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Los Angeles Unified Surpasses 75 Million Meals In COVID-19 Relief Effort (11-09-20)

 

CONTACT:                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289                              November 9, 2020


Los Angeles Unified Surpasses 75 Million Meals in COVID-19 Relief Effort

  • Largest School-Based Relief Effort in Nation’s History

LOS ANGELES (November 9, 2020) – Los Angeles Unified passed another milestone as it has provided more than 75 million meals to students and their families in need.

A total of 75,513,710 meals, along with more than 10 million items of needed supplies, have been provided at schools since March 18th. This relief effort has already provided 50% more meals than were given to victims of Hurricane Katrina, and it is the largest, school-based relief effort in the nation’s history. Unlike COVID-19 relief efforts in most major metropolitan areas across the country, Los Angeles Unified is doing this without the assistance of the county or any of the 26 cities the school district serves including the city of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Unified has been joined by thousands of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations who have provided money and in-kind donations totaling more than $29 million to LA Students Most in Need, the charitable fund created by Superintendent Austin Beutner to support the relief effort.

“The need continues and so will our efforts until students can return to schools,” Superintendent Beutner said. “We knew the need would be great and we stepped up to do what we can to help. I’m grateful for all who are part of this effort as we are truly in this together.”

To donate, text NEED to 76278 or visit LAStudentsMostInNeed.org.

“Nobody could have predicted this COVID-19 pandemic that closed our schools,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “We know so many of our students come from low-income families and get much of their nutrition at school. I am proud that Los Angeles Unified continues to make available healthy meals – not just for our students, but for all children and adults who need food.”

“We are ever grateful to our employees, partners and the taxpayers who create a much-needed safety net for our students and families,” Board Member Mónica García said. “This effort teaches that our community shares and cares even through the fear and uncertainty of this pandemic. Thank you all.”

"As of today, we have served over 75 million meals at our Grab and Go Food Centers, and I continue to be so proud of the tireless efforts of our school employees, volunteers and community partners who are managing one of the nation’s largest food banks to address the food insecurities our families are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. "While the district is still seeking support and reimbursement from local, state and the federal governments for the cost of distributing adult meals, we will continue feeding all family members because this is a time when we must stand together, take care of each other, and do what is right. Thanks to everybody who is involved in this life affirming project. I am so proud to be part of the Los Angeles Unified family.”

“We are proud to be running this record-breaking meal operation to support our students, families and communities through this crisis,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Thank you, as well, to all the essential employees, volunteers and partners who have all helped make this operation possible.”

"When we launched our Grab & Go Food Centers in March, no one could have anticipated that we'd reach the milestone of 75 million meals for our community,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Thank you to everyone involved in this sustained effort, from our dedicated staff to those who have donated, to help meet the needs of our students and families."

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