School Closure Announcement
The Palm Beach County School District is closed once again on Friday due to the impact of Hurricane Milton. In light of this closure, the district has announced an initiative to provide free breakfast and lunch to students aged 18 and under at various school locations.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the most convenient participating school and head to the cafeteria to collect meals,” the district stated in an official communication to BocaNewsNow.com. “Children do not need to be present during pickup. If the child is not present, parents/guardians will need some form of identification for their child, such as a student ID, school schedule, passport, report card, birth certificate, or even a picture of the adult with the student.”
Meal Pickup Times and Locations
Parents and guardians can collect meals at designated school cafeterias from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative aims to support families affected by the hurricane, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals during this challenging time.
The following schools will participate in this program:
- Barton Elementary School
1700 Barton Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33460 - Belle Glade Elementary School
500 N.W. Ave. L, Belle Glade, FL 33430 - Benoist Farms Elementary School
1765 Benoist Farms Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411 - Congress Middle School
101 S. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, FL 33426 - Conniston Middle School
3630 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 - Forest Park Elementary School
1201 S.W. 3rd St., Boynton Beach, FL 33435 - Greenacres Elementary School
405 Jackson Ave., Greenacres, FL 33463 - H.L. Johnson Elementary School
1000 Crestwood Blvd. N., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 - Highland Elementary School
500 Highland Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460 - Hope-Centennial Elementary School
5350 Stacy St., West Palm Beach, FL 33417 - Howell L. Watkins Middle School
9480 MacArthur Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403 - Jupiter High School
500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458 - Lake Park Elementary School
410 3rd St., Lake Park, FL 33403 - Lake Worth High School
1701 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth FL 33460 - Northmore Elementary School
4111 N. Terrace Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - Okeeheelee Middle School
2200 Pinehurst Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33413 - Olympic Heights High School
20101 Lyons Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33434 - Osceola Creek Middle School
6775 180th Ave. N, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 - Pahokee Middle-Senior High School
850 Larrimore Rd., Pahokee, FL 33476 - Palm Beach Lakes High School
3505 Shiloh Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - Palm Springs Community Middle School
1560 Kirk Rd., Palm Springs, FL 33406 - Pine Jog Elementary School
6315 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33415 - Roosevelt Elementary School
1220 L A Kirksey St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 - Spanish River High School
5100 Jog Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33496 - Suncoast High School
1717 Avenue S, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 - Tradewinds Middle School
5090 S. Haverhill Rd., Greenacres, FL 33463 - Village Academy
400 S.W. 12th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444 - Wellington Landings Middle School
1100 Aero Club Dr., Wellington, FL 33414
Community Support During Crisis
The ongoing effects of Hurricane Milton have prompted widespread concern among local families. The Palm Beach County School District aims to alleviate some of that stress by ensuring children have access to essential meals. The initiative is part of a broader community effort to support residents during the hurricane’s impact.
Educational expert and community advocate, Dr. Lisa Martin, commented on the initiative: “Providing free meals during emergencies is crucial. It not only helps families manage during difficult times but also reinforces the importance of community support. It’s a step towards ensuring that no child goes hungry, even in the face of adversity.”
Identifying Need for Food Resources
The urgency of this initiative reflects the increased demand for food resources during natural disasters. As schools are often central locations for community services, the Palm Beach County School District plays a vital role in delivering support where it is most needed.
By making meals available for pickup, the district addresses immediate needs while fostering community engagement. Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can access these resources efficiently.
Identification Requirements
For those unable to bring their children along during meal pickups, the Palm Beach County School District has outlined specific identification requirements. Parents and guardians must present some form of ID to collect meals without their children. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Student ID
- School schedule
- Passport
- Report card
- Birth certificate
- A picture of the adult with the student
This policy aims to streamline the process and ensure that meals reach the intended recipients.
Health and Safety Considerations
As the Palm Beach County School District navigates the complexities of providing meals during a hurricane, health and safety remain top priorities. Measures will be implemented to ensure food safety, including proper handling and storage procedures.
Families are encouraged to adhere to health guidelines when picking up meals. This approach underscores the district’s commitment to not only nourishing students but also protecting their well-being during a challenging time.
Future Support Initiatives
Looking ahead, the Palm Beach County School District is exploring additional support initiatives to assist families during the hurricane recovery process. These may include mental health resources, academic support, and additional food distribution programs.
“We recognize that our families face significant challenges during this time,” said a district spokesperson. “We are committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to help our community recover and thrive.”
Engagement with Local Organizations
To enhance its efforts, the Palm Beach County School District is collaborating with local organizations and community groups. These partnerships aim to expand the reach of support services and ensure that all families have access to essential resources.
By engaging with community stakeholders, the district can create a more robust support network for residents. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.
