Richardson ISD has made it a priority to continue feeding students even as spread of the coronavirus has forced the indefinite closure of schools districtwide.

According to a district spokesperson, RISD distributed 213,673 meals at 25 dropoff sites as of April 8.

The service has relieved stress on parents who rely on RISD to provide meals for their children, parent Jessica Hale said.

“Normally my kids get free [meals] at school every day for breakfast and lunch,” Hale said. “[RISD] doing this is saving us a lot of money.”

Having access to two meals per day is essential for the health of students, Audelia Creek Elementary cafeteria manager Janet Bealer said.

“We have to feed the kids,” Bealer said. “They need brain food.”

The district announced earlier this week that as of April 20 it will begin dropping off meals only three days a week instead of five; however, the amount of food will not change. For more information on RISD’s meal program, visit this link.