KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath County School District says that regardless of school being in-person, online, or through hybrid learning, students will receive meals this fall.

"Every single kid enrolled in Klamath County Schools will have a free meal every time they come . . . on top of that, for the days that they're not in school, they will be able to take meals home with them," said Candace Gracik, Klamath County School District's Director Nutritional Services. 

The district says that their grab-and-go program, which has been delivering free meals at 40 locations since late March, will continue to operate. Since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, KCSD has delivered more than 250,000 meals to students throughout Klamath County.

“Yeah, it means everything. honestly. Throughout this pandemic, I watched the poverty rate in Klamath County go from 35 to 50 percent based upon student in enrollments only, based upon kids in need. We watched the homeless in the community double, kid-wise," Gracik said. 

The district says that they are watching the health metrics. The Oregon Department of Education is expected to release more information on Tuesday.

Medford School District on Monday said that it similarly plans to ensure students are still being fed, even with distance learning guaranteed for at least the first six weeks of school.