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Port Arthur and Port Neches-Groves Independent School Districts rolled out their plans for feeding children quarantined at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

PAISD

Port Arthur’s Child Nutrition department will begin a grab-and-go service indefinitely for breakfast and lunch starting Wednesday.

PAISD Superintendent Mark Porterie said this service is imperative to children’s well being.

“During a crisis, our children may get out of the routine of eating healthy or perhaps not eating at all,” he said. “It is imperative that we provide our children healthy, nutritious food in order to keep their bodies strong and healthy.”

Meals will be served Monday-Friday from 8-9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feeding locations include Memorial High School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Abraham Lincoln Middle School, Sam Houston Elementary and Port Acres Elementary.

Children enrolled in the district must be present in order to receive their free meal. Patrons are asked to stay in their vehicles, but walk-up service is allowed.

The menu will include items that meet the nutritional guidelines set forth by the USDA.

“We understand that their parents will provide for them, but we want to be an avenue for all children to eat what their parents have for them and more,” Porterie said. “When they return to school, we want them to have a healthy mind and body and be ready to work.”

PNGISD

Beginning March 23, Port Neches-Groves Independent School District will also begin a school meal pickup service to offer breakfast and lunch for district students 18 and under.

Assistant Superintendent Julie Gauthier said meals are an important part of a healthy education and student.

“We want to provide as much as we can for our PNG family and we know food is something our students rely on and that’s something we want to provide them even during our time of closure,” she said.

Meals are free. Breakfast will available between 7:30-9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The grab-and-go concept includes two pickup locations in each town, Ridgewood and Woodcrest Elementary in Port Neches, and Van Buren and Taft Elementary in Groves.

Students must be present in vehicles to receive meals. One meal is offered per student per breakfast and lunch.

While the menu is subject to change based on availability, the current breakfast menu includes a pop tart or cereal, fruit and milk. Lunch will be a sandwich, fruit, carrots and milk.