PSUSD meal pick-up service to change
Since schools closed due to Coronavirus concerns, Palm Springs Unified School District has continued providing free meal pick-up services for students and kids in the Coachella Valley.
On Wednesday dozens of cars lined up at Della S Lindley Elementary School in Thousand Palms.
The district provided each child a week's worth of meals, including breakfast and lunch.
"We’ve got oranges, apples, a lunch entree, a breakfast entree, milk and juice," Palm Springs Unified School District Nutritional Services Director, Stephanie Bruce said.
A group of school teachers and staff volunteered, joining 3 different assembly lines to pump out meals to families. Similar to a fast-food drive thru, vehicles pulled up while volunteers handed them bags of food. The school implemented the drive-ups in an effort to practice safe distancing."
"Our very first day we served 10,000 meals. Our highest day was 27,400," Bruce said.
The pick-ups have become increasingly popular. Bruce said she puts in orders weeks in advance, and estimates who will show up.
"We’re able to feed the community because we’re an economically disadvantaged community by more than 50 percent. We’re able to serve all children 18 and under for free and all of our students as well which includes our special [education] community which is up to 22," Bruce said.
The district provided meals twice during the week of April 1st. On Friday, April 3rd meal distribution will be held to supply food for students during spring break the following week.
"We’ll come back on the 15th and it will be every Wednesday moving forward until we’re back in session," Bruce said.
Bruce said the district is distributing more meals than what they usually provide when school is in session.
"Especially now, children are not in session. Businesses are closed, families need it," Bruce said.
Desert Sands Unified School District said it is reducing its school pick-ups down to two days a week, beginning the week of April 6th.
Coachella Valley Unified School District plans on making changes as well. They are still in the process of finalizing a schedule.
