(SPRING LAKE PARK) – Since Gov. Tim Walz ordered schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Lake Park Schools have offered free meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. To date, that’s about 45,000 meals to any student who needs it. But many of those who need meals the most have long weekends without, and that is why the school district’s Panther Foundation has expanded its weekend meal programs to serve thousands also.
The meal packs–which include four meals, snacks, and beverages–now go to as many as 900 students a week, according to Panther Foundation Executive Director Colleen Pederson. She said continued support–and the spring gala fundraiser which happened on-schedule before the stay at home order–have helped fund the effort. She said during the normal school year, the program may provide around 150 meal packs per week.
“We’re fortunate we’re able to do it,” said Pederson.
To date, the foundation has provided more than 74,000 weekend packs, and will continue as long as it is able to.
“There’s a lot of good things that have come out of this,” said Pederson. “We’re making sure our kids–those who need it–are being fed in our community.”
