Did you know that ONE IN FIVE CHILDREN in Nebraska and western Iowa under the age of 18 IS AT RISK FOR HUNGER?
(Food Bank of the Heartland)
The Woolf Pack Fund, named for its founder, has made its mission to provide supplemental food to the youth in need in our community. Our vision is to help eliminate hunger and close the meal gap.
The Woolf Pack Fund provides support to students at three Omaha Public Schools: Western Hills Elementary, Benson West Elementary and Walnut Hill Elementary. Based off of 2021 data, 78% (261 students), 85% (381 students) and 93% (372 students) of children enrolled, respectively, qualify for free and reduced lunch. The need for supplemental food has greatly increased due to COVID.
“Like many North Omaha families, Benson West families were intensely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families were forced out of work and unable to provide for their children,” said Megan Seeley, the school social worker. “With the help from the backpack program, this will alleviate some stressors and help to bridge the gap between meals for our students and families.”
The program runs from September through May and is geared to target young children with limited parental supervision at home. Bags will be packed weekly by volunteers and taken to the schools for the teachers to place into the student’s backpacks on Friday. The bags will contain 2 shelf stable milks, a fruit cup, a juice box, 2 cereals and 2 entrees.
The Woolf Pack Fund received grants from The Omaha Community Foundation, HDR and The City of Omaha totaling just under $15,000! At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the Woolf Pack Fund will have packed and delivered 2,135 food bags.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We are currently seeking donations to help fund the 2022-2023 school year. The cost of food and bags to provide supplemental food to 1 student for the entire school year is $235.00.
Thank you!!
Maegan Woolf, PE
Civil Engineer