Did you know that about 5,000 children in Sheboygan County are living with hunger? Our latest data reveals that inflation and the cutbacks in government benefits are continuing to make it tough for parents in our community to pay the bills and buy enough food to feed their children and themselves. We’re serving an average of over 6,400 families each month through food pantries and our other partner organizations – exactly on track with how many of our neighbors counted on us during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
This means more kids are at risk to experience hunger on the weekends while they’re away from free school meals. Studies show that children who are hungry have a hard time focusing in school, are likely to fall behind academically, become at risk for illness and poor attendance, and often have low self-esteem and lack of energy.
The good news is that you can help. Food for Thought for Kids is one of our growing programs in partnership with 26 local schools that’s dedicated to supporting children facing hunger. We work with caring teachers, counselors, principals, and volunteers to make sure children who don’t have enough food to eat on the weekends get a bag filled with 10 nutritious items, including fresh fruit and other easy-to-eat food, at the end of each school week. Today we kicked off our Fund Food for Thought crowdfunding campaign on National Teacher Appreciation Day to rally the community to raise money for Food for Thought for Kids. (Watch our just-released video to learn more about the program and see the heart-warming smiles on kids’ faces when they get handed their snacks and meals.) Teachers are key to helping SCFB identify which students need support. They witness the effects of hunger on their students’ through their behaviors, emotional responses, attendance records, and academic performances. Marisol Muhs is the Bilingual Family Liaison and After School Program Coordinator at Sheridan Elementary School where 35 kids rely on the program.
“This program has been amazing for our multi-cultural families. I’ve received phone calls from the families saying how much they appreciate it and how much it helps.” – Marisol Muhs, Bilingual Family Liaison and After School Program Coordinator, Sheridan Elementary School
How You Can Help
Help us Fund Food for Thought and reach our goal of enrolling 50 more children in Food for Thought for Kids, making sure a total of 500 kids don’t go hungry on the weekends during the 2024-2025 school year. Donate an amount below or any amount. You can even choose to dedicate your donation in honor or in memory of a teacher, parent, coach, or other special someone who has positively impacted you or your child.
- $5 feeds ONE CHILD for ONE WEEKEND
- $10 feeds TWO CHILDREN for ONE WEEKEND
- $25 feeds FIVE CHILDREN for ONE WEEKEND
- $50 feeds ONE CHILD for ONE QUARTER
- $100 feeds ONE CHILD for ONE SEMESTER
- $200 feeds ONE CHILD for the ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR
- $1,000 feeds FIVE CHILDREN for the ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR
Spread the word in your circles of friends, family, and coworkers! As we make progress towards our goal of raising $100,000, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) to stay in the loop and share posts. Not big on social media? Text or email people this link and invite them to join the movement. Check out our promotional toolkit for more ways to help an individual, a business, or an organization.
We can’t do this for children who need us without you. However you choose to help make a difference gets us another step closer to 500 kids feeling nourished, ready to learn, and cared for this upcoming school year. With your help, we look forward to celebrating a big win for Sheboygan County. Learn more about the history of the program and this campaign in our press release.
Special thanks to our friends at FifthColor for generously providing our campaign video and images for Fund Food for Thought.
