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Thousands of meals and snacks were distributed across Fairfax County this week as repeated snow days extended winter break and raised concerns that some students could go without food.
More than 35% of Fairfax County Public Schools students come from households eligible for free or reduced-price meals. In response to the closures, Food and Nutrition Services employees handed out more than 3,000 meals and 1,000 snacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 7-8.
The distributions took place at Falls Church, Herndon, Justice and Mount Vernon high schools from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FCPS expanded the effort Thursday, adding sites at Dogwood, London Towne and Lynbrook elementary schools. Those locations provided meals from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Food was available to every student, regardless of whether they normally receive free or reduced-price meals. Students were required to visit the distribution site assigned to their school pyramid. For example, a student from Aldrin Elementary School would use the Herndon High School site.
The meal program came as Fairfax County faced the possibility of a fifth consecutive snow day. Some areas were still working to make roads and sidewalks safe after receiving between 6 and 10 inches of snow on Monday, Jan. 6.
Loudoun County schools also remained closed Thursday after the district initially planned to open two hours late. Public schools in Arlington and Alexandria resumed classes on two-hour delays.