On Sunday, March 15, Governor Asa Hutchinson called for the closure of in-classroom instruction among schools across the state through March 31.
The closure was celebrated by many who felt that it was the “right call to make” following the cancellation of sports activities.
However, the closure came as a hardship to others. Medical workers who needed to find someone last minute to attend their children, or others who simply weren’t prepared for the abrupt decision.
In an effort to ease that burden, churches, volunteers and even area restaurants have stepped up to assist. Waldron Pentecostal Church is among those. “We stand with you and applaud our school district as they have implemented plans to continue serving day time meals to students, backpack programs, etc. for the remainder of this week,” shared Pastor Konnor McKay. “Please note that Waldron PCG, located at 511 East 6th St., will be a pickup location for student meals, which our wonderful school district has prepared…In addition…we are preparing to assist in alleviating the question of food. If you or your family do not have enough food in your household for you and your kids…we are preparing and stocking our food pantry today to assist you tomorrow. We are fully preparing to serve, and lift up this community we so dearly love. If you need food assistance for your household please call the following numbers Robin Yandell 479-637-6686 or Pastor Konnor McKay 479-806-0711.”
Other areas for grab and go breakfast and lunch include: Adventure Learning Academy, Mt. Moriah Church in Haletown, Bates Baptist Church, and Boles Freewill Baptist Church. These lunches will be available for pick up from 10:30-11:30 a.m. each day from Monday, March 16- Friday, March 20.
The Subway in Waldron is also offering free meals to kids, which includes a mini sub, small drink, apple sauce or cookie.
In the Mansfield area, Simple Simmons is offering students a slice of pizza, soda, breadstick and dessert breadstick for free. Seventy-One Express in Mansfield will be offering lunch to students 11a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Friday. The child must be present with an adult, and will have the choice of one chicken strip or a corn dog, 1 potato log, and a small fountain drink. Additionally, Mansfield First Baptist will open their food pantry this Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
The Mansfield School District will provide grab-and-go meals to ANY child 18 and under for free on a first come, first serve basis beginning Tuesday March 17-Friday March 20. Meals will be prepared and served from the Middle School Cafeteria. School personnel will deliver the meals to the vehicle in a drive through setting. Students must be present to receive meals. Breakfast will be available from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to noon. Adults may purchase lunch for $3.63.
The Hackett School District will have grab-and-go breakfast and lunch Thursday, March 19, Friday, March 20, and then Monday-Friday until school resumes. Those meals can be picked up from noon until 1 p.m. at the Hackett School cafeteria, Bonanza City Park, Alexander Park in Hartford and Midland Ship Park. The meals are free and available to all children 18 and under. Children must be present to receive a meal and they may be picked up at any location. A grab-and-go breakfast will be available to take and consume for the following day. Adults can purchase a breakfast meal for $2.50 and a lunch for $4.00.
Most parents are already aware of procedures for alternative methods of instruction. If you have questions, we are providing links to each of the districts within our coverage:
Waldron Schools
Mansfield Schools
Hackett Schools
