DOE feeds hungry students with Grab-and-Go meals
Posted on Apr 30, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured
There’s a saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That could apply to the food service crews at more than 70 public schools who are on the job from 6 a.m. weekdays to prepare thousands of free “Grab-and-Go” breakfasts and lunches for children up through age 18. The meals will continue into the summer at select schools as the state copes with COVID-19. The Department of Education has announced a telework “continuity of learning” for students and teachers to complete the school year through May 28 while physical school buildings remain closed. DOE Superintendent Kishimoto said it “broke our hearts” to not permit traditional commencements because of COVID-19 concerns, but schools can consider holding “alternative celebrations.”
“The schools represent more than schools,” said Randall Tanaka, assistant superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Operations. “We’re to some degree a social safety net for those that can’t afford food or need this support. We see this as part of our responsibility to the community. Cars start lining up early for the breakfasts served from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 to noon. Updates to the list of schools will be posted at https://bit.ly/COVID19HI. For updates on summer school and new developments, go to https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/Pages/Home.aspx.