“Keep the kids in school and make sure the families are taken care of — that’s my job!” says Joe Clement, at-risk coordinator at Scotland Park Elementary School in Wichita Falls.
Joe’s able to see your generosity put to work firsthand as Scotland Park’s PowerPak 4 Kids backpack program coordinator. Each week, the students he serves are able to take home a bag full of healthy, kid-friendly food to eat over the weekend when they’re at increased risk of hunger.
A high number of children who attend Scotland Park Elementary depend on free and reduced-price school meal programs — and about 150 receive PowerPaks. Joe says the program not only feeds vulnerable children but also helps build trusting relationships with their parents and caregivers.
PowerPak gives kids a sense of responsibility and security — many come from uncertain situations but know that every Friday, they’ll be able to take home a bag full of nutritious food they can easily fix for themselves.
“A kid who is fed is going to be happy,” Joe says. It means a lot to him to ensure his students have enough to eat with the help of friends like you.
Joe also began a monthly mobile pantry to meet the nutritional needs of kids and their families! He’s excited to report that, in partnership with the Food Bank, he’s expanding the pantry to weekly distributions.
On behalf of Joe and the many boys and girls who have the healthy food they need to thrive, thank you for fighting hunger here in our community!
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