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NILES — Monday morning, Healthy Habits in downtown Niles was empty, save for employees and their children. Barstools that typically line the shake shop’s bar had been removed following the governor’s order to shut down eat-in service at restaurants and bars across the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A table near the front door was filled with brown paper bags labeled “breakfast” and “lunch,” with economy size boxes snacks and food items filling the table behind the bags.

“We’re putting together breakfasts and lunches for children in need,” said Lea Germann, co-owner of Healthy Habits. “We received donations from people in the community — monetary and food donations — so we’re putting together a little sack breakfast and lunch and having it available while we’re open.”

Healthy Habits typically serves meal replacement protein shakes, protein coffees, smoothie bowls and other protein-packed snacks.

Monday morning, as Germann and co-owner Alishia Ransbottom navigated next steps for their business during the social distancing mandate, Germann said the dine-in suspension would “tremendously” impact her family.

“[My kids] are the reason I do it, to be able to support them,” she said.

Germann knows other parents share this mission but are facing difficult decisions as many are out of work and providing more meals than usual for their school-aged children.

“It’s important to us personally because we’ve both gone through times where we used services from the government,” Germann said. “I can’t imagine any of [her children] going without food, so it hurts me to think of other kids going without food.”

Following news that schools across the state would be closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, school administrators at Brandywine, Buchanan, Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg and Niles developed plans to help feed students during the school closures. Though each district is handling distribution differently, each school will offer both breakfast and lunch at least five days per week.

“I know the schools are doing breakfast and lunch during the week, but there are a lot of people struggling with parents out of work, so weekends and dinners might even be a struggle,” Germann said. “My kids love breakfast for dinner.”

Meal packs include a variety of nonperishable food items, including cereal, oatmeal, graham crackers, macaroni and cheese, apple sauce, fruit cups and granola bars.

“You don’t have to be on free or reduced lunch to be struggling right now, and I know sometimes even if you are struggling you don’t get free or reduced lunch,” Germann said. “This isn’t just for kids with free or reduced lunch. It’s for all kids who need it. Don’t be embarrassed to say you need it.”

Those in need may pick up meal packs during Healthy Habits’ business hours, which will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the dine-in suspension. Those interested in purchasing items of Healthy Habits’ regular menu may still do so without dining in.

Orders may be placed via Facebook or Instagram messenger or by texting Germann at (269) 845-5661. Should the business close its doors completely, the Healthy Habits staff will arrange for pickup of the food bags, and may offer pop-up clubs at other area businesses.

“For right now, people can come in and do to-go and curbside,” Germann said. “Text us or message us. We’re going to do our best to keep up with everyone.”