HARVEST, Ala. — One downside with this pandemic is schools closing down for weeks. Thousands of students depend on that school lunch.
The great news is hundreds of students were still fed Monday, all thanks to Madison County Schools employees.
Harvest Elementary School is one of six schools that employees are dedicating their time to feed students.
"We're over-preparing. We're going to make sure we have food for any student that needs it when they come through these lines at schools today," says Madison County Schools' Director of Public Relations, Tim Hall.
Cafeteria staff, librarians, and more worked like a well-oiled machine to feed students. They handed out bagged and boxed meals and healthy snacks to 'grab and go'.
"They're coming today to get lunch.They're also coming to get breakfast for tomorrow," added Hall.
Students were given free meals, but also free books. Some kids were more excited to get their hands one, than the actual food.
"I like books!," says student Curtis Bennett.
The school's librarian, Charlotte Owen, says books will keep kids calm amid the chaos.
"Right now, the kids are wondering what's going on and why they have to be out of school, and so this can get their mind off of it," added Owen.
"This is really what our school system is about. We are going to put children first. Kids are going to come first in the Madison County School system," added Hall.
The free meals offered by Madison County Schools will continue until April 3rd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Here are five other locations to pick up these meals:
Hazel Green Elementary
Madison Co Elementary
Madison Cross Roads Elementary
New Hope Elementary
Riverton Elementary