Superintendent Austin Beutner (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Unified School District has provided more than 75 million meals to students and their families in need the school district announced this week.

A total of 75.5 million meals, along with more than 10 million items of needed supplies, have been provided to schools since the district began serving meals in support of the COVID-19 relief effort on March 17.

This relief effort has already provided 50% more meals than were given to victims of Hurricane Katrina, and it is the largest, school-based relief effort in the nation’s history, according to an LAUSD press release.

LAUSD has been joined by thousands of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations who have provided money and in-kind donations totaling more than $29 million to LA Students Most in Need, the charitable fund created by Superintendent Austin Beutner to support the relief effort.

“The need continues and so will our efforts until students can return to schools,” Superintendent Beutner said. “We knew the need would be great and we stepped up to do what we can to help. I’m grateful for all who are part of this effort as we are truly in this together.”

“We are proud to be running this record-breaking meal operation to support our students, families and communities through this crisis,” said board member Nick Melvoin, 4th District. “Thank you, as well, to all the essential employees, volunteers and partners who have all helped make this operation possible.”

To donate, text NEED to 76278 or visit lastudentsmostinneed.org.