FONTANA, CA – Amid school closures and concerns over COVID-19, Fontana Unified is tackling the challenge of keeping students well-fed through its “Grab and Go” meal distribution program, which provides breakfast and lunch meals for children ages 18 and under.

Meal distribution began on March 16; each weekday, Food Services staff and District employees prepare and deliver meals curbside to families at 10 FUSD schools. To date, the District has served up to 8,600 meals on a single day.

Fontana Unified’s commitment to feeding students will continue through its regularly scheduled Spring Break from March 23 to 27, and through countywide school closures that were extended to May 1.

“Fontana Unified is dedicated to supporting all facets of student success, which includes ensuring the nutritional well-being of our students,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “Our employees are taking every health and safety precaution as they work to feed our community. We thank them for their dedication to supporting families through this period of uncertainty.”

The meals, offered every weekday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., are prepared by Food Services staff and distributed by District administrators and staff.

Students do not have to be school age – or registered students in Fontana Unified – but should be present in the car to receive meals. Students with special needs can receive meal service accommodations by contacting the District at (909) 357-5160, ext. 29200.

Nearly 84 percent of Fontana Unified students qualify for free or reduced-lunch prices. The community need – coupled with the food shortages in local markets – bolstered the District’s decision to continue the meal service through the entire closure period.

For more information, including meal distribution sites, visit www.fusd.net/meals.

PHOTO

FUSD_MEALS: Fontana Unified employees distribute “Grab and Go” meals to families during the school closures prompted by COVID-19 concerns.