PERRYSBURG — The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo has stepped up to the plate to help with student lunch and breakfast programs that have changed due to the coronavirus.
“Right now, all the food is from the Islamic Center,” said Sara Stockwell, Ed.S., Perrysburg Schools Director of Student Services and Well-Being.
School lunch and breakfast programs were affected when the Ohio Department of Health closed all school buildings in Ohio that provide any kindergarten through grade 12 instruction on March 17. Students are not scheduled to return to regular classes until April 3.
Perrysburg Heights Community Center has served as the point for pick-up this week for the lunch and breakfast program for students in need.
Mariah Pasternak, with the Islamic Center, said the Heights passes out warm meals from 10 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. They usually serve 15 to 20 students.
The Islamic Center is now stocking the entire facility back room.
Next week, which was scheduled to be Perrysburg Schools spring break, the Heights pickup schedule will continue with the Islamic Center providing the food for pick up from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m.
The following week, which is the third week of the closure to students, Toth Elementary and the Heights will both serve as centers for students, as well as any family in need.
The Islamic Center also provides assistance on the second Saturday of each month at the Perrysburg Heights.
Local restaurants have also been lining up to help, and both Grace Church and Zoar Lutheran Church of Perrysburg are in discussions with the district to assist.
