In 1943 a middle aged man by the name of Abraham Maslow developed a concept of our needs as humans. Now known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, his idea is still widely accepted today. The theory ultimately states that our most basic needs as humans must be met in order for more creative and intellectual thoughts to happen. Set up like a pyramid, the foundation of this concept is that we must have food, water, shelter, air, clothing, and sleep in order to survive and in turn thrive.
When children are hungry sitting still, concentrating, much less learning a new skill becomes exponentially harder. Providing supplemental food and bringing food to where the children are fills a critical gap for children in houses experiencing food insecurity.
This is why we have programs like Backpack Buddies and the Satellite Pantry at the middle and high school. Both programs are up and running for the school year and it is more than clear that the students and families of Park County who utilize them are consistently needing them.
The LFRC has distributed 1,306 bags of supplemental nutrition through the Backpack Buddies program so far this school year, and there have been 33 visits to the middle and high school satellite pantries. That’s 1,339 instances where we have helped bridge the gap between hunger and food insecurity.
The Backpack Buddies program was started back in 2013 and now utilizes an opt out model. This ensures the children that most need the program aren’t missed due to paperwork and has proved to be very effective. During our first week of distribution at Winans Elementary we got several excited teachers and paraprofessional’s reactions and comments like “so happy you are back and doing this” comments.
Although the satellite pantries, named “The Cougar Corner” at SGMS and “The Ranger Station” at PHS are relatively new, the students have shown that they’re utilized everyday. The Ranger Station is operated in partnership with National Honor Society Students giving them an opportunity to learn leadership and connect with other students. Things are going well and I look forward to the rest of the school year.
Programs like these wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteers. If you’re curious about getting involved please contact Jeanie Babcock, our volunteer coordinator at Jeanie@livingstonfrc.org - we’d love to have you!
