Not only is Downingtown Area School District (DASD) providing online education to more than 13,000 students during the government-mandated closure, it is now supporting its community by offering meals to all area youths up to age 18.
Prior to the closure, DASD provided approximately 930 daily meals, including breakfast and lunch, to students on the district's free and reduced-cost meal plan. Beginning on March 16, Aramark, DASD's food services provider, continued to assist the district with food distribution for those students, coordinating a drive-through, socially distant service at Downingtown High School West.
As the closure continued and more residents began to experience financial hardships related to the stay-at-home order, DASD recognized the need to do more. Expanded service began on April 28. On the first day of the expanded plan, DASD handed out 599 bags of food representing nearly 3,600 meals.
DASD's meal services are provided on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Downingtown High School West, 445 Manor Ave., Downingtown.
Tuesday's bags contain a three-day supply of breakfasts and lunches per youth, and Friday's bags include a four-day supply of breakfasts and lunches per youth. There is no need to preregister or provide identification.
Those who would like to participate in the program but are unable to attend the regularly scheduled distributions are asked to contact the district at info@dasd.org.
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