SAUGUS — Route 1 Grill House in Saugus has partnered with Northeast Metro Tech to prepare and deliver hot meals to families of students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since it began last Sunday, the new program has delivered daily meals to 15 Northeast Metro Tech families in Chelsea, Revere, Woburn, Stoneham, and Saugus.
“This government shutdown is affecting everybody, but I’m still able to do takeout,” said Route 1 Grill owner Jeff Floramo. “I know there are people out there who are really struggling, so if I can help, if I can give back a little bit, that’s what we want to do.”
Floramo said he tries to keep the food, which is delivered by Route 1 volunteer staff, cost-effective and healthy while still providing students with some variety.
“Yesterday we did a nice chicken, broccoli, and ziti. Today we’re doing barbecue chicken with salad,” he said. “I try to keep it healthy, (and) we mix it up every day.”
Paid for by the Northeast Student Benefit Fund, more than $2,000 has been donated to the fund by staff since Northeast Metro Tech closed its facility.
The program’s induction mark roughly one month since the Wakefield-based vocational high school locked its doors mid-March to prevent the spread of the virus — about the same amount of time since Gov. Baker ordered all restaurants to close their dining rooms to customers.
“I’d like to thank Route 1 Grill House and the Northeast Metro Tech staff who have come together to make sure our students and their families have hot meals during this time, which has been incredibly difficult and life changing for many,” Wakefield Superintendent David DiBarri said. “I think this effort is a testament to the caring nature of our school and our community.”
Floramo added that the district has helped him provide additional snacks for students as well.
“I’m providing the food, but they’re providing things like chips and cereal,” he said. “We’ll give (students) a bag from Northeast, too. We’ve partnered up with them and they’re also doing a lot, making a goodie bag that each family gets along with the food.”
A press release from the superintendent stated that Northeast Metro Tech aims to continue deliveries until social distancing advisories are lifted.
