BAKERFIELD, Calif. — As schools across the country are closing amid the coronavirus, school officials are working to keep their meal service programs going, including here in Kern County.

The Kern High School District announced Monday it was making changes to its meal service programs for students. Part of those changes include providing free breakfast and lunch to all children ages 2 to 18 during the closures lasting through April 9.

Wednesday was the first day the district began providing meals for students during the closures. According to the KHSD, a total of 8,534 students were provided meals.

Meals were provided through pickup at 21 KHSD sites, door-to-door special education bus routes, and with the Roasedale Union School District.