Fannin schools work to make sure children have food

  • The Fannin County School System is distributing meals to students who need them during the closure caused by COVID-19. Shown distributing meals at Blue Ridge Elementary School are, from left, nutrition staff member Theresa Ray, Parent Liaison Holly Ross, paraprofessional Wendi Hood and Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction Lucas Roof.
    The Fannin County School System is distributing meals to students who need them during the closure caused by COVID-19. Shown distributing meals at Blue Ridge Elementary School are, from left, nutrition staff member Theresa Ray, Parent Liaison Holly Ross, paraprofessional Wendi Hood and Director of Applied & Integrated Instruction Lucas Roof.
  • Fannin County School System staff members Jill Holloway, left, and Wendi Hood help prepare meals for Fannin County students to have during school closures Thursday, March 19.
    Fannin County School System staff members Jill Holloway, left, and Wendi Hood help prepare meals for Fannin County students to have during school closures Thursday, March 19.
  • East Fannin Elementary School nutrition staff members Christy Sparks, left, and Yvonne Sams prepared meals for students who needed them during the school system’s closure due to COVID-19.
    East Fannin Elementary School nutrition staff members Christy Sparks, left, and Yvonne Sams prepared meals for students who needed them during the school system’s closure due to COVID-19.
  • East Fannin Elementary School teacher Kathy Culpepper hands a pre-packaged meal to a Fannin County family, while teacher Christie Holtman documents it, during the school closure caused by COVID-19.
    East Fannin Elementary School teacher Kathy Culpepper hands a pre-packaged meal to a Fannin County family, while teacher Christie Holtman documents it, during the school closure caused by COVID-19.

The Fannin County School System began distributing meals to students who need them during the closure caused by COVID-19 Wednesday, March 18. 

The system changed their meal delivery plan in order to make sure all children have the opportunity to get a meal Monday, March 23.

Students will be able to pick up meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday at each elementary school.

In addition, school bus drivers will deliver meals at some of their regular bus stops. The drivers will leave from each elementary school at 7:30 a.m. Students can expect the bus to be at their stop to deliver meals approximately one hour later than their regular morning pick-up time. 

The buses will not stop at regular stops along highways 5, 515, 60 or Spur 60.

The stops are being replaced by the following locations. 

Route 4 stops will be replaced by O’Reilly’s Shopping Center and Mercier Orchards.

Route 16 stops will be replaced by Rustic Inn.

Routes 41 and 18 stops will be replaced by Hemptown Fire Station, Mountain Area Christian Academy and Red’s Country Store.

Routes 12 and 19 stops will be replaced by Tarpley’s Old Store, Murphy Lane & 60, Sweetgum Lodge and Friendship Church.

Route 11 stops will be replaced by House of Prayer, Mineral Bluff Fire Station, Hothouse Church, Union Church and 4 Mile Grocery.

Route 24 stops will be replaced by Branch Church (Pantertown) and 4 Mile Grocery.

Route 38 stops will be replaced by Tri-State EMC, Pat’s Country Kitchen and McCaysville United Methodist Church.

Route 9 stops will be replaced by Old 20 Penny Store and BP Gas Station.

Those who choose to pick-up meals at one of the schools or distribution locations should stay in the vehicle and allow a staff member to bring the meal to them.

Wi-Fi will also be available at all schools in the parking lots. Students will need to log onto BYOD and use their school computer logins to access the internet.

Those with questions regarding routes and stops should contact the elementary school in their zone.