September 16, 2020

EXPANDED GDOE SCHOOL MEAL DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is expanding its school year (SY) 2020-2021 School Meal Distribution Program eligibility. GDOE launched the School Meal Distribution Program on September 4, 2020. Beginning Friday, September 18, 2020, the program will expand to include all children 18 years of age and below from GDOE, private and DODEA schools. Meals are limited in availability and should be picked up at a school within a child’s attendance area.

Who is eligible?

All children 18 years and below, to include GDOE, DODEA, charter school and private school children.

What?

The school meals program will provide one bundle of five days worth of nonperishable breakfast food items per child, and will be distributed at no cost utilizing a drive-through operation, on a first come, first served basis. The school meal program is limited to one meal per child and offers breakfast only at this time. Vehicles are limited to a maximum of 5 food bundles, and walkers are limited to a maximum of 5 food bundles.

When?

The school meal distribution program is operational every Friday only, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., except holidays. Walkers are also accepted.

Where?

The school meal distribution program is available at all GDOE schools.

The GDOE is working to offer this school meal program to ensure students continue to receive nutritious meals throughout the ongoing school closure due to COVID-19. The school meal distribution program is made possible through a waiver received by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participants are asked to wear a mask when picking up meals through a drive-through system. GDOE and Sodexo staff will be on hand to facilitate the school meal distribution. Drivers should remain in their vehicles and follow instructions to facilitate a smooth and safe distribution process. Walkers must also wear masks. 

The distribution will provide each school site with the average daily meals that would be distributed to students based on data from last school year. Numbers for the following weeks will be adjusted up or down based on the demand at each school site.