Pottstown's Food Program Responds To Distribution Challenges

POTTSTOWN, PA — Pottstown School District has made a way to keep getting food into homes that need it, even as school began virtually on Monday and summer food program flexibility ended.

Masked staff were outside Pottstown High School on Monday, ready to give out boxes packed with meals for the rest of the week.

Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez explained the district's distribution plan, which replaces in-school meals, as students are home having instruction via Google Classrooms. Pick-up time is on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and five days of meals will be given out at that time, at the Pottstown High School.

Rodriguez said people may drive or walk, but to make sure they are prepared to walk home with their meals for the full five days.

For people who don't have transportation to the school, who can't carry that much food on foot, or whose schedules with work and children at home don't allow them to come to the high school, there is another option. They may sign up for delivery and the district will bring the meals to their home, Rodriguez said.

The deliveries will be made on Mondays and Thursdays. He reminded families that some of the foods will need to be refrigerated immediately when it arrives.

The superintendent also noted that those picking up food need to have their 7-digit student ID number ready for each student receiving meals.

Rodriguez also emphasized that any district student who needs food may come, that all PSD students are eligible.

"We're here for you. Come on down and get some food," he said.

The district's school board on Aug. 21 gave permission for administration to furlough staff as necessary, as the work that many district employees perform does not exist when students are not in school buildings. The superintendent said he would keep as many at work as possible, but that some cuts to personnel may be unavoidable.