What have we been up to this Fall?
Friends,
Before I get to the operational update, I want to encourage you to remember that the operational components of our mission are only important because of the impacts they have on the families we serve.
Last school year:
- 99% of families responding to our survey said our program helped support their family, with 78% saying it was VERY helpful.
- 96% of families said our program helped their child be prepared for school, with 61% saying it was VERY helpful.
So, keeping in mind the impact the program has on our families, I’m happy to share that this school year is off to a great start. Our weekend food program is up and running in 62 schools throughout the Twin Cities. We have 3 more schools already preparing to launch new programs with many others in the works. As of the end of October, we have distributed some 50,000 meals so far this school year! (As a comparison, at this point in the 2014-2015 and the 2013-2014 school years we had distributed 25,500 and 7,100 meals, respectively.)
We continue a significant effort in School District 196: Rosemount – Apple Valley – Eagan, where we’ve implemented our program in 12 new schools this Fall for a total of 13 in the district. We are going after a somewhat lofty goal of working in all of their elementary schools this school year. 5 more to go!
Click here to read Pioneer Press’ story on our work in District 196.
Coming up, we’re focusing heavily on the Bloomington and Richfield School Districts, where we hope to serve 10 and 3 elementary schools, respectively. We are just getting started in these districts and are currently looking for Sponsor Organizations to work with the schools.
Reply to this email if you have any ideas for Sponsor Organizations!
I am grateful for your support: volunteering, donating, praying, and spreading the word about the issue of child hunger and what we’re doing to help. We can’t do it without you!
Sincerely,
Rob Williams
Executive Director
The Sheridan Story