The DeKalb County School system’s drive through “meals for kids” program on Mondays and Thursdays will be extended at least a few more weeks after Governor Lee recommended schools remain closed the rest of the year.

The weekly food distribution began last month after schools were closed due to COVID-19. The idea was to ensure that children and teens had plenty to eat while at home until schools re-opened. With the Governor’s recommendation that schools remain closed for the remainder of this academic year, DeKalb County will continue the food drive at least into the month of May on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and DeKalb West School.

The food boxes on Mondays are good for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays. Students being served must be inside the vehicles driving through the pickup line. Meals must be taken home and should be refrigerated until served.

“We appreciate the way our community has come through and supported us with this. We are serving a little over 900 kids each day out of 2,700 students in our district so about 30% of our kids are coming through each day,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

“The churches especially have helped support us with our food program and not just monetarily but in the time they have put in packing and passing out food bags. They were on board from the get go and I can’t say enough about their support. Its great to know we have people who love kids and are praying for them and the school system because they know this is totally new and has brought on stress for parents, kids, and teachers who have to get lesson plans together to teach on line or through other contact with students who had packets of lesson plans sent home to them,” said Director Cripps.

“Other community people who have supported us include County Mayor Tim Stribling, Smithville Mayor Josh Miller, Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and his officers, Sheriff Patrick Ray and School Resource Officers, Alexandria Police Chief Chris Russell, and Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker, along with many more.

“Chief Collins has had three or four officers working this area (DMS/DCHS) every Monday and Thursday making sure everyone is safe getting in and out of the parking lot onto the highway,” Cripps continued.

“I also want to thank School Nutrition Supervisor Amy Lattimore and our cafeteria staff, managers, and cooks who come in and work every Monday and Thursday to get this food ready to go out. They have done a fantastic job helping feed these kids,” said Cripps.

Not only is the food distribution helping students with their nutrition needs, Director Cripps said it is helpful in other ways.

“When these little kids come through the line, many of them get excited when they see their principals waiting to serve them and it means a lot to us as administrators. It’s important for us to help see to their safety and social emotional well-being,” he said.