Henrico Schools halts free winter meals sign-up after 500 families sign up within an hour

A free winter food distribution sign-up posted by Henrico Schools Nov. 19 was open for only an hour when it quickly reached capacity, with 500 families requesting meals.

The meal pick-up, offered by HCPS’ Division of Family and Community Engagement in partnership with the Henrico Community Food Bank, intends to provide HCPS families with supplemental food when schools are closed during the division’s winter break.

HCPS posted the sign-up on ParentSquare and on its social media pages at 12:01 p.m. Tuesday, but posted an update shortly after at 12:58 p.m. to notify families that the form had been closed due to overwhelming demand. The original registration period was intended to last for a week from Nov. 19 until Nov. 26.

Families who were unable to sign up in time can reach out to their school counselor for information on other resources or can contact the Feed More Help Line at (804) 521-2500 ext. 631 or online at feedmore.org/help-line to be connected to a food pantry, said HCPS Communications Director Eileen Cox.

“We are happy to connect families with community resources through organizations such as Feed More, local food pantries and other non-profit sources,” Cox said.

Families who successfully signed up can pick up their meals on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Ace Center at Hermitage High School, which is the first day HCPS closes schools for winter break until schools reopen again on Jan. 6. Meals will include a variety of shelf-stable items valued at approximately $30, Cox said.

Cox said she does not have the number of families who attempted to sign up after the form was closed. 

Families also can email HCPS’ FACE team at face@henrico.k12.va.us to be connected to their school-based support team.

Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s Report for America Corps member and education reporter. Her position is dependent upon reader support; make a tax-deductible contribution to the Citizen through RFA here.