Amidst the ongoing water distribution challenges and power restoration efforts in Greater Richmond, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) has taken proactive steps to ensure that students and families receive essential support. Superintendent Jason Kamras announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the week due to citywide water outages. In collaboration with Feed More, a local nonprofit, RPS is providing free meals to families who rely on school meal programs. Distribution sites have been established at Cardinal Elementary and Henry Marsh Elementary, offering shelf-stable, kid-friendly meals. The district is also reaching out to families facing food insecurity and delivering supplies to those unable to visit the sites.

Ensuring Student Nutrition During School Closures

RPS has implemented a comprehensive plan to address the nutritional needs of its students during the extended school closures. Recognizing the reliance of many families on school-provided meals, the district partnered with Feed More to offer free food distributions. Staff and volunteers are working diligently to ensure that all enrolled students have access to healthy, easy-to-prepare meals. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of the water crisis on student well-being and provide much-needed support to affected families.

The partnership between RPS and Feed More has resulted in the distribution of hundreds of boxes and bags filled with nutritious, kid-friendly options. These meals include items like beef stew, crackers, fruits, and other shelf-stable products that do not require water for preparation. Angela Jones, RPS’ director of culture, climate, and student services, emphasized the importance of this effort, stating that many families depend on schools for daily meals. The district’s chief wellness officer, Renesha Parks, noted that approximately 65% of students rely on school breakfast and lunch programs. To reach those unable to visit distribution sites, staff and volunteers are delivering food directly to families in need.

Community Collaboration and Continued Support

In response to the water and power disruptions, RPS has mobilized its resources and collaborated with community partners to provide continuous support to students and their families. The district is actively communicating with families who may face food insecurity, ensuring they are aware of available resources. Efforts are ongoing to develop additional plans for supplying food and water to RPS families as the situation evolves. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of both RPS and local organizations to meet the urgent needs of the community.

David Waidelich, Feed More’s chief programs and collaboration officer, highlighted the organization’s dedication to meeting community needs while managing available inventory. The closure of RPS since Monday, attributed to winter storm-related issues, has impacted multiple district buildings reliant on boiler heat systems. Superintendent Kamras outlined in a special edition of the RPS Direct newsletter that at least ten buildings cannot operate during the citywide water outage. As the community works towards restoring normalcy, RPS continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its students and families through these collaborative initiatives.