community member,” regardless of BWSD enrollment status. She described this program and its sister summer program as a “life-life to families,” as they recuperate from pandemic-related economic hardships.
“Families have been very appreciative of the service we are able to provide,” said district food service director Joyce Weber. “There are so many families that are still struggling to meet the needs of their family after this past year of financial losses.”
Meal packs will be available for pick-up every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at Baldwin High School. Children receiving meal packs are not required to be present at the time of pick-up, and pre-orders are also not required.
Additionally, BWSD will not be accepting applications for reduced meal benefits because this new program will provide breakfast and lunch to all students in the district at no cost to parents.
“It is exciting to hear from our families how much this helps with their home budget needs for groceries,” Weber said.
