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What do the school districts of Albany, Black Hawk, Juda, Monticello, and New Glarus have in common? The answer: Weekend food programs for their students.

Starting in September, weekend shelf stable foods will be provided to students who elect to receive nutritious foods. These programs were created through the collaboration between the Green Cares Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank in Madison, and the school districts. Funding for these programs is being provided by the Green Cares Food Pantry, supplemented by a grant through the Monsignor Thomas Campion Foundation. Foods will be provided by Green Cares and will be delivered to each of the schools; implementation of each school’s program is being provided by school staff to protect the confidentially of the student.

So, why is this important? Research completed by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention (CDC), found that healthy students are more likely to have higher levels of education and implementing strategies that help students stay healthy through eating healthy foods and being physically active can result in decreased rates of student absenteeism, fewer behavioral problems and higher school-wide test scores and grades.

In the future, you’ll hear and learn more about Albany’s Comets Care Pack Program, Black Hawk’s Warrior Pack Program, Juda’s Panther Pack Program, Monticello’s Pony Pack Program, and New Glarus’ Food For Kids Program – the names of each of the school’s programs. With a donation of $20.00, you can provide food for a student for one month’s worth of weekends. This is possible through the purchasing power of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Madison, part of the national Feeding America program.

We know providing adequate, nutritious foods leads to better student outcomes, so please be a part of our efforts by providing a donation to Green Cares Food Pantry. If you wish to have your donation go to a specific school district, that is possible – just make the check payable to Green Cares Food Pantry and note the school district in the memo line. Donations should be sent to Green Cares Food Pantry, W5198 County Road C, Monticello, WI 53570.

Green Cares Food Pantry serves Green County low-income households and operates without paid staff. At the present time, the pantry is serving between 250-300 households (total individuals between 800-900). If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity at Green Cares, please email the pantry at greencares@tds.net and someone will be in contact with you. For questions about the school programs, please call Jeannie Blumer at (608) 558-1637 or email her at kjblumer@tds.net.