Columbia Public Schools (CPS) students haven’t been in their school buildings for in-person learning since March 17 after the district-wide shutdown because of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations. CPS Custodial and Nutrition Services employees, however, have continued working for the district, though their jobs may look different from the usual. Neither department experienced layoffs.

Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch won’t have access to cafeteria meals for the rest of the school year. The CPS Nutrition Services and Transportation Departments have combatted this issue by providing breakfast and lunch to students through the CPS Grab-and-Go Meal Service, which began March 30.