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Caring For Kids joins weekend food program for area students
school lunch stock

MONROE — The seven Weekend Food Programs for Students have a new partner in fighting food insecurity within area students. Caring For Kids Inc., (CFK), a 501(c)(3) based in New Glarus, is now partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and each of the seven programs to end food insecurity within area students.

The program’s other partners include Albany Comets Care Pack, Black Hawk Warrior Pack Program, Brodhead Backpack Food Program, Juda Panther Pack Program, Monticello Pony Pack Program, New Glarus Food For Kids Program, and Pecatonica’s Pec Pantry. 

These seven weekend food programs provide food to participating students in a confidential manner without questions. Each program operates through donations and grant funds; there are no costs to the taxpayers, school, student, or their family.

CFK, Inc., a non-profit based in New Glarus, provides essential services such as food, clothing, and parenting classes to at-risk students.  CFK will manage the finances of each school’s weekend food program at no cost, and each school will have its own account within the organization.  

Volunteers with the Weekend Food Programs for Students will continue their fundraising efforts for each of the seven schools. CFK welcomes contributions to any of these school programs. 

Those wishing to earmark a donation for a specific program should make a check payable to Caring For Kids, and send it to PO Box 969, New Glarus, WI 53574, and indicate the school’s name and/or program on the memo line. Alternatively, direct donations can be made to the school of the donor’s choice. As has been the case since the inception of these programs, 100% of the donation is used to purchase food.

In 2023, the Weekend Food Programs distributed 11,002 weekend food packs and 80,712 classroom snacks — a record-setting achievement for the seven program. This represents a 49% increase compared to the previous year.

Despite this progress, food insecurity continues to be a pressing concern within these school districts. The programs encourage those who are able to consider donating to a local school’s program.