Grant Money Means Concord Kids Won't Left Behind or Go Hungry This Summer
For Immediate Release
For More Information:
Judy Stermer, Vermont Foodbank
802-477-4108
Grant Money Means Concord Kids Won’t Be Left Behind or Go Hungry This Summer
Concord, VT—Students in Concord are actually looking forward to summer school this year. Thanks to money from a grant, the Concord School can offer math and literacy programs to 25 students, seven of whom would have been held back due to a lack of funding for summer school. An additional 20 students will be provided consistent meals and enrichment activities throughout the summer.
The Vermont Foodbank was awarded a grant through America Gives Back (formerly Charity Projects Entertainment Fund) for start-up costs associated with the Foodbank’s pilot-year Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP is a federally funded program that provides free meals to children when school is not in session, in conjunction with educational and recreational activities. The Concord School was one of three sites chosen in Essex County, where the poverty rate among children is as high as 25% in some towns.
Concord School Principal Karl Stein reported the school hasn’t had access to summer school for many years and would not have been able to put on summer school this year without grant funding.
“This money is creating two significant opportunities for the school. One is for these kids who are at risk of failing- it is giving them the opportunity to get that extra boost and be able to go on and stay with their class and not have to stay back for the year,” said Stein. “Then there is the food piece that goes along with it. Food is a common draw that enhances the interest for the kids and the reason for the kids to come and socialize with their friends. It’s a win-win situation all around.”
Prior to news of the grant, the school had only enough funding to feed and educate six children this summer.
According to the latest report by Feeding America, more than 20,400 Vermont children under the age of 18 are food insecure – unable to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food that is necessary for a healthy life. This need is even greater during the summer months when school meals become unavailable.
“The Vermont Foodbank is excited to work with three sites in the Northeast Kingdom to provide support for healthy meals, education and other enrichment activities for children,” said John Sayles, chief executive officer of the Vermont Foodbank. “SFSP is a valuable resource in the fight against hunger in Vermont, and the Foodbank is thrilled to sponsor these sites that will help bring about hunger-free communities.”
Principal Stein also added, “The grant is creating an opportunity for these kids to move forward. That’s why I’m so excited about it.”
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