Backpack Lunch Program for Woodlawn Elementary
Posted by Ayleen C in Family / Kids, Get Involved!, Health and WellnessArticle by Marilyn Mauch, Coordinator of the Backpack Lunch Program at Fremont United Methodist Church
For many students, the federally-sponsored school lunch is their main source for a nutritious, satisfying meal during the day. If there’s not enough food in the house, these children can go hungry on the weekend when the school lunch isn’t available. In its second year of operation, the Backpack Lunch Program puts food items for two weekend lunches each Friday into the backpacks of 40 children at Woodlawn Elementary. The need is much greater.
Your food donations can make a difference. We invite you to bring food donations to the monthly Woodlawn Neighborhood Association meetings, so that we can reach more Woodlawn Elementary students who are at risk of hunger on weekends.
Food items to donate:
* cans of chili, soup, ravioli in meat sauce, cans/boxes of mac n’ cheese
* small juice boxes—100% juice only, no foil containers
* individual-size fruit cups
* small packages of crackers w/cheese, raisins or fruit snacks,
* granola bars (no peanuts)
Four NE Portland United Methodist Churches, including Woodlawn United Methodist, are working with community friends in this non-profit, all volunteer effort. To learn more about the program, contact Marilyn Mauch at 503/287-3014 or Fremont United Methodist Church at 503/284-4647.
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Hi, Folks–I can’t attend tonight’s meeting–as usual–but wanted someone out there to know that I was so moved by the backpack project that I forwarded it under the “charity request” of the Blazers’ website and suggested they pick this project up. Lord knows, they could afford it! Anyhow, maybe if a bunch of other folks target the Blazers, our kids will benefit. Just a thought. Many thanks for all you do for us–wish I had more uncommitted time! –Susie Shepherd (On 22nd just south of Dekum–with the sculpture–a tribute to 9-1-1–out front.
Great idea Susie! I sent them a note too.
Hi there, this is a great program. What if we don’t live in Woodlawn but would like to drop off some food? Should I swing by your meeting? Or take it to the school?
Maybe this is something other neighborhoods could look into…
Cheers, Janis
Hi Susie & Ayleen, Thanks for the wonderful idea and effort regarding the Blazers’ website. Gathering community folks and resources to augment what the 4 church congregations can do is really important. Right now,according to school staff, providing weekend lunches for 40 Woodlawn children accounts for only about 20% of the students who need this assist. A long time ago (very long ago!), I received federally funded school lunches and know the need for food on the weekend to supplement what family caregivers can manage to provide. Food kept me in school and gave me good feelings about school and made a big difference in my career life.
Hi Janis, Call me and I’ll arrange to pick-up food donations! We hope to have a drop off bin in the Woodlawn business area very soon. We’ll be having a drop-off bin at the NW Women’s Fitness Center on Broadway and about 20th beginning Jan. 2nd. Perhaps there’s a coffee shop or small business near where you live that might be willling to host a drop-off bin. Send me an email or call (503/287-3014. Thanks for all your interest.