Robbinsdale School District Works to Feed Underprivileged Students

As students stay away from school because of COVID-19, the Robbinsdale School District is working to make sure homeless students get enough to eat.

District social workers identified families who need extra help during the coronavirus shutdown. Then, the district’s kitchens started cranking out meals. Staff members deliver food to drop-off sites located at schools throughout the district. Some families can’t make it to a drop-off site, so the district is using school buses to deliver food right to them. Staff can also deliver educational materials to students as well.

Keeping track of where families without homes are is a challenge. So the district is using a team of social workers to keep tabs on client locations.

“We’re doing weekly or more check-ins with them to see where they’re at, what they need,” said Meghan Hickey, assistant director of student services.

It’s taken some effort, officials said, but the district is pleased with the results. Families in need can get 10 meals each week. The district says about 30 families are taking advantage of the program.

“Our logistics are in place,” said Hickey. “We already have most of our families identified.”

The program is taking one worry off the plates of families who have a lot to worry about in these challenging times.

“They are thrilled,” said Hickey. “These are families that were very concerned about feeding their kids, and are now able to provide them with several meals a day.”

For more on COVID-19’s impact on our community, click here.

Brandon Bankston, Reporting