Waddell: More Necessary Virus Prevention Causes Schools To Change Food Delivery Program

Schools Will Remain Closed Through May 1st: Food Delivery Service Will Be Converted To Pick Up Only

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County School Superintendent Patrick Waddell​ has announced more school system changes as a result of necessary virus prevention measures. Mr. Waddell said the school's food delivery program will undergo changes effective Monday, April 13th, in order to avoid congregating, which he said is occurring at the mapped drop-off points.

"There is no blueprint on how we're supposed to handle the ever-changing COVID-19 outbreak," he said. "We're all learning as we go, and these actions are necessary in order to do our part in the prevention of spreading illness."

Waddell said schools will no longer deliver meals, as of April 13th, to designated pick up points throughout the county because too many individuals are gathering at these points.

Beginning on April 13th, schools will provide School Food Service Breakfast and Lunch for pick-up between the hours of 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays at the following locations only:  Kyrock Elementary, the Edmonson County 5/6 Center, and South Edmonson Elementary School. 

"You will be able to pick up three days of food on each of these days," he said.  "To minimize the number of individuals who must gather at the same time, we ask that those with last names beginning with A-H pick up food between 9 A.M. and 10 A.M; if your last name begins with I-Q, please pick up food between 10 A.M. and 11 A.M.; and if your last name begins with R-Z, please pick up food between 11 A.M. and 12 P.M.."

He also said signs outside tables will be located near the front office of each school where lunches will be delivered.

"We ask that you remain in your vehicle and we will bring your food to the table," he added. "You will be allowed to exit your vehicle and pick up the food at that time."
 
"Under our current guidelines, you may pick up the food for your children without the children being present or you may have a friend or family member pick up the food for you.  At the time of pick-up, please be prepared to provide the names of the children who will be receiving the breakfast/lunch."

Waddell said he knows that this will create hardships on some families and individuals but that the school must act in a manner that is best for all students, their families, and school employees. He said the schools are also working through problems as a result of delayed and changed shipments from food supply services.

"It is our goal to feed every child during this difficult time.  We also encourage you to contact family, friends, or community members to pick up the meals for your children if you do not have transportation.  As you are aware, this is a national issue and we are having some difficulties with our normal food suppliers; nevertheless, we are managing to keep food in stock to meet demands moving forward.  If anything changes, we will let you know."

Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear recommended that all schools in KY extend their in-person closures through May 1st. Edmonson County Schools immediately confirmed to the Edmonson Voice they were following suit. 

All school sports remain in a dead period until further notice. 

"This virus is spreading faster than we thought," said Mr. Waddell. "I believe our federal, state, and local leaders are doing the absolute best they can, and they're asking us to do the very best we can, and I encourage us all to do that."
 
Waddell said food service participants must re-register and complete the NTI Feeding Program Form on your school or district web page or schools’ Facebook pages.  You may also call the NTI Feeding Form Hot Line at 270-597-8955.

Anyone with further questions can contact the board office at 270-597-2101.