HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico County Public Schools is offering two options for parents and students to pick up meals throughout the fall semester.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday that, in accordance with the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the universal meals distribution in effect since the spread of the pandemic in March would be continued through Dec. 31.
Free breakfasts and lunches will be distributed through curbside pickup service as well as meal delivery at 61 neighborhood stops throughout the county.
HCPS buses will distribute the free school meals to neighborhoods two days a week. Meal modifications are possible, based on demand and other logistical factors, and participants should follow social distancing and mask guidelines at bus stops.
Among the features of the HCPS plan:
- Free meals are available to any child 18 or younger at all HCPS school locations and identified bus stops.
- Parents and guardians can pick up meals at any HCPS location regardless of where their student is enrolled.
- Parents and guardians don’t need to provide student names or I.D. numbers to receive meals.
- Families are strongly encouraged to apply for free and reduced-priced meals benefits, in order to participate after the current meals program expires Jan. 1, 2021.
School curbside service:
- Distribution of free meals will take place at all elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Monday through Thursday (Friday meals are distributed on Thursdays.)
- 7-9 a.m.: Hot breakfasts (when available) and cold lunches.
- 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Hot lunches as well as cold breakfasts for the next day.
Neighborhood distribution using school buses:
- Mondays and Wednesdays. On Mondays, buses will distribute meals for Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesdays, breakfasts and lunches will be distributed for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as Monday breakfast.
- Buses will make 30-minute stops at each location, between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
