Above, Michael Pigg, School Fuel board member, distributes sacks of food at Mendez Elementary School. School Fuel packed 892 weekend sack meals for SMCISD students. Photo courtesy of School Fuel
School Fuel provides meals for SMCISD students during school closure
School Fuel began providing the weekend sacks at each of the San Marcos Consolidated ISD lunch sites on Friday.
SMCISD is serving lunches at the following locations from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. during weekdays: Mendez Elementary School, Travis Elementary School, San Marcos High School, Redwood Baptist Church, Allen Woods Home and CM Allen Homes.
According to School Fuel, 892 sacks of nutritious food in easily opened containers were packed Thursday evening by a small number of volunteers in two shifts so the sacks could be distributed along with the hot meals the school district prepared. Volunteers set up in the drive-through area of the six locations established by the District so students who normally receive School Fuel could pick up their regular sack.
School Fuel, a nonprofit started in 2013 with 31 students, will continue to distribute the weekend sack on Friday through the end of the school year.
“Weekend hunger is likely to continue to be a problem with the hiatus in school attendance because all students eat free breakfast and lunch at school during the week,” School Fuel said in a press release. This year the program was expanded to include sixth grade students and next school year seventh graders will be added bringing the total to 1,000. Teachers report that School Fuel makes a vast difference in a child's ability to learn and achieve their potential.”
The cost of weekend food support for a child is only $215 for the entire school year — a small investment to help a child be successful and remain in school to graduate.
School Fuel relies on donors for funding. CTMC has long provided the sacks and Ace Relocation Systems delivers the food each week to all nine schools. SMCISD provides the facility. The recent Fun Run was held to raise funds for next year. The presenting sponsor was Berry Aviation. Ki Charter School, Southwest Treatment Center and Law Offices of David Hardaway sponsored at the platinum level. Germer Insurance was a gold sponsor. There were a number of other sponsors so the Run was successful in raising funds for next year.
School Fuel, a 501(c)3 nonprofit is an all volunteer organization that's only purpose is to provide weekend food support for hungry children. Donated funds are used to purchase food. More information about School Fuel is available at the website.
