TOWSON, Md. — They line up for food every day, Monday through Friday, at Dulaney High School.
Courtnie Becoat is picking up the meals to make some special deliveries.
“They assigned me two of the kids that go to my school to bring them lunches and everything,” said Becoat. “It was cool, because I like to help.”
But hunger doesn’t disappear over the weekend, and to that end, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski is bringing in help to expand the distribution of food on Saturdays.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that starting tomorrow, Maryland Army National Guard troops will be helping to lead our food distribution operations at sites across Baltimore County,” said Olszewski. “These are neighbors from our communities here to support our communities.”
Using catering services from throughout the county, Olszewski is using the guard to triple the number of sites to 30 where free food will be available on Saturdays.
Before the virus, 50,000 school children already qualified for free or reduced-price lunches in the county and with 16,000 more jobless claims just last week, many are struggling to get by.
“I think it would be good. It helps out the parents due to this situation that’s going on. It’s excellent,” said Becoat. “It helps out a lot. I mean anything helps. Anything helps.”
During the coronavirus outbreak, the county has spent tens of millions of dollars, and today the county executive announced a hiring freeze of non-essential workers.
