Students dependent on school lunch are picking up food at their nearest school.

Since March 21, Governor J.B Pritzker issued a ”stay-at-home” order for the entire state through April 7, since the number of confirmed cases and fatalities were raising the order was extended until April 30. All school K-12 Grades were ordered to shut down following the order issued by Governor Pritzker. In the city of Chicago, three-quarters of public school students all get free breakfast and lunch. State and federal agencies, including the Illinois State Board of Education, have recommended free lunch be given out to students. Illinois joined a list of states granted federal waivers allowing them to provide food to students. Many schools all over Illinois are offering Grab and Go meals, offering up to two days of food for each student.

”I think it is GREAT! So many families are struggling during this stay-at-home order and have lost their jobs, and food is a basic necessity that many of our Morton families may not be able to afford. Since the school has the capacity, staff, and supplies to provide food, it is a wonderful thing we are doing to support our community. Have you seen the lines at food pantries? If people do not have food, they can not survive. I am proud to be a part of the Morton community that takes into consideration health and safety, as well as the education of our students and their families,” Morton East teacher Ms. Laura Belter said.

Students agree too, that providing meals is a great idea to those who might need it.

”I think its a really good idea because there are families who you know, have been laid off and are struggling to get through this time some don’t have enough money to go buy food and all,” Morton East Senior said.

Another student agrees, having meals is a great part in helping people out during the COVID-19 crisis.

”I think that’s a good act of kindness because they are laying off a lot of parents, and some single parents, so it might be hard to provide food for their kids,” Morton East Sophomore Heidi Araujo said.What’s working for Illinois students dependent on school lunches during the quarantine.