By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — According to a letter released by DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett and the DeKalb County Board of Education, the board will temporarily suspend the school system's feeding program through Thursday, April 30.

"The well-being of our students, faculty and staff is the forefront of each decision we make," Barnett stated in the letter.

After providing meals to students for the last two weeks, the Governor's "Stay at Home" order and the growing number of statewide COVID-19 cases prevent this program from being successful.

"In continuing meal preparation and delivery, I would require employees to prepare, deliver and distribute meals multiple times a day to families' homes without knowing the health and well-being of all those involved," Barnett said. "While we would certainly take precautions, and provide personal protective equipment, I could not guarantee the safety of those preparing the meals, delivering the meals or even those receiving meals at this time."

The program will be re-evaluated on April 30, 2020.