COWETA, Okla. — While schools across Oklahoma go virtual for the rest of the school year, some single parents and families need to find new ways to feed their kids.
“I wanna say thank you to the schools for having food for us. It really helps mom and dad on their budgets,” Jace Livingston said.
Jace, Kadden and Lilee Livingston have been home from school for about a week and a half now.
They say they prefer it this way.
"It's kind of fun, they got us going activities at home. It's fun, and sometimes we get to sleep in all day," Kadden said.
While enjoying time away from school, their mom, Chelsea Livingston, says it's exhausting.
“It’s been rough. It’s been really rough. We’ve been able to go out on lunch dates, but now, we don’t do nothing,” Livingston said.
She says they love sandwiches. So, that's what she feeds them.
But with her husband off work because of the coronavirus, they need to make some adjustments.
“Stress! I am really stressed about everything going on,” Livingston said.
She's grateful the school is stepping in to take the pressure off of one big concern.
“The school is helping the parents, give us a break soon, grocery bills," Livingston said. "It’s been a little ridiculous having to [make] three meals and make all the snacks and extra food. So, this is helping our budget.”
School Kitchen Manager Christ Lalicker is one of nine volunteers working with OPAA Food Management to serve the students.
OPAA is the company that supplies food for the school during the school year.
It was the kitchen staffs idea to start something new to help the families.
Since Monday, they've been providing breakfast, and lunch grab and go meals behind Central Elementary School in Coweta.
“So, this is a way that we can give back to our community," Lalicker said. "Most of us live here so this is home for most of us. I’ve got three kids that go to Coweta schools. This is what we do it for… the kids.”
Christi tells 2 Works for You what they serve everyday is a little different. This Friday, we have a breakfast bar, and raisins. For lunch, we have a cheese burger, and a bag of chips.
Lalicker tells me they've received thank you cards and witnessed tears from grateful parents.
Although she's doing this to serve the community, she says the best part of all is the kids.
“Seeing those kids and them saying, ‘Hey Mom, that’s Miss Christi. That’s who I was telling you about," Lalicker said. "I’m just like awh, I love you guys.”
Lalicker and the other employees of OPAA will be out here every day of the week. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the rest of the school year.
For more information on where to help, click here.
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