Kidseatfreenow.com


WHO IS THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION



Soldiers Outreach, Inc. is a group of dedicated individuals who came together to lend a helping hand ... read more


Message from the CEO

OUR MISSION





Our Mission is to provide nutritional food for children and families that are food insecure - suffer from chronic hunger.



OUR VISION





Our Vision is to ultimately increase the level of care within families by decreasing the negative effects of stress triggered by food insecurity.



THE INITIATIVE





Kids Eat Free Weekend Backpack Lunch Program was founded to help alleviate food insecurity with school children. We understand that children who suffer from food insecurity do not perform well academically in school, display unacceptable behavior, and have poor attendance due to illness or unexcused absences.



SPONSORED SCHOOLS





The program works in conjunction with area elementary and middle schools where the majority of the student population is eligible to receive reduced or free breakfast and lunch. In an effort to compensate for meals that students may not receive over the weekend, our program provides nutritious, child-friendly, packaged foods that are sent home directly with the children.



WHAT ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE BACKPACK LUNCH BAGS





  • Individual Oatmeal Packs (original -plain)
  • Individual Chili, Soup, Ravioli in meat sauce
  • Individual Mac & Cheese Bowls
  • Individual Fruit Cups (natural syrup) / Applesauce Cups (no sugar) / Fresh Fruit
  • 100% Juice Boxes (no Kool-Aid, Hi-C, Sunny-Delight) / Bottled Water
  • Individual Spaghetti / Pasta Bowls (no cup/oodles of noodles)
  • Raisins / Pretzels / Healthy Snacks (no peanuts or tree nuts, no sugary snacks)
  • Individual Cheese Crackers snacks (no peanut butter crackers)


Ways To Identify Food Insecurity



LISTEN TO THEIR CONVERSATIONS



Children who are chronically hungry are likely to be anxious about when their next meal is. They may frequently complain of excessive hunger.



Ways To Identify Food Insecurity



OBSERVE THEIR BEHAVIORS



Children may go to school early to get breakfast or rush to the front of the lunch line. They may eat quickly and completely, refusing to leave food on their plates. You may notice a child who lingers around for more food or frequently asks for seconds.



Ways To Identify Food Insecurity



LOOK AT THEIR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE



Low body weight isn’t necessarily a tell-tale sign, as food insecurity is often linked to obesity. However, you can look for other physical indicators of nutrient deficiencies like swollen or puffy skin, chronically cracked lips, or chronically dry, itchy eyes.



Thanks to the generosity of our donors, many children experience a food-fulfilling weekend, return to school with a hopeful attitude and perform well academically. 　We are honored to have you as one of our partners in this endeavor to alleviate food insecurity for children.


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