Beyond the Bell is a UCEMSRT community‑support program designed to ensure that no student goes without a meal when school schedules are disrupted. This initiative serves Clay County, WV students during inclement weather closures, and also provides weekend meal support for all Wood County Public School students.

Program Purpose

The mission of Beyond the Bell is simple but essential: To provide consistent access to hot, nutritious meals for students who may face food insecurity when school is closed or when regular meal programs are unavailable. Weather‑related closures can happen suddenly, and many families rely on school meals. Beyond the Bell fills that gap.

Inclement Weather Meal Service

Whenever school is canceled due to snow, flooding, storms, or other hazardous conditions, Beyond the Bell opens its doors to serve:

• Hot Breakfast - 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
• Hot Lunch - 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.
• Hot Dinner - 6:oo P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

These meals are served throughout the day to ensure students have a safe, warm place to eat even when school cannot operate.

Weekend Meal Support

Beyond the Bell doesn’t stop when the weather clears. The program also provides regular weekend meal service, recognizing that many students need support beyond the school week.

Weekend schedule includes: 

(Breakfast - 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., Lunch - 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M., Dinner - 6:oo P.M. to 7:00 P.M.)

• Friday: Hot Dinner
• Saturday: Hot Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Sunday: Hot Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This ensures that students have access to meals seven days a week, not just during weather emergencies.

Who Can Participate

• Inclement Weather Days: Open to Clay County school students
• Weekend Meal Service: Open to all Wood County school students

There are no fees, no registration requirements, and no restrictions. If a student needs a meal, they are welcome.

Why This Program Matters

Beyond the Bell exists because:

• Many students rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition
• Weather closures can create sudden food insecurity
• Families may struggle with transportation, power outages, or limited food access during storms
• Weekends can be difficult for students who depend on weekday school meals

By offering a warm space and hot meals, Beyond the Bell supports the health, safety, and dignity of every child in our community.