COVID-19

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, school closings, and many work locations not operational, we understand this can be a hard time for families. Our school family wishes all of you well during this time. Please also remember to take care of yourselves emotionally and physically by practicing good self care and following health guidelines.

Below are some local agencies and community supports available if you should need them...

New Hanover County Schools Meal Service

Free breakfast and lunch for children 18 years and younger will be available for pick-up at 14 schools beginning on Monday, March 16. All sites are drive-through or walk-up sites only. No space will be provided for eating on site and multiple meals may be picked up by parents and caregivers. Recipients should be prepared to drive up or walk up to the designated area and let staff know how many meals are needed.

Lunch and the following morning’s breakfast will be provided beginning on Monday, March 16 for pick-up from 11 am-1 pm, Monday through Friday at the following schools:

· Rachel Freeman School of Engineering

· Castle Hayne Elementary

· Wrightsboro Elementary

· Mary C. Williams Elementary

· Pine Valley Elementary

· Sunset Park Elementary

· D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy: UNCW

· Emma B. Trask Middle School

· College Park Elementary School

· Annie H. Snipes Academy of Arts & Design

· New Hanover High School

· Edwin A. Alderman Elementary

· Winter Park Elementary

· Mary Washington Howe Pre-K Center

Nourish NC:

Currently enrolled or those in need of Nourish NC:

Registered families will receive communication from Nourish NC services available to them. NourishNC will begin drive-thru food distribution (grocery boxes, produce, meat and bread) Tuesday through Friday to assist families experiencing food insecurity. If a family is in need of Nourish NC support during these school closings, please call Nourish NC at 910-465-0995, or go to 601 Greenfield Street to speak with someone.

Duke Progress Energy: Suspends disconnection for nonpayment in NC

For more information: https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/

Helpful Links

New Hanover County Health Department

New Hanover County Regional Medical Center

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Spectrum (Community Assistance) : Offering Free Internet/Wifi to Families without during the school closings (60 days) - Families who qualify for free Spectrum internet can call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.

Local Establishments Offering to Assist Students in Need

Many local businesses recognize the economic impact this virus has placed on families and access to daily breakfast/lunch for students. Here are a couple of opportunities I have found:

Brigade Boys and Girls Club (https://www.facebook.com/brigadebgc.org) - Beginning Monday, March 16th Brigade Boys & Girls Club will provide meal distribution sites for children. Families with children between the ages of 5-18 are eligible to receive two meals (breakfast and lunch) per day per child. The meal distribution sites will be open Monday-Saturday from 10am-2pm at two locations in Wilmington; Brigade Boys & Girls Club’s Teen Center located at 2759 Vance Street and at Houston Moore Housing Authority located at 1601 S. 13th Street.
Wake N Bake Donuts (https://www.facebook.com/wakenbakedonuts) offering a free donut to NHCS students who are in need of breakfast, send a message to their Facebook page
Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC https://foodbankcenc.org/food-bank-covid-19-preparedness/ - can connect families to local agencies to assist with food insecurity as a result of economic hardships including those experienced by school/work closings during the COVID19 pandemic.
Lazy Pirate Starting Tuesday, March 17, the Carolina Beach eatery will offer free lunches to any Carolina or Kure beach child in need. Parents can come by during the week between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to pick up the food.
Magnolia Social Cafe They are offering children out of school one free kids meal a day until further notice.
Sweet N Savory Cafe Children who need breakfast or lunch, Monday through Friday, will be offered a free meal.
Eternal Sunshine Cafe Kids 12 and under will eat free through the month of March with the purchase of an adult entree. Available only Monday through Friday.
Buzz's Roost Starting Tuesday, March 17, Buzz’s Roost at the Beach will have free bagged lunches (containing ham and cheese or turkey and cheese sandwich, bag of chips and a cookie) for pickup between noon and 5 p.m. They will be offered Monday through Sunday for as long as New Hanover County Schools are closed. If pickup isn’t an option, please, call for delivery: 704-560-6552.
IRV Signature Catering Irv’s will offer free egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Call 910-508-8808 to place orders and let them know where to deliver.
Katy's at Jerry Allen's (1054 College Rd) Starting Monday, March 16, for as long as students are out of school, free kids meals will be offered to affected families.

Senior Resources

New Hanover County Senior Resource Center (2222 S. College Rd)

New Hanover County Senior Resource Center staff will provide a drive-thru lunch option for those customers who participate in the congregate program and/or are 60 or older. Registered Congregate Participants are encouraged to pick-up a carryout lunch Monday-Friday between 11 am and 1 pm at the Senior Resource Center, or Monday-Wednesday between 12 and 12:30 pm at the Castle Hayne location (4544 Parmele Rd., Castle Hayne, NC). Congregate participants are encouraged to call at least one day prior to reserve a meal pick-up at 910-798-6420.

The Senior Resource Center will continue operating the Home Delivered Meals Program for its registered homebound participants.

Want to help?

For those wishing to assist, Nourish NC is asking for donations of most needed items to 601 Greenfield Street (Monday - Thursday from 9-5, Fridays 9-3). Check out their facebook page for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/nourishnc

Resources to Talk To Your Kids About Coronavirus

COVID-19 Resources

ASCA is working with the Centers for Disease Control on issues related to how schools work with students on issues surrounding COVID-19 and is helping the CDC develop appropriate and effective messages on how to talk to children about coronavirus.

Here are some suggestions and resources to consider as you provide support to your students regarding COVID-19. Before you take any action, consult with your district to discover any guidance or response initiatives it has in place so your actions align with school and district programs. School counselors also should: