Crook County schools, other local districts stepping up to ensure families’ food access amid halt to federal benefits
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding Redmond School District)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County School District officials, like others around the region, state and nation, are working to make sure parents know about the options to keep families fed well as SNAP food benefits are poised to be cut until the federal government shutdown is resolved.
Here’s a message that was shared Wednesday with KTVZ News by Crook County Interim Superintendent Joel Hoff, who said, “Beginning next week, the district is expanding several student support services in response to the potential SNAP benefit reductions scheduled to take effect on November 1st.
“We have been collaborating with NeighborImpact and other community partners to identify the most effective ways to support and serve local families in need. Our top priority is to ensure that every single CCSD student has access to the food they need.
“Below is the message that will be shared with our families this afternoon, outlining our efforts to assist students and the ways community members can get involved.”
Dear CCSD Families,
We anticipate that the potential November 1st postponement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will affect many of our students. Beginning next week, we are taking the following steps to help address this temporary food shortage and provide immediate assistance to our students in need:
🥪 After School Snack Expansion: Elementary schools will now offer sandwiches and snacks to students at the end of each school day for the time being. Additional after-school snack options will also be available at our middle and high schools.
🛍️ Weekend Food Bag Program: Students can take home weekend bags filled with non-perishable food items. You can sign your student up for this program here.
🤝 Community Partnerships: Local organizations are working hard to connect families with food resources. More information on local food resources for families can be found at Crook County Food Resource Calendar and State of Oregon Food Bank Locator.
❤️ We Need Your Help: If you’d like to donate non-perishable food items to support our Weekend Food Bag Program, please drop them off at the District Office, located at 471 Ochoco Plaza Dr, Prineville, OR 97754. See the list below for specific requested items.
If you’d prefer to contribute funds to support the Weekend Food Bag Program, please contact the District Office for more information (541-447-5664).
We remain committed to ensuring that every student in our district has access to the nutrition and care they need to be successful. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and community during this time. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your school or the district office.
Requested Food Donation Items Include:
Granola Cars
Fruit Cups
Cereal
Oatmeal
Chips
Crackers
Peanut Butter
Beef Jerky
Canned Soups
Top Ramen
Mac-n-Cheese
Hormel Meals
Pop-Tarts
Popcorn
Tuna
Uncrustables
Pudding
Spaghetti Sauce
Pasta
Bend-La Pine Schools Director of Communications Scott Maben told us, “We will be sharing similar information with our staff and families about community food resources, including these lists from Thrive Central Oregon:
“Keep in mind that Bend-La Pine Schools no longer charges families for any school meals. Breakfast and lunch are free for all. This contributes to food security for many families who will struggle from the SNAP stoppage,” Maben said.
Redmond School District Public Information Officer Logan McGinnis told us, “Redmond School District is committed to ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals each day. Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, all students in the district receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.”
“Each school has a Family Access Network (FAN) advocate who works directly with families to connect them with local food supports and other essential resources.Families seeking additional community food resources in Redmond and Terrebonne can visit Thrive Central Oregon’s local food resource guide,” McGinnis said.
Jefferson County School District Director of Communications Joseph Prechtl told us, “Our district provides breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost through our participation in the Community Eligibility Provision Program. In addition, students enrolled in our afterschool program receive dinner at no cost.
“Several of our schools are offering weekend food programs, and have for a while.
“We also have FAN (Family Access Network) advocates for each school who work directly with families to connect them with local food resources and other essentials supports.
“Those are just some of the ways we are helping our students and families gain consistent access to nutritious meals” Prechtl said.