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School district has served almost 57,000 meals since March 16; free meal program ends Friday

May 18, 2020 – News

The Juneau School District free meal program has served close to 57,000 breakfasts and lunches since the program started March 16. That’s 57 days worth of meals and about 500 students served each day. These figures doesn’t account for the number of meals distributed this final week of the program. Thank you to NANA Management and First Student for partnering with the district on this important effort.

It’s school bus drivers who’ve been passing out breakfast and lunch to-go meals to students at various distribution sites throughout Juneau.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know these kids. They show up and I don’t need to ask them their names anymore; I already know who they are. I like getting to interact with new kids – that’s why I’m a bus driver,” said Michael Gagnon. Michael has worked as a bus driver for the past two years, primarily serving Auke Bay, Floyd Dryden, and Thunder Mountain.

“We always have our music up and we try to put a smile on their faces and tell them everything is going to be ok. Today one girl brought her iPad and she taught us ‘The Git Up’ song and we danced together,” Majesty Tauai said. Majesty is a bus attendant who works with some of the district’s youngest students. She keeps her eyes on the kids, reads to them, and makes sure they are safe on the bus. “The kids are my priority. The driver’s priority is keeping the bus safe on the road.”

Meals can currently be picked up at the following times and locations, Monday-Friday. The last day of the School Meal program is Friday, May 22.

  • Sayéik: Gastineau 9 – 11 a.m.
  • Cedar Park 11 a.m. – noon
  • Glacier Valley Elementary 9 a.m. – noon
  • Harborview Elementary School 9 a.m. – noon
  • Riverbend Elementary 9 a.m. – noon
  • Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School 9 a.m. – noon
  • Floyd Dryden Middle School 9 a.m. – noon