The recent COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in the closing of school, affecting the availability of food for students who rely on school for their nutrition needs.  

There are many different options to provide food for families. The “Buddy Backpacks” are a donation from the Montgomery County Food Bank and will be distributed at Meador Elementary and CC Hardy Elementary friday, March 20, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. According to the info provided by the district, the backpacks distribution will be by the bus area at the back of the school. 

“It will be on a first come first serve basis,” Superintendent Tim Harkrider said in a video released Thursday. “If you are in need of a backpack of food for the weekend, please come by and pick those up.”

Child nutrition meals are another option. They provide breakfast and lunch bags and will be distributed in the same location as the backpacks, Mondays through Fridays starting March 23rd between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

“We ask that students are present in the car per federal requirement that we have been issued,” the video said.

Parent Support Center Food Boxes will be distributed Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays also beginning March 23rd in the Roark Building.   Families must show proof of address in Willis or New Waverly before receiving food. 

“The center will not be opened to the public for donations or shopping during the school closure,” a flyer from the district said. 

Harkrider is determined to keep the district safe and provided for.

“This is a stressful time for all of us,” Harkrider said. “I think that it is an unprecedented time in our country. Please know that your health and the welfare of you and your family is what we care about the most.”

Instructions on how the district is planning to deliver instructional information will come next week. 

“That is really second nature to what we need to be focused on right now,” Harkrider said.