The Jamestown Public Schools Food Service Department has been hard at work distributing more than 88,000 meals since school buildings closed in March.

The local community has noticed their hard work and has donated some amazing items to JPS Food Service staff.

All of the food service workers must wear masks and the community has really stepped up to help. Moonlight Electric, Lincoln School Nurse Sandra Leone and “The Sewing Ladies” from the Jamestown High School musical all donated masks for the workers. Dan Anderson, a member of the Jamestown Public Schools Information Services Department, also donated 3D-printed mask adjusters he created.

In addition to the mask donations, Washington and Love teachers Pat and Jill Smeraldo and their family donated coffee and doughnuts for all food service staff. JPS Paraprofessional Vesna Carlson donated pizza to Washington’s staff. Emily Naetzker, ENL teacher and Futuros Latinos Club advisor, donated pizza to JHS cafeteria staff. Bairs Pizza donated to Jefferson staff. A Jamestown police officer donated pizza for the Persell staff. Sam Restivo, Washington Middle School counselor, donated doughnuts to Washington staff. Persell Middle School students wrote thank you letters and Wegmans provided bouquets of flowers to all JPS food service workers.

“Each day our staff arrives to prepare meals for upwards of 1,500 hungry students throughout the district,” said Jeffrey Smith, JPS director of food services. “On several occasions, we have received donations of food, safety equipment and even bouquets of flowers for our staff. I can’t begin to tell how much the staff appreciates these donations; many of them were brought to tears by the kindness shown to them. On behalf of everyone at the Jamestown Public School Food Service Department, I want to say thank you to these community members, who have made all of our days a little brighter with your kindness, support and love.”

While our school buildings are closed due to the coronavirus, the Jamestown Public Schools District is able to provide “grab-and-go” meals for all Jamestown students. Lunch will be provided, along with breakfast for the following day. Meals are available Monday through Friday. Meals for Saturday and Sunday will also be provided on Friday. Meals may be picked up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at the following locations: Washington, Jefferson and Persell schools and Jamestown High School.

District officials recommend families visit the pick-up location closest to their home. Meals can be picked up near the drop off zone at each middle school and at the pool doors location at JHS. School principals are available to answer questions about meals.