A partnership between the City of Memphis, YMCA, Shelby County Schools, Chartwells
and the University of Memphis provided more than 1 million meals over a five-month
period for Shelby County students in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning March 25, shortly after Shelby County Schools switched to remote instruction,
the University Center dining hall transformed into space for preparing the meals before
distribution by the YMCA and the City of Memphis, an effort led by Memphis Mayor Jim
Strickland. Employees of Chartwells, the dining services partner of the UofM, packaged
an average of 14,000 meals per day with a high of 18,000. The boxes included ham and
cheese or turkey and cheese sandwiches with juice, fruit and a snack.
The partnership eclipsed 1 million meals in mid-August.
“The 1 million meals provided milestone is significant and phenomenal, especially in such a tremendous period of need for our community,” said UofM President M. David Rudd. “I continue to be incredibly proud of our partnership with the YMCA, Shelby County Schools and Chartwells. Everyone stepped up at a moment’s notice and has done a remarkable job for more than five months serving not only our students, but the families of Shelby County during this challenging time.”
Chartwells has spent $1.3 million locally during the pandemic while also supporting food insecurities on campus with donations of $29,000 to Tiger Pantry and $9,500 for meal cards.
“When we began providing this support for our community, we never imagined we would make 1 million meals,” said Glendel Coble, resident district manager for Chartwells. “As we continue to provide meals for those in need, we want to thank our team members, the University of Memphis, YMCA and Shelby County Schools. This would not have been possible without the support and dedication of such great and caring people.”
During the crisis, Chartwells continued to serve UofM students, faculty and staff seven days a week.
“This is the most challenging time we have faced as a country,” Coble said. “The positive attitude of the team and willingness to continue to serve our community is very rewarding.”
Shelby County Schools was among the first districts in the Mid-South to announce a switch to virtual learning last spring as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The change impacted many students in far more ways than just the classroom, including a potential void in consistent daily meals. The partnership played an important role in helping fill the gap for that essential need.
“The Memphis community is strong,” said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray. “We are extremely grateful for our partners at the YMCA, University of Memphis and Chartwells who have come together to help feed Shelby County Schools students. Our goal to eliminate hunger for children during this unprecedented crisis has been met with a tremendous response.