From Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

RDCRS helps feed families during COVID-19

Red Deer, Alberta During this time of school building closures, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) has been working to provide lunches for families in need. To date, the division has supported 52 families with basic lunch items, such as milk, bread, juice boxes, fruit, etc. These food items are delivered to the doorsteps of these families by our staff, while maintaining social distancing.

“During these tough economic times, it’s important that as a school division we continue to support families so they can focus on learning in their homes. We are happy to provide continued support for our families through the Alberta Education school nutrition grant. We online order food from local grocery stores and it is then distributed to those families that need it,” said Superintendent of Inclusive Learning, Dave Khatib at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Research shows students learn better and are able to achieve the goals of education when they have eaten a healthy meal. For the next 12 weeks, RDCRS hopes to use the school nutrition grant to continue providing basic lunch items for these families.

“Thanks to the strong relationships our staff have already built with many of our students and their families, we were able to quickly identify and connect with families who were likely to require support and even complete a food hamper delivery within the first week of school closures. We also developed ways to connect with our entire school community to reinforce our commitment to supporting students emotionally, physically and spiritually,” said Family School Enhancement Counsellor, Rozalyn Vickery at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,480 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 600 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.

6 more cases of COVID in Central Alberta, 57 in total – (April 1 update)