LAUSD offers free lunches to students in need during Creek Fire closure

SUN VALLEY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As residents of the San Fernando Valley watched the Creek Fire destroy dozens of homes and fill the sky with thick clouds of smoke, they also saw more than 250 Los Angeles Unified School District campuses close.

For many of those students, the fire may also be robbing them of meals.

"Thousands of kids depend on our schools for their food every day," said Kelly Gomez, a member of the LAUSD School Board. "And even though school's not in session, they may be food insecure at home."

That is why the district opened the cafeterias at three schools in the affected areas, providing free lunches for kids who need them.

The prepackaged lunches are available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Byrd Middle School, Palms Middle School and Reseda High School.

"It is going to cost the district money, but it is worth it," said Vivian Ekchian, acting school board superintendent. "Knowing that kids are well-fed and ready to learn pays off down the line."

Gomez said because the lunches are sealed, students are able to take extra meals home to get them through the weekend.

Classes at all schools affected by the fire are set to resume Monday morning.