Melania Trump sends 150 boxed lunches to children’s research hospital

First lady Melania Trump donated 150 box lunches to a children’s research hospital in Maryland to help support those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, a representative for her team said Monday. 

Stephanie Grisham, a spokesperson for Trump who temporarily served as White House press secretary until early last month, said the first lady donated the lunches to feed patients and staff of Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda.

“Supporting those impacted by the effects of COVID19 is something the First Lady cares deeply about, and as we navigate these unique times she will continue to reach out to people in a variety of ways,” Grisham said.

“In accordance with social distancing guidelines, and in order to protect everyone’s safety at the medical facility, the food was sent securely with a contact-free delivery,” she added.

Last week, the first lady also sent care packages to kids and staff at hospitals in 10 states and Washington, D.C., in what she described then as a “small token of my appreciation for their courage and leadership in this time.” 

In recent weeks, the first lady has called for the public to adhere to guidelines urging them to practice social distancing and wear face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic, which data shows has killed over 70,000 people in the U.S. so far.

In one public service announcement about the coronavirus last month, she told Americans that wearing masks is a “recommended guideline to keep us all safe.” Though she didn’t wear a mask in the announcement, she tweeted a picture of her donning one at the time.

As the CDC studies the spread of #COVID-19, they recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when social distancing can be hard to do. Remember, this does NOT replace the importance of social distancing. pic.twitter.com/HRaQHFgXxn

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 9, 2020

She has also offered praise to those working on the frontlines in the healthcare industry to help combat the coronavirus outbreak and thanked others who have continued to report to work in grocery stores, gas stations, power plants and other essential businesses during this period.