FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heather Nessler
Executive Director of Communications, Marketing at Rochester Public Schools
Phone: 507.328.4500
Email: [email protected]
Rochester, Minnesota – November 23, 2020
Channel One and Rochester Public Schools announced a collaboration with Olmsted County to distribute prepared meals and meal kits at Graham Park. This partnership allows families to receive multiple meals for the week in one location. There is no pre-sign up necessary and no income requirements to receive the meals. Due to overwhelming response on the first distribution day, the District and Channel One have made modifications to enhance the distribution process.
Enhancements include:
- A larger quantity of prepared meals and meal kits.
- A change to the entrance of Graham Park. Visitors will now enter off 16th Street SE. This will allow for two lines to form, and better vehicle queuing.
- Two traffic lines will form with distribution to occur at two separate buildings at Graham Park.
Visitors will receive one prepared meal per individual in the household, and five days’ worth of meal kits per child in the household.
This is a drive-through distribution. Recipients are asked to follow these new steps to ensure a smooth and safe operation:
- Enter Graham Park at off of 16th Street SE. Please see attached map.
- Line 1 will enter the Industrial Building (Building #35) from the north end. Line 2 will enter Building 1419, directly across from the Industrial Building. There will be directional signage and/or individuals to direct the flow of traffic. A map is also attached for reference.
- If able, please open/unlock the trunk or leave a seat open where the meal kit can be placed.
Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, distribution will occur tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24. Regular distributions will continue through the end of December every Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon – December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 and 22. There are no income requirements to receive these meals.
Now that schools have transitioned to distance learning, households need more solutions and access to food so that children at home do not have to go without. Channel One Regional Food Bank is not only responding with prepared meals, but also home delivery of groceries, and waived limits on food shelf visits.
Prepared Meals
With six pickup locations for prepared meals in Rochester and surrounding areas, Channel One aims to increase its reach and get food into areas where need is greatest. Locations for prepared meal pickups can be found at helpingfeedpeople.org. There is no sign up necessary, and visitors will receive two prepared meals per individual in the household.
Channel One Regional Food Bank’s prepared meals program is funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using funds from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), CFDA 21.019.
Rochester Public Schools Meals
RPS Student Nutrition Services will now be offering a meal kit pick-up for all children 0-18 years old regardless of meal price eligibility. Students do not need to be enrolled at RPS to receive free meals. Children can receive one meal kit each week. Meal kits will consist of heat and serve and ready–to-eat entrees, fruits and vegetables, and milk. Instructions for storage and preparation will be available online. No pre-registration or paperwork is required. RPS meals will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to noon on November 20 and 24, and December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 and 22.
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Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools, located in Rochester, Minnesota, has the seventh largest enrollment in Minnesota and covers a large part of Olmsted County and extends into Wabasha County. The district’s pre-kindergarten through grade 12 program serves approximately 18,000 students in sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and three comprehensive high schools. The district also offers various alternative schools and six district-wide programs. Rochester Public Schools’ educational program is designed to reach all students.
Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, strengthens food access and builds healthy communities. Channel One operates food programs to serve local and area needs such as: a food bank, food shelf, mobile pantry, Childhood Hunger Program, and Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS). Channel One Regional Food Bank mobilizes organizations, volunteers, and donors to serve the network of more than 200 nonprofit programs that provide food for children, adults, and families in need. Channel One serves 14 counties across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more information, call 507.287.2350 or visit helpingfeedpeople.or
