OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Many local schools are launching meal assistance programs to provide students with breakfast and lunch, even though they’re not in school due to the Coronavirus. Omaha Public Schools and Papillion-La Vista Community Schools launched their efforts today.
Educators, volunteers and food personnel with Omaha Public Schools (OPS) are volunteering their time to pass out the bagged food. On Monday, OPS put together around 10,000 meals throughout the four pickup locations - Skinner Magnet Center, Gateway Elementary, Omaha South High and Benson High.
"They're our kids you know, there are children in the community and they need help,” said OPS Director of Nutrition Services Tammy Yarmon.
Parents and guardians drove up to the four locations with their children in their car to receive a bag of breakfasts and a bag of lunches for each student, that should last them until Friday.
"Many of our children are at home doing online learning, they've gotten packets at home,” said Yarmon. “ In order to be ready to do work at home as well as at school, they've got to have a meal.”
"I think it's totally amazing,” says parent Diane Sellers.
Parents lined up at La Vista Middle School and Golden Hills Elementary early Monday morning as well. Papillion and La Vista Community Schools launched their efforts and for the time being will continue to do so, every Monday morning.
"There's a lot of kids that rely on those meals while they're here at school and that can create some stress and anxiety for those kids," said La Vista Middle School Resource Officer Jamie Brown.
These meals give assurance to parents, that schools and students are in this together.
For more information on food pantries and meal assistance programs during this pandemic, check out this section on our website.
