Nonprofit feeds Indian River School District families

A local nonprofit has teamed up with Indian River School District to ensure families are receiving hot, fresh-cooked meals each week.

Leshell Dennis, CEO of Absolutely Flawless Women Inc., said volunteers in her organization began the meal service at Refreshing Fountain International Ministries in Millsboro in late March.

Families sign up through the Indian River School District website each week for a drive-thru distribution at the church Thursday evenings. On April 16, 400 meals were cooked at the church and distributed by AFWI volunteers.

“And we won’t stop doing it,” Dennis said.

Families could choose between baked chicken or chicken and dumplings, and all received macaroni and cheese, peas, collard greens and yams.

Indian River School District Community Education Coordinator Michele Murphy said interested families should go to her district page at community.irsd.net for information on signing up for future meal distributions.

“Everyone needs a little comfort food right now, and these are fresh-cooked meals families want to eat,” Murphy said. “It’s a blessing. It’s heartbreaking what families are going through now, but it’s heartwarming to see so many people stepping up to do the right thing.”

Murphy said funds for AFWI to purchase food were donated by Harry K Foundation. 

“We’re hoping to continue this throughout and after the public health crisis, because people will still be struggling afterward to make ends meet,” Murphy said.

AFWI comprises professional women in the fields of theology, counseling, finance, social work, clergy and child care who have provided free services to Delaware and Maryland women in need for more than 20 years

The Indian River School District is also offering grab-and-go meals several days a week at schools throughout the district. Go to irsd.net for the schedule.