South San Antonio Independent School District issued the following announcement.
When the COVID 19 outbreak began, Palo Alto Elementary School science teacher Frances Martinez knew she wanted to stay in touch with her homebound students. While she was connecting with many online academically, she heard about some students who had not been communicating because they didn’t have computers or transportation to come by the school to get one.
It was also brought to her attention that many of these same students had not been able to obtain regular meals because they couldn’t pick them up at the participating schools. Martinez decided to step in and lend a hand.
Every Monday through Thursday, Martinez picks up the free meals at the campus and delivers them to about 14 students at two apartment complexes and a home.
“They know when to expect me,” Martinez said. “It is kind of neat to see their faces and I think they are happy to see a familiar face.”
When she sees the students, Martinez says she’s also able to discuss assignments and help with any questions.
“I worry about my kids and I worry about the ones I don’t get to see,” Martinez said. “It gives me piece of mind.”
Martinez says the daily interaction is beneficial to everyone.
“The kids can see some kind of connection to school,” she added. “It’s nice to see when the kids light up.”
Martinez plans to deliver the meals through the end of the school year and she isn’t stopping there.
“If I have any more [students who need meals], I will pick them up too,” Martinez said. “It’s nice to know I can do a little something.”
For many children, these free meals may be the only ones they’ll get to eat every day and Martinez knows she and her family are fortunate.
“We’ve always had, growing up but I think now—there are situations where these kiddos don’t have and parents are trying,” said Martinez. “Seeing their faces and them smiling helps so much more than they realize because it’s tough and its been a crazy road.”
Original source can be found here.
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