Oakland Schools OUSD Serves 25,000 Breakfasts and Lunches On First Day Of “Grab And Go”

OUSD Hands Out Almost 25,000 Breakfasts and Lunches on First Day of “Grab and Go” Free Meal Program; Second Event Expected to be Just as Busy on Thursday

Oakland, CA — On March 16, day one of OUSD’s Grab and Go Free Meal program, more than 4000 students received enough breakfasts and lunches to last them through Wednesday, the 18th. The young people and their families showed up to 12 schools across the District with bags in hand to carry away sandwiches, baked beans, fresh fruit, milk and a host of other items. Each student received three breakfasts and three lunches.

With OUSD Nutrition Services staff leading this effort, along with other staff from the central office supporting, the first day was called a great success, as students received the much needed food during this complete shutdown of District schools because of the coronavirus. The schools were open for the Grab and Go from eight a.m. to noon, and in just those four hours, 4,136 students and their families were served. The two busiest locations were Garfield Elementary, which served 731 students, and Oakland High School, which served 635 students. All told, the 12 schools handed out 24,756 meals. The meals were supplemented by canned goods and 1400 bags of groceries donated by the Alameda County Community Food Bank that families could also take home.

“I am so grateful for our nutrition services staff that pulled off this amazing effort on day one and will be at our schools into the future as we work our way through this unprecedented worldwide health emergency,” said Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “And it wasn’t just nutrition services, but also custodial services, transportation, school site leaders and staff including school security officers, and central office staff who helped to ensure our students receive the nutritious food they need. I thank every one of them for all they did and will continue to do at the next Grab and Go events on Thursday and all subsequent days.”

Among OUSD students, more than 71 percent are eligible for free and reduced price meals including breakfast and lunch. All OUSD students, and every Oakland child under 18 years old regardless of the school they attend are eligible to come to one of the sites to pick up food. For a list of schools where the Grab and Go events are being held, please visit the OUSD COVID-19 website here.