Editor's note: The above video aired on an earlier date.
HOUSTON -- With Texas schools out until at least May 4, there's a desperate need to feed children who usually count on free meals at school.
The Houston Independent School District was forced to suddenly end its meal program last month when a volunteer was diagnosed with coronavirus.
HISD announced Wednesday it will relaunch the free meal program on April 6 with a centralized packing hub. The district says the new streamlined process will include increased safety measures.
Staff will pack food boxes at a central hub, which will then be delivered to distribution sites Monday through Friday. Each site will distribute 500 boxes per day.
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As an added safety measure, HISD will also employ the Standard Distribution Method developed by the I Love You Guys Foundation, which will include social distancing for both staff and families.
As families arrive at the sites, staff members will fill out an Emergency Food Assistance Program Form for them, minimalizing interpersonal contact, and place boxes in car trunks. Participants who walk up to the sites must also adhere to social distancing requirements.
Dates and times
Monday, April 6
- Milby High School, 1601 Broadway St., 9 a.m.
- Wesley Elementary School, 800 Dillard St., 9 a.m.
- Revere Middle School, 10502 Briar Forest Drive, 11 a.m.
- Madison High School, 13719 White Heather Drive, 11 a.m.
- Northside High School, 1101 Quitman St., 3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7
- McReynolds Middle School, 5910 Market St., 9 a.m.
- Bastian Elementary School, 5051 Bellfort St., 9 a.m.
- Wisdom High School, 6529 Beverly Hill St., 11 a.m.
- Sam Houston High School, 9400 Irvington Blvd., 3 p.m.
- Sterling High School, 11625 Martindale Road, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
- Yates High School, 3650 Alabama St., 9 a.m.
- Mading Elementary School, 8511 Crestmont St., 9 a.m.
- North Forest High School, 10726 Mesa Drive, 11 a.m.
- Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet St., 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 9
- Chavez High School, 8501 Howard Drive, 9 a.m.
- Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Lane, 9 a.m.
- Furr High School, 520 Mercury Drive, 11 a.m.
- Benavidez Elementary School, 6262 Gulfton St., 3 p.m.
Friday, April 10
- Kashmere High School, 6900 Wileyvale St., 9 a.m.
- Woodson PK-5, 10720 Southview St., 9 a.m.
- Henry Middle School, 10702 E. Hardy Road, 11 a.m.
- Westbury High School, 11911 Chimney Rock Road, 3 p.m.
Until the distribution sites open, there are other options for families in need.
The City of Houston is operating a curbside meal program at 50 community centers around the city Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Free meals, including a lunch and a snack, are available for youth ages 1 to 18. Only children who come to the site for pickup can receive the meal. Parents are not allowed to take food for a child who is not present at the time of pickup.