Henrico Schools hands out more than 1,000 meals, plans to distribute more to families Jan. 10

Henrico Schools is partnering with Feed More to give out meals today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (or until supplies run out) at three schools: Brookland Middle, Douglas L. Wilder Middle, and J.R. Tucker High.

HCPS volunteers, including staff members and students, handed out more than 1,000 meals Jan. 9 to families facing challenges due to the winter weather and regional water issues. Henrico County is still under a boil water advisory and many homes in Eastern and Northern Henrico lost water completely earlier this week, although many residents saw water service restored on Thursday.

Henrico schools remain closed until Monday due to the boil water advisory, which county officials predict could be lifted by Saturday.

“I want to express my gratitude to each of you – our families, students, and employees – for your patience and resilience during this unexpected start to the new year,” HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell wrote in a district-wide message. “This week’s snow, followed by water-related challenges, was a hardship for many, and I deeply appreciate your flexibility as the County worked to overcome the obstacles.”

Meals will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the pick-up sites. Families can drive in and stay in their car while a volunteer places the food package in the vehicle’s back seat or trunk. Each package includes shelf stable or ready-to-eat foods to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners for one child or teenager. 

Families can also pick up water at the three school sites and use the schools’ bathroom facilities to take showers throughout the day, although families should bring their own towels, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries.

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.