For some Fairfax County students, this week’s snow days have been a welcome postponement of their return to school from a winter break that began on Dec. 23. Others, however, face the risk of going hungry during the extended school closures.
With over 35% of its student population coming from low-income households, defined by their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, Fairfax County Public Schools has spent the past few days distributing thousands of food kits to students and families in need.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) staff handed out more than 3,000 meals and 1,000 snacks at Falls Church, Herndon, Justice and Mount Vernon high schools this past Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan. 7-8), FCPS said a news release.
Another three distribution sites were introduced today (Thursday) at Dogwood, London Towne and Lynbrook elementary schools.
The food is available to all students, not just those who typically get free or reduced-price meals, but students have to go to the site that corresponds to the pyramid where they attend school, according to an FCPS spokesperson. An Aldrin Elementary School student would go to Herndon High School, for example.
The high school distributions occurred from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., while meals were provided at the elementary schools today from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
It remains to be seen whether a fifth consecutive snow day is in order, with some parts of Fairfax County reportedly still struggling to make roads and sidewalks safe after 6 and 10 inches of snow fell on Monday (Jan. 6).
Schools in neighboring Loudoun County also remained closed today after that district initially announced that it would open with a two-hour delay. Arlington and Alexandria public schools both resumed classes with a two-hour delay.
