Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The new school year is once again upon us, but for many children a new school year means a new set of challenges.
The nationwide non-profit organization Feeding America estimates that in North Dakota, 54,930 people are struggling with hunger, 16,900 of which are children. For the children who are facing hunger, it can be a challenge to get the energy needed for daily learning and growth.
Locally the Hunger Free Food Pantry at First Lutheran Church in New Rockford is doing its part to ensure that hungry children spend less time being hungry and more time being children.
One initiative the pantry has led for many years is the backpack program. The kids take home a backpack of food on Fridays that provides them with help in supplementing their meals over the weekend. Last year the pantry served an average of 15 students each week. The bags are packed by the Great Plains Food Bank.
As further outreach, the pantry started a Second Helpings program last year. This fund pays for kids who participate in the free and reduced meal program to receive seconds at no additional charge. Since students are required to pay full price for seconds otherwise, Second Helpings ensures they get plenty to eat for both breakfast and lunch.
Hunger Free Food Pantry coordinator Amy Perleberg says, “We believe that when children are fed, they are equipped to learn, grow and imagine a future filled with opportunity!”
Readers can help support the Hunger Free Food Pantry and help to end food insecurity by making a donation. Sponsorship for the backpack program costs $5 a week per child, $95 for a half a year or $190 for the full school year. Donations for the Second Helpings program can be made in any amount. Contributions can be mailed to First Lutheran Church, 436 1st Ave N, New Rockford, ND 58356 or dropped off at the church office.
