Some parents express anger over Orange County School District's meal guidance

Some Orange County parents were upset after Orange County School District shared a plan that students would eat their lunch outside to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Students will eat outside in 15 minute windows. School leaders said while still indoors and before eating, students will have time to get their food ready to eat including peeling foods, opening milk cartons and removing crust from bread. Students will be required to wear masks while getting good ready.

After eating, students will allowed to engage with each other if time permits, but will be required to put masks back on.

School leaders said socializing while wearing face coverings and at a safe distance can be done indoors or outdoors.

Using data from the ABC Science Collaborative, school leaders said students being around each other eating create high risk of transmission of the virus.

Leaders added that the only part of the meal process that has to happen outside is eating, if weather permits.

Students would eat inside only if it is pouring rain outside and there isn't shelter, snowing or if temperatures are below freezing. The note stated that 33 degrees was an acceptable temperature.

If students eat inside, the letter said there would be no talking, windows and doors would be opened or cracked, an air purifier would be on and students would be spaced farther than six feet apart.

Orange County parent Krystal Compton said she doesn't like the plan.

"In my opinion, who would put a child out in these conditions to scarf it down in 15 minutes? They are not allowed to speak while doing so in these conditions," said Compton.

Compton said if the district doesn't change the temperature threshold, her children would not return to in person learning.

Leaders said while eating outside isn't ideal, it was the safest places for students eat. The school district will provide winter clothing for any students in need and is in the process of getting tables, seating and mats to help make the experience for comfortable for students.

Anyone who needs winter clothing for the child is asked to reach out to their school's social worker.