Davis & Elkins College and Randolph County Schools have partnered to feed local children throughout the summer. The partnership, 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Simplified Summer Food Service Program, also addresses the additional challenges stemming from the pandemic.
The Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the largest federal resource available for local programs. The Randolph County Board of Education recognizes the need for the program in the county and is working to make sure that no children in Randolph County go hungry during the summer break.
“Many of our children, who rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year, do not have the same opportunity during the summer,” said Child Nutrition Director for Randolph County Schools LaDonna Rosencrance. “That’s where we come in, by providing nutritious meals.”
Randolph County Schools has purchased and will provide approximately 25,000 meals per week and D&E provides the manpower to ensure this mission is accomplished. The five-day meal packs include both breakfast and lunch and are assembled on the D&E campus.
“We are excited about the partnership with the Randolph County Board of Education to help with making sure the children of Randolph County are well nourished this summer,” said D&E Director of Dining Services Scotty Marshall. “During these uneasy times due to COVID-19, it is nice that we can do our part to help within our community. We have set up assembly lines and have had fun during the process.”
The meal packs are delivered to three sites in Randolph County – Elkins High School, Elkins Middle School and Tygarts Valley Middle/High School. Randolph County school employees and community volunteers distribute the meals every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon throughout the summer.
“Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly increased the need for food assistance programs across the country,” said D&E Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard. “Davis & Elkins College is so very happy to partner with the Randolph County Board of Education to provide free and nutritious meals, that in the end, help the local children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer months.”
The Summer Food Service Program for Children is a federally funded program operated nationally by the USDA and administered by a state agency.
