Lawrence/Nelson High School receives a $2,000 grant for Backpack Program
Grant provided by Farm Credit Services of America Working Here Fund for Hunger and Nutrition
Launch the media gallery 1 playerGRAND ISLAND, NE- Lawrence/Nelson High School received a $2,000 grant for a new weekend backpack program. The grant is provided through Farm Credit Services of America’s (FCSAmerica) Working Here Fund.
Lawrence/Nelson High School will be introducing a new weekend food backpack program in 2020. The program will provide food to food insecure students on weekends and when school isn’t in session. The food delivery for students began during the school closure due to COVID and families were so grateful that the school wants to continue to offer it throughout the year.
“Our goal is to serve not only our free/reduced lunch families, but all families in our district,” said Dana Epley, principal. “In addition, we will be able to provide education surrounding proper nutritional needs through FFA chapter members and alumni officers.”
The information provided will include farm to fork education as well as information on proper nutrition for families.
“At FCSAmerica, we value the opportunity to help alleviate hunger in rural communities,” said Tami Campbell, regional vice president of retail operations at FCSAmerica’s Grand Island office.
Lawrence/Nelson High School is one of 34 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the third quarter of 2020. FCSAmerica awarded $63,820 during the latest grant cycle ending September 30, 2020.
About Lawrence/Nelson Public Schools
The vision of Lawrence/Nelson Public Schools is to provide for and expect educational excellence through high levels of commitment, collaboration and communication among students, parents, staff and community.
About Farm Credit Services of America
Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With nearly $32 billion in assets and $6.3 billion in members’ equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at fcsamerica.com.
Most Needed Items for LN Backpack Program
- Canned Meat or Fish: Tuna and other canned meat, such as chicken, stew, chili, salmon or corned beef, are always in need at food pantries.
- Soup: Soup is easy to store and keep on pantry shelves. Many soups provide nutritional value; and though often a meal supplement, there are many times when soup might be an entire meal for someone.
- Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Although some food pantries accept fresh vegetables and fruits, canned types are preferred because there is no worry of spoilage while on pantry shelves or during transportation. Most pantries have canned beans, in particular, on their list of needed items.
- Peanut Butter: High in protein, peanut butter figures prominently on the list of most needed food items in pantries across the country.
- Pasta: Pasta or boxed pasta dinners, such as macaroni and cheese, make good donation items because, in most cases, a little goes a long way. Pasta is also a food that people can prepare along with vegetables, meat or just on its own.
- Milk Products: Needed milk items include powdered milk, boxed puddings and cheese spreads. Some food pantries may accept fresh dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese and milk.
- Grain Products: Types of grain products to consider include brown rice, whole grain bread, bagels or muffins.
- Cereal: Boxed cereal is expensive for low-income families to purchase. In addition to having a long shelf life, which makes for excellent pantry storage, many cereals are fortified with vitamins and include healthy grains. Oatmeal is also in demand, whether instant or regular.
- Non-food Items: Many pantries also supply toiletries, including deodorant, soap, shampoo, toilet tissue, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving soap and feminine hygiene products. Other non-food items needed are cleaning supplies and diapers.