School Food Distribution Returns To Twice A Week

Meal distribution at Palm Beach County School District locations has returned to twice a week. Distributions will occur Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at 51 school locations. Each day, parents are guardians who pick up food will receive a kit with three days worth of meals for each child.

The Tuesday, Thursday distribution schedule will continue through the month of May.

Local distribution sites include: Benoist Farms Elementary School, Crestwood Middle School, H.L. Johnson Elementary School, Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School, New Horizons Elementary School, Okeeheelee Middle School, Osceola Creek Middle School, Seminole Ridge High School, Wellington High School, Western Pines Middle School.

Meals are free to anyone 18 years of age and younger (22 years of age and younger for ESE students), regardless of financial need.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided a waiver to allow parents/guardians to pick up meals without the child being present. The parent needs to provide confirmation of the number of children for whom they are picking up meals, by one of the following methods: student ID, student passport, student library card, student birth certificate or a photo of the adult with the students for whom they are picking up meals.

The parent will show the identification to staff providing the meals, and meals will be provided for the number of children identified. The district follows food distribution rules as outlined by the USDA. Meals are not allowed to be picked up in bulk for multiple families. The parent or guardian must be present to receive the meals.

To limit person-to-person contact, remember to adhere to social distancing. Those driving to one of the feeding sites are asked to open the trunk of their car or leave a seat open where staff can place the food. People walking up to a site should remember to maintain a distance of at least six feet. These measures are taken very seriously and are intended to keep everyone safe.

Meals provided may vary by location and may contain allergens. Adults picking up the food are asked to be vigilant and ensure they do not take food if allergies may be a concern. Food should be refrigerated or discarded if not consumed upon receipt.

Sites will also be distributing additional boxes of food for the families on Thursday at selected schools. Click here for the list of sites.