With in-class learning suspended at least through the end of the academic year, many Vermont school districts began distributing meals to students and their families.
Students in Burlington are now getting something extra with their meals. A local toymaker, a youth organization and the city's library all converged to hand out books and toys, too.
Vergennes manufacturer WowToyz, which has previously distributed its toys through King Street Youth Center, reached out to the Burlington School District and offered toys to give away along with school meals.
Fletcher Free Library is also providing children's books at the meal pick-up sites.
Victor Prussack is the achievement gap leader for the Burlington School District, which serves about 4,000 students under the age of 19. He said this effort not only reaches students whose safety nets are gone, but also influences older students and shows them how stepping up and providing the community with this service is essential.
Listen above to hear Victor Prussack's full interview with VPR's Weekend Edition host Mary Engisch.
