Mealtime Changes in Putnam Schools

Mealtime will look different for students as they return to school in Putnam County.

School Nutrition Fund Accountant Stacy Bradford said that although changes are coming to the daily meals, those changes will look different at each school.

“Lunches and breakfast will look a lot different this year,” Bradford said. “It is on a school-by-school basis based on the principal’s needs and suggestions. So, each school will be serving differently based on their need at the school.”

Bradford said that Putnam County school officials are trying to follow established guidelines to keep mealtimes safe. However, she said because each school is set up differently, the school system cannot develop a single strategy for the entire district.

“Of course, we are going by all of the recommendations by the CDC,” Bradford said, “We are making sure we are socially distancing in areas that we need to. Some of the lunches or breakfasts will be taken to the classroom. Some students may come through the line and come to a designated area to consume their food. It’s very different, and it’s on a school-by-school basis.”

Ensuring the safety of everyone involved has been at the forefront of concern, according to Bradford. She said she is hopeful that if plans are followed, students can enjoy mealtimes without worry.

“That is our main goal to keep the children safe, the teachers safe, and our staff safe, too,” Bradford said. “Hopefully with the guidelines and procedures we’ve put together, hopefully that will happen this year.”