For many families in Jasper County there was a real fear of not having enough food to support three meals a day with students at home. On March 17, and each day sense, Jasper Unit 1 has provided meals for anyone in Jasper County needing one. Meals are being picked up between 10 and 11 at NCHS or at one of the drop off locations in Rose Hill, Ste. Marie, Wheeler, Willow Hill, and West Liberty. 151 meals were distributed today alone.
The School District is partnering with Opaa! Food Management to provide meals daily. Currently, the District has plans to continue the program until school is back in session. If someone is interested in receiving meals, they can either call the high school office and leave a message (618) 783-2303 or email COVID-19@jccu1.org
The program is ran by a long list of people who work hard to ensure the hunger needs of the students are met. The District cooks and Becky Dunbar from Opaa! work on the food prep, Beth Probst organizes the project, and Chris Parr handles the transportation. Unit staff and bus drivers go to the drop locations.
When asked what the community can do if they wish to volunteer, Beth states, “Currently we are limiting the number of volunteers with the Stay at Home Mandate. However, if someone would like to help, they can email COVID-19@jccu1.org and we will add them to our list in case more volunteers are needed at some point.”
Have you come across other needs in the community that need to be addressed? Beth responds with, “As of today, we have been able to meet any need that has come our way with the help of this community. We have only had a couple so far, but they have been met. Our community is amazing!!!”
What are some of the most inspirational moments you have seen so far?
Beth Probst states, “The amount of people willing to volunteer and give whatever is needed has been very inspirational. I can’t say enough about our community and the people that live here! We really do take care of our own and do it without expecting anything in return!!!! The appreciation from the individuals receiving the meals has been very heart-warming. It is an amazing feeling when you know you have helped someone that has a need or you have put a smile on someone else’s face during these tough times! Once again, Jasper County is stepping up and coming together to make sure everyone is cared for and provided whatever they need in this uncharted time. Just another reason why Jasper County is a wonderful place to live!! Together we will make it through this and come out much stronger as a community than we were before.”
Becky Dunbar states, “Just seeing the team effort put forth. It truly takes a village to make things like this work. I could not be more proud to be working with this team as we map uncharted waters. They truly have the kids best interest at heart and that is exactly what Oppa! Foods mission is.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
Beth Probst states, “The school distrcit would like to thank OPAA for their willingness to partner with us to provide meals for anyone in Jasper County. We would also like to thank everyone that has volunteered or offered to volunteer with this program. If it weren’t for everyone working together, we could not provide this for our community. Finally, thank you to the Health Department, local authorities and other agencies in Jasper County for their assistance and guidance during this time. Everyone has been amazing to work with.”
Becky Dunbar states, “Opaa! Foods and myself are incredibly blessed to have the team serve the Jasper County Community in this time of need”
