By Russell Navarrette
Grab-and-go meals are proof that there is just as much good in the world as there is evil.
Places like Kipp Sol Academy, that have 15 distribution sites open, are providing free food services for families on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 11 am.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, businesses, unless considered essential, and schools have closed.
According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, “The number of unemployed persons rose by 1.4 million to 7.1 million in march.”
Other local schools that are providing grab-and-go meal services are Bella Vista Elementary, Bell Gardens Elementary, Garfield High School, and Lincoln High School.
Despite the coronavirus’ constant rise in case numbers and the decline of social greetings such as handshaking, people hold humane values like understanding, compassion and courage.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is the Nation’s second largest district.
80% of LAUSD’s students are from low income families.
Dora Campos, a Pico Rivera resident and mother of three said she goes to North Ranchito Elementary for her grab-and-go meals.
“They only ask you how many family members and they give you goods and snacks, enough for several days,” Campos said.
All locations require people to wear masks, gloves and to continue the six-foot distance.There is an uncertain future in this current pandemic, and that uncertainty is income.
According to the United States Department of Labor, 6.6 million new unemployment insurance claims were reported.
The grab-and-go meals relieve some of this stress because depending on application information or not following up on other requirements, applicants can wait from two weeks to several months or longer.
Although Donald Trump’s 2 trillion dollar stimulus bill is set to begin this week; individuals will receive $1200, married couples will receive $2400 and $500 for each child.
Some might need the majority of that money for rent and bills.
That’s right, rent, utilities and other payments still have to be made, despite millions losing their jobs.
The cost to feed a family is not cheap either. Free meals for children is helpful for any parent.
Affording Motherhood’s website, states that a family of five’s grocery budget can range from $626 to $822, depending on the children’s age.
The grab-and-go meals are free. In a time of economic and financial uncertainty, free is a good thing.