MOSES LAKE — Schools are closed by state order due to the coronavirus pandemic, but local school employees continue to supply children with the meals they normally would be receiving at school.

Between 14 and 16 Moses Lake School District employees take on the task of packing approximately 1,600 sack lunches and breakfasts in a day, according to William “Joe” Connolly, chief operations officer for the district.

Each day, students are given a sack lunch that also includes breakfast for the next day. The sack lunches are distributed to students at seven schools and six bus stops.

The district uses a “drive-thru/walk-up process.” Staffers wear personal protective equipment and maintain safe distancing practices, Connolly said.

“We have continued to adapt to our community’s needs; we have added the six additional bus stops along with the seven initial schools to try and reach as many children as we can,” Connolly said. “We have also partnered with local companies, such as Simplot and Willamette in an effort to provide even more opportunities for food options to help our community during this trying time. We have also recognized the need in our community and have extended the service through June 9.”

As of Friday, April 24, the Moses Lake School District had served close to 75,000 meals.

“It takes a team approach for this meal service,” Connolly said.

Connolly said that in addition to the staff making lunches, there are also bus drivers, principals, nurses, school staff and security personnel who also help ensure that the meal program is successful.