Atlanta Public Schools, Local Nonprofits Providing Meals to Schoolchildren

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After Gov. Brian Kemp advised schools around the state to close for weeks due to COVID-19 concerns, nonprofits and Atlanta Public Schools collaborate to feed schoolchildren.

After Gov. Brian Kemp advised schools around the state to close for weeks due to COVID-19 concerns, nonprofits and Atlanta Public Schools collaborate to feed schoolchildren.

Goodr and Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry are some of the food pantry organizations providing meals to APS children and families, according to a Facebook post made by GoodrCo.

Starting Monday, March 16, free bagged meals will be provided to APS students at Douglass High School, Cleveland Ave Elementary School, Bunche Middle School, Sylvan Middle School and Phoenix Academy. Starting March 23, APS families can report to one of the five schools for shelf stable food items. 

As Goodr collaborates with APS, founder Jasmine Crowe urges other nonprofits and corporate organizations to help those in need.

“I ask that you think of the most vulnerable at this time that cannot work from home, that are out of work and wondering what to do next,” Crowe said in a Facebook post.

The Georgia Department of Education also received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend alternate meal service flexibility in the case of extended closures due to COVID-19, according to a press release sent out on Friday. This will allow schools to serve USDA-approved meals students at state-approved sites.

State officials weighed in on how school closures can impact students’ access to food.

“We know food insecurity for students who rely on school meals is a major concern during school closures,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We are going to make sure there are options available for students as long as they’re needed, and state and district school nutrition staff are working round-the-clock to get this up and running for Georgia’s kids.”