Community works together to combat hunger
As the school year begins, Taylor County businesses and compassionate community members joined forces to ensure local families and their children kick off the academic year with well-nourished bellies.
In Taylor County, where hundreds of school children qualify for free or reduced-price meals, these school-provided meals represent a lifeline for many young learners. Recognizing the crucial need to sustain these children beyond school hours, the Meals in a Backpack program was established, aiming to bridge the nutritional gap and provide essential sustenance when children are away from the classroom.
Yet, this program offers more than just nourishment. It also extends a helping hand to SOAR students, young individuals aged 18 to 21 with special needs, providing them with an avenue to serve their community. These remarkable SOAR students take on the vital task of meticulously packing backpacks with donated food items. This unique opportunity not only maximizes the impact of our community’s resources but also grants these students an extraordinary chance to care for others.
Nicole Gripentrog, SOAR Teacher at Medford Public Schools, expresses the deep impact of the Meals in a Backpack program: “For years, this program has been a lifeline for students and families in Taylor County. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who not only nourish our community but also empower our SOAR students with a valuable opportunity to give back.”
On behalf of the children and families that benefit from Meals in a Backpack, thank you to our campaign donors and the people who support them, including Aspirus, Enerquip Thermal Solutions, Medford County Market, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Little Lambs Childcare, Prevail Bank, Taylor Credit Union, Mayer & Associates Accountants, AbbyBank, Circle of Faith, Taylor County Commission on Aging, Taylor County Supportive Housing, Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum, Jean M. Thompson Memorial Library, Black River Transport, Nestle, United Way of Taylor County, and many other personal contributions.
Monica Halopka, the Executive Director of United Way of Taylor County, emphasizes the organization’s immense pride in facilitating this annual back-toschool Meals in a Backpack food drive. She notes, “In financially difficult times, we find inspiration in the fact that our schools are sanctuaries where children can focus on their education and cherish the innocence of childhood, rather than worrying about getting proper nourishment. Thank you, donors!”
If you wish to support the ongoing efforts of this program or other initiatives championed by the United Way of Taylor County, please consider making a onetime or recurring monetary donation at www.uwtaylor. org and click DONATE.
