Shelby County Schools suspends planned meal distribution after employee tests positive for COVID-19

SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. —

UPDATE 3/20/2020 - Shelby County Schools is suspending plans to distribute meals for students after an employee in the nutrition department tested positive for COVID-19.

This past Monday was last day the person reported to work. They were presumed positive Thursday and confirmed positive Friday. The employee worked for nutrition services center in north Memphis off Jackson Avenue. SCS leaders say the person did NOT prepare meals before or any of the meals being prepared next week.

SCS was expected to serve 15000 meals a day during lunch, starting Monday.

SCS is recommending parents go to food bank for now. Parents still encouraged to pick up the learning packets starting Monday at more than 60 sites.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement regarding the meal distribution situation in Shelby County:

“The Department was recently notified of the meal distribution situation in Shelby County. Department nutrition officials have already been in contact with Shelby County and we are committed to working closely with the district to identify immediate solutions. The priority for all Tennessee public schools and districts is to ensure our children are fed - we will come together as a state to support one of our own and the children counting on us.”

RELATED: There are now 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Shelby County

RELATED: Shelby County Mayor issues declaration of local state of emergency for COVID-19

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3/13/2020 - FROM SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS:

Shelby County Schools is committed to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that all students continue to receive meals while the District is closed.

The District has developed a food distribution strategy that minimizes risk for students and families who may pick up meals. Meals will be provided at 20 sites across the county March 23-27 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

Meals will be served to children under the age of 18, and the child must be present to receive a meal. A number of community-based organizations are also making meals available while schools are closed.

Click here for a list of meal distribution sites.

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