While eLearning poses a plethora of challenges to teachers, students and their parents, it should prove a temporary issue for all involved.
Once the school year comes to a close, students will be able to shut their laptops down for a couple months until the 2020-2021 calendar commences.
The Bartholomew County School Corp. serves many roles in shaping future citizens, but one of their current services has proven essential to helping keep students healthy during these trying times.
BCSC, like many other districts, is offering grab-and-go breakfast and lunch for students, as well as adults, while schools are closed due to COVID-19.
The USDA estimated that nearly 13 million children in the United States live in food-insecure households as of 2016, with one in six children not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Forty-five percent of students in BCSC schools have free or reduced lunches.
The optics of the issue are likely to worsen as more testing becomes available.
In response to the coronavirus, there were 690 first-time unemployment claims filed in the Columbus area during the week ending March 21, according to the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development. That figure, attributed to restrictions placed on bars and restaurants by Gov. Eric Holcomb, is a staggering 4,500% jump from the 17 initial claims filed the previous week.
The unemployment numbers will increase next week.
On Monday, Holcomb ordered all Hoosiers to remain at home for two weeks starting March 25, except for workers in essential industries, making purchasing groceries that much tougher for Hoosiers.
While it’s unknown how long it will take for normalcy to return, parents can rest assured that there’s also a food plan for the summer.
Children across Bartholomew County will again have access to free meals and snacks throughout the summer break thanks to the Indiana Summer Food Service Program, which begins in late May across multiple sites.
The federal nutrition program, administered by the Indiana Department of Education, is designed to meet the needs of low-income children in areas where children may lack access to good nutrition.
While there’s plenty to worry about in today’s society, children’s hunger shouldn’t be one of them. The school system is doing its part, and needs to continue providing these essential services.
For more information call the BCSC food service department at 812-376-4462.
