Western Heights School District Faces Criticism After Ending Food Distribution Program

A metro school district’s decision to stop feeding hungry children is drawing harsh criticism from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.

Western Heights School District ended their child nutrition program Monday due to COVID-19 concerns.

According to support staff, since mid-March bus drivers were delivering 3,600 hundred meals a day.

“I honk my horn the kids come running out of the house come running, get their meals, thank you! Thank you! Then run off.”

Support staff said they were blindsided by the district’s decision.

“It's just sad that these people have to figure out something real fast to get their baby fed tomorrow,” said one woman employed with the district.

Two bus drivers, whose identifies have been concealed, passed out notes to parents announcing the "temporary stoppage" of their food prep and delivery.

“That's it, and you ought to have seen the expression on her face it broke my heart,” said a man working for the district.

In a string of emails between school administration, Director of Operations Pete Parker wrote the decision was reached following continued recommendations for separation from the CDC, Oklahoma's governor and the Mayor of Oklahoma City.

Superintendent Mannix Barnes told News 9 in part, "Our essential child nutrition and transportation workers are scared to death and have families who depend on them to come home safe every night..."

Reasoning, neither State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister nor Mayor David Holt stand behind.

Hofmeister said, "... this unfortunate and unacceptable decision needs to be reconsidered..."

Mayor Holt said in part, "... it is absolutely 100 percent false that our Oklahoma City proclamation halts any food distribution."

And while their food buses are parked-- notes like this one serve as a reminder for the bus drivers.  

“It says we wanted to thank you too so much and show some gratitude for all that you're doing, your health, for feeding the children in need, y'all are a blessing all away around, that warms your heart,” said the employee.

Hofmeister’s office is threatening to pull funding and accreditation if the district does not reverse the decision.