Although the Northwestern Lehigh School District campuses are closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, certain programs continue.

Although distance learning is the new norm, the school district continues helping students and families on a more personal level.

Kindergarten through 12th-grade students who are experiencing food insecurity, as well as their siblings through age 18 are eligible for help.

“We’re making sure the Grab-n-Go program runs smoothly each week,” Assistant Superintendent Troy Sosnovik said.

Certain essential staff are still working at the school, including food service.

“Our food services and support staff make the meals, clean up, pack them up and get them ready for our two pickup sites,” Sosnovik said.

One pickup site is at Northwestern Elementary. The other is at Weisenberg Elementary.

“Since our district spans over 110 square miles we needed a secondary pickup site at Weisenberg,” Sosnovik said.

On Mondays, families receive breakfast and lunch meals for three days. On Thursdays, they receive meals for two days.

As many families are only now experiencing hardships, they are encouraged to apply.

“Anyone can sign up,” Sosnovik said. “Our menus are posted online.

“Each meal is in a brown bag. They require no prep or heating. It’s literally drive up, pickup and go.”

Sosnovik noted any changes or updates for holidays will be posted online.

“The program will go on until the end of the school year, June 8,” Sosnovik said. “But, it may go until the end of the fiscal year, June 30,” he said. “We’re not sure. This may change.”

Sosnovik discussed food assistance applications for the 2020-21 school year due to the financial impact of the coronavirus economy.

“So much depends on how and when the economy gets up and running,” Sosnovik stated.

He added that the Allentown West Rotary Club and the Christ’s Church at Lowhill Food Pantry deserve a lot of credit.

“They provided Snack Packs and provide meals for families who are in need on the weekends throughout the school year,” he said.

By providing food, these two organizations bridge the gap for the food insecure families in the district.

“The AWRC and Lowhill Food Pantry will continue to do as much as they can,” he added.

Sosnovik also credits school district food service staff.

“I have to thank our staff who continues to come out at a challenging time for our school community.”

To apply, nwlehighsd.org/GGProgram.