WARREN — The Mahoning Valley’s school districts are planning how to respond to the food needs of students during the extended state-mandated break because many depend on breakfasts and lunches at their schools.

Youngstown City Schools will be providing food from 35 different locations, and these sites are expected to be announced by today, a district spokeswoman said.

Nearly 90 percent of Youngstown schools students qualify for free and reduced-cost meals.

Students Monday were able to pick up bagged breakfasts and lunches — designed to last at least two days — at their normal school buildings.

“During this closure we’re maintaining the goals we have whenever school is in session: the care of our scholars and their education,” Justin Jennings, chief executive officer, said. “Providing food for them is part of ensuring care.”

Last week, when Gov. Mike DeWine ordered schools closed for three weeks, he expressed concern about the ability of districts to provide meals to students while still ensuring their safety from coronavirus exposure. On Sunday, DeWine hinted schools might not reopen this term.

DeWine’s goal was to make sure fewer than 50 people are in any one public space at a time.

Ohio is one of several states that have obtained federal waivers to allow districts to give out grab-and-go meals or provide other assistance, such as grocery store gift cards, to lower-income students.

Warren schools are serving lunches in each of its buildings 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the duration of the closing.

Students are being asked to go the school building closest to where they live, regardless of where they are enrolled.

“If the student is not within walking distance of the school, we will have remote delivery locations available for lunch pickup from noon to 1 p.m.,” said John Lacy, director of business pperations. “In addition to our five school buildings, we are utilizing other locations throughout the community. A Warren schools vehicle will be at each site.”

Niles Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen said the district will have breakfast and lunches available in “to-go” bags on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays.

“We will have various breakfast items, sandwiches for lunches and various fruit items,” she said.

Students, parents and guardians can pick up the bags at the district’s administration building, 309 N. Rhodes Ave.

“If we find there is a greater demand, then we will consider adding days,” Thigpen said.

She said the district will run its program similar to it summer feeding program.

Bristol schools Superintendent Christopher J. Dray said an estimated 40 percent of the district’s students are on its free and reduced lunch program.

“We are still working on our plans on feeding our students,” Dray said. “We are working with churches, restaurants and busineses to determine what can be done.”

Brookfield Superintendent Toby Gibson is working on plans for feeding students who typically receive breakfast and lunches at their schools.

“About 50 percent of our students qualify for free and reduced lunches, so it is a big concern,” Gibson said.

Liberty Superintendent Joseph Nohra said the district will be offering lunches to students from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Liberty High School.

To-go lunches will be free to any student up to age 18. Lunches will be $2 for anyone over the age of 18.

Meals will be available for pick up at the high school until supplies run out.

Liberty schools reserves the right to suspend the program in the event of staff illness or low participation.

For Mathews Local Schools, the Mustangs Care organization is collecting food items for the 60-plus students in the Vienna and Fowler areas who receive the weekly food packages.

They are accepting kid-friendly nonperishable food items and are in process of developing a plan to get food to Mathews families that limits exposure between individuals.

Any donation is appreciated and the collection location is the Cortland Bank – Vienna Branch at 4434 Warren Sharon Road.

The organization also is welcoming other children who have been affected by the school closings.

If you have questions or wish to donate, contact Jessica Licata at mustangscare@outlook.com

Hubbard schools will be having a drive-thru to distribute nonperishable food items on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. in the back parking lot of the middle school. This service is for any district family that is in need of food during the closure.

rsmith@tribtoday.com