Healthy Eating, Healthy Learning: A Schoolwide Effort to Nourish Every Child

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-and-drinks-inside-the-carton-box-6590920/

As we celebrate World Healthy Eating Day, we’re reminded that not every child has that opportunity. According to recent reports, nearly 15% of Polk County residents — more than 110,000 people — live with food insecurity, including tens of thousands of children (Polk Vision, 2024). At our school, over 30% of students qualify for SNAP benefits, and we know many families may be facing especially tight weeks ahead.

With the recent pause in SNAP funding, that uncertainty feels even heavier — like an unexpected additional challenge for families already stretching every dollar to keep food on the table.

That’s why we’re launching our Friday Food Box Program — a community-driven effort to make sure every child has the fuel they need for a full day of learning. Each week, we’ll distribute food boxes filled with nutritious staples and fresh produce to families who need a little extra help.

These boxes will be completely funded by donations, and the contents will vary from week to week depending on community participation. Every contribution matters — and together, we can ensure that no student has to learn on an empty stomach.

🧺 What to Donate

🥫 Shelf-Stable Items (can be dropped off anytime)

• Peanut butter or other nut butters

• Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, mixed vegetables)

• Canned beans (black, pinto, chickpeas)

• Canned fruit (in juice or water, not syrup)

• Canned soups, stews, or chili

• Tuna or chicken pouches

• Whole-grain pasta or brown rice

• Instant or quick-cook quinoa

• Oatmeal packets or low-sugar cereals

• Shelf-stable milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• Granola bars or whole-grain snack bars

• Dried fruit or raisins

🍎 Fresh Produce (drop off on Thursday each week)

• Apples

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Carrots

• Onions

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Bell peppers

• Cucumbers

💳 Gift Cards

• $10–$25 gift cards to Publix, Walmart, Aldi, or local grocery stores

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📦 Donation Drop-Off

• Shelf-stable items: Accepted any day during school hours

• Fresh produce: Please drop off by Thursday morning each week so it can be included in Friday’s distribution boxes

We’re calling on our families, neighbors, and local businesses to join us in nourishing our students. Every can, every apple, every card makes a difference.

Because food is a basic need — and learning doesn’t happen on empty bellies.

Together, we can make sure every child in our care has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive — one meal, one Friday, one box at a time. 💛