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The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South has closed its area sites, but the organization will take over feeding Shelby County Schools students at sites previously scheduled to hand out meals.

Friday, the district announced it was indefinitely suspending its program after one of the nutrition services workers tested positive for COVID-19 “out of an abundance of caution” due to so many unknown factors about the virus.

Superintendent Joris Ray said 60% of students rely on the district’s free and reduced meal plan. The food previously planned to be distributed to students was through an SCS vendor.

Shelby County Schools distributing lunches across city

YMCA is providing the food and scheduling distribution through its staff at 62 locations, which include some churches, community centers and libraries. Food will be available for children under 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Children must be present to receive a meal and may drive-thru or walk up if transportation is not available.

Families without internet access may also pick up learning materials at the sites.

Ray said on Twitter that local and national leaders reached out after the state’s largest school district announced the suspension of their meal program.

Leaders across the NATION are pledging support for the children in Memphis/Shelby County! I just spoke to @BarackObama’s former U.S. Secretary of Education @arneduncan who validated the work happening at @SCSK12Unified to stabilize our community. THANK YOU for your commitment!

— Dr. Joris M. Ray (@SCSSuptRay) March 21, 2020

.@tnedu is in contact with @SCSK12Unified and we are committed to working closely to identify immediate solutions for getting all children fed. @SCSSuptRay - we will come together as a state to support one of our own and the kids counting on us in Memphis. TN????

— Penny Schwinn (@SchwinnTeach) March 20, 2020

“Memphis and Shelby County, we cannot allow our children to go hungry,” Ray said Friday afternoon. “Today we are calling on city and county government, food pantries and any alternative community food distributors to lean in and provide urgent support and food resources for our children during this school closure period.”

The district provides meals throughout the summer to students as well. The meal distribution plan for the closure was similar to an early implementation of the program

Ray pleaded with community organizations “partner” and “wrap their arms around” students.

Shelby County Schools suspends meal distribution

“We were going to feed all children whether they were part of our school district or not,” Ray said, noting it was the “right thing to do.”

YMCA met that request of Ray and SCS.

YMCA of Memphis & Mid-South is also offering childcare for first responders and healthcare employees at this time, although it has suspended all other operations.

The Mid-South Food Bank is preparing 14-day food boxes for families who need it through at least March 31. Families must arrive at the locations and show valid ID with proof of an address.

Some local restaurants are also offering help for children. Shelby County’s 41 McDonald’s locations are offering a free breakfast – an entree and a side item – for children under 13 with some purchases.

Additionally, Cici’s Pizza three Memphis locations and Southaven location have 15,000 free pizzas that children under 18 may pick-up if they are accompanied by an adult. The offer is while supplies last.