By Jordan Green
BAY CITY – When Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the executive order for all schools to shut down from March 16 until April 5, many kids were excited for the unexpected break.
On the other hand, a mandatory three-week closure is leaving some students anxious about finding their next meal.
The Bay City Public School system came up with a plan to tackle the issue by giving away two days worth of breakfast and lunch, for free, to families and students in need.
The drive-thru fashion of the meal distribution takes place at eight locations and started on Wednesday, March 18. The days for the free meal pick-up are Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 5.
Free meal pickup destinations and times for Bay City Public Schools, each held in parking lot:
- Bay City Central High School, 11:30 a.m. – noon
- Bay City Western High School, 11:30 a.m. – noon
- Hampton Elementary School, noon – 12:20 p.m.
- Handy Middle School, 11:30 a.m. – noon
- Kolb Elementary School, 11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
- MacGregor Elementary School, 11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
- Mackensen Elementary School, noon – 12:20 p.m.
- McAlear-Sawden Elementary School, 11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
Bay City Central High School offers all of its students free and reduced lunch, many of whom rely on the school to provide them with their meals. Principal Tim Marciniak says the school district plans to continue the free meal distribution over spring break, something that hasn’t been done before.
Marciniak says Bay City Central High School has over 400 breakfasts and lunches to give to families in need, and that the school is here to help its students who need assistance during this difficult time.
“The fear of where my food is coming from is going to go up,” says Marciniak. “That’s why we’re doing this service throughout the city; to help our students out.”
The school has already coordinated shipment plans to restock the food they’re giving away.
Marciniak was nervous to have the school shut down with such short notice, especially considering there were no plans put in place. However, through the generosity of the community, he has said he sees a silver lining.
“It’s tough to see this right now,” remarks Marciniak. “I’m full of pride and I’m very proud of my staff here and the community for helping out. It’s still tough to see how much need is in Bay City for this right now; it’s positive and negative.”
Milton Mackey, a general maintenance employee for the school district, was there to help unload the food late Wednesday morning and says the school district is there to help support the kids.
“I like this,” Mackey comments. “It’s good for the community.”