Post Date: 03/14/2020 1:35 PM

Mayor’s Office of Communications

55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Michael Smith, Press Secretary

404-546-1465, office

470-372-8752, cell

mismith@atlantaga.gov Jordan Johnson, Communications Manager

404-546-1956, office

470-409-0015, cell

jordjohnson@atlantaga.gov

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Centers of Hope Afterschool Program to Continue to Provide Free Meals for Students During School Closures

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the Centers of Hope Afterschool program will continue to provide free meals to all students who rely on them throughout the closure of schools.



“Atlanta's children must continue to receive the food and proper nutrition they need regardless of current events,” said Mayor Bottoms. “In these times, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our residents—especially those who face challenges on a day-to-day basis.”



Currently, the City of Atlanta’s Centers of Hope Afterschool Meal Program provides dinner and a healthy snack to Atlanta’s students between the ages 5 – 18. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 the program will run on a modified schedule allowing students to receive meals between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.



Locations for meal sites include the following City of Atlanta Recreation Centers:



Adams Park Recreation Center

CT Martin Recreation & Aquatic Center

Anthony Flanagan Memorial Recreation Center

Bessie Branham Recreation Center

Coan Park Recreation Center

Dunbar Recreation Center

Grant Park Recreation Center

Grove Park Recreation Center

James Orange Recreation Center

Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center

Arthur Langford Recreation Center

Peachtree Hills Recreation Center

Perkerson Park Recreation Center

Pittman Park Recreation Center

Rosel Fann Recreation Center

C. A. Scott Recreation Center

South Bend Recreation Center

Thomasville Recreation Center

William Walker Recreation Center

The meal program is the latest policy initiated by Mayor Bottoms to assist Atlantans during the coronavirus health threat. Earlier this week, Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Commissioner of Watershed Management to refrain from taking any action which would result in the termination of water services for any Watershed Management customer due to non-payment for the next sixty (60) days.

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation’s Centers of Hope Afterschool program provides engaging educational, recreational, and cultural programming. The mission of the program is to provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for students across Atlanta. The program focuses on the combination of education and play to empower youth to tackle the next school day with a positive outlook on life and community.

For more information on the Centers of Hope Afterschool Program and Registration, please visit the Official Website.

The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here.

Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials

Recommended CDC safety guidelines can be found online here.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Bottoms on Facebook and Twitter @KeishaBottoms