Giant Eagle grant boosts Plum School District food service, free meals available for pickup

A donation from Giant Eagle has made delivering meals to Plum School District students a little easier during the covid-19 pandemic.

The supermarket chain recently gave $1,000 to the district’s food services department.

“We used the grant money to purchase mobile carts used to transport carryout meals, and we also purchased insulated food carrying bags aiding in the carryout meal program,” said Jessica Griggle, food services director. “We will be able to efficiently transport and ensure food is held at proper temperatures during meal service.”

The district has about 3,700 students. It is currently educating them through a hybrid model with learners split into two groups.

Each group is in school either three days or two days per week on an alternating basis. All students learn online during their off-days. The district’s flex online option is still available. Parents can choose whether to send their children to class or continue distance learning.

Griggle said cafeterias are open at the schools. Students go through the line and can sit in either the cafeteria or gymnasium.

“Serving food during the pandemic has been a challenge,” Griggle said. “Oftentimes food packaging supplies and food items are simply not available. We are very fortunate we have accommodating food distributors and team members that are willing to go above and beyond to ensure the needs of our community are met.”

Officials want to remind families that free food is available to all district students, including take-home meals for hybrid learners and pickup packages for online pupils.

Information about those distributions was recently posted on the district’s Facebook page.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is covering meal costs for all students through the end of December.

Breakfast and lunch will be sent home during dismissal for remote learning days on the following November dates: Nov. 6, 11, 13, 17, 20 and 25.

Pre-ordered meals are available daily at the high school and Holiday Park Elementary.

Families picking up food at the high school should email grasingerd@pbsd.net. Families picking up food at Holiday Park should email lamberth@pbsd.net.

Emails should be sent by 8:30 a.m. Pickup starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Gold Door of the respective buildings.

More information about food distribution, including monthly menus, is available on the district’s website, pbsd.net.

A link to the food services section can be found under the “Departments” tab.