Rapp Schools continue to feed county’s youth
While the Rappahannock County School hallways have been very quiet since the statewide school closure ordered by Governor
Ralph Northam, the school cafeterias have remained quite busy with cafeteria staff packing meals for students and children under the age of 18.
Amanda Butler, RCPS School
Nutrition Director, and cafeteria staff immediately went to work to ensure that none of the county youth would be hungry during the
closure. In fact, the first announcement of the Meal Access Hotline was included in the initial school closure statement, which was provided to parents on Friday, March 13th.
During the first delivery on Monday, March 16th, the nutrition department packed over 100 meals to families that reached out to receive school lunches. Since the first delivery, the numbers of children being served have consistently increased. The most recent delivery on Monday, April 6th, included a total of 1100 meals, which included 550 breakfasts and 550 lunches, including for 110 students
According to Butler, the cafeteria staff have happily risen to the challenge.
“Many of our children rely on school meals so our priority from the beginning was to continue to feed students during the COVID-19 closure.The whole school community cares tremendously about our students and while feeding in this capacity is certainly new to us, we are learning as we go and doing everything possible to make sure no child is food insecure.
“We are grateful for the flexibility that the USDA and Virginia Department of Education have granted during this time, because traditionally we are not allowed to participate in the Summer Food Service Program due to just being shy of the 50 percent free and reduced eligibility criteria.”
While still practicing proper social distancing etiquette, members of the Nutrition Department pack bags with a week’s worth of food for each child in time for Monday pick-ups and deliveries. This week’s lunch menu included a salad, three deli sandwiches, and a PB&J with carrots and apples.
On Monday mornings, the bags are picked up and delivered door-to-door throughout the county by various RCPS representatives, which have included school principals, bus drivers, the athletic director, the Commit to Be Fit team, and RCPS School Board Chairman Wes Mills.
Additional meals are taken to the school board office for those parents that requested a pick-up, non-delivery option.
Recipients received an extra special delivery this past Monday, which included special Easter treats that were graciously donated by Putnam’s Home and Garden Services, LLC. In addition, a generous donation of Easter eggs was provided by the Washington Fire Department.
The sturdy, reusable bags used for deliveries have been donated by Waterpenny Farm, Rappahannock Lions Club, Belle Ridge Farm, Martin’s in Culpeper and Front Royal, and other generous community members. Additional goods, provided by the Rappahannock Food Pantry, are also delivered to the families.
“The amount of community support has been incredible,” said Butler. “On the first day, I had more individuals calling to see how they could help than I did families needing meals. Taking care of one another is truly a strength of our Rappahannock community.”
All children, under 18, qualify for free meals. Meals can be picked up at the School Board Office or delivered to homes. To set-up pick-up/delivery, call or text the Meal Access Hotline at 540671-0153.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.