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Partnership brings 8,000 meals to Western Heights students
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 7, 2020) – Students and families in the Western Heights school district in southwest Oklahoma City will receive meals starting tomorrow, just two days after the district announced a stoppage to the free service. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), concerned about lack of access to meals to Western Heights students, reached out to Hunger Free Oklahoma last night to find a remedy. Hunger Free Oklahoma, in return, has partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, who will deliver 8,000 pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches to the district today for delivery tomorrow.
“Feeding our students and families during this time is essential, and we’re so thankful to Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank for acting quickly,” said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. “Right now, many families are struggling with unemployment and uncertainty, and these free meals are critically needed.”
“We are always ready to help our government partners and school districts think through tough issues and connect them to the right resources,” said Chris Bernard, Executive Director of Hunger Free Oklahoma. “I am grateful to everyone involved, especially the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, who turned around in no time with 8,000 meals for the students of Western Heights.”
“We’re happy to step in and provide nutritious meals to the Western Heights students,” said Deb Bunting, interim CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We had anticipated a need for school-age children might arise and had prepackaged meals ready to respond if needed. I’m proud of our team for getting the meals to Western Heights so quickly.”
The food delivered today is expected to provide 10 days of breakfasts and lunches for district students. After that time, Western Heights is expected to secure prepackaged meals.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a waiver allowing all Oklahoma public school sites to offer two free meals a day to students no matter their eligibility for the free and reduced-price lunch program.
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