With the Petal School District discontinuing its feeding program because of safety concerns - for the program's participants and the district's child nutrition staff - during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Petal Children's Task Force is stepping up to fill that need in the Friendly City.
During a video address Monday, school district superintendent Matt Dillon said individuals or families with meal needs can reach out to the task force, which is located at 314 South George St. in Petal, where officials will be able to assist with those needs moving forward. The task force can be reached by phone at (601) 255-5578.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding with this change," Dillon said.
To help meet the increased need, the task force is actively seeking donations to bolster its shelves with more food.
"If anybody at home wants to help out, we encourage you to help support the Petal Children's Task Force," Mayor Hal Marx said. "We want to make sure these kids - some of them are relying on school meals - that they still can get lunches and food while the schools are still shut down."
Gov. Tate Reeves has ordered all public schools to close until at least April 17, at which point school closures will be will re-evaluated. Dillon said unfortunately, there is no certain time as to how long school buildings will remain closed.
"Unfortunately, I don't have that answer right now," he said. "I'm in constant contact with the Mississippi Department of Health, the Mississippi Department of Education, the governor and the lieutenant governor's office.
"We're working through what the health experts are telling us, to make an informed decision. So hopefully, I will be able to provide you some information sooner than later regarding if there's going to be an extension to school closing."
