Winooski Receives $150,000 Gift to Feed & Clothe Students Through Innovative Programs and Partnerships
July 23, 2021 – The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) has awarded $150,000 to the Heart of Winooski (HOW) Foundation Inc. to support an innovative building project in the soon-to-be renovated main lobby of the Winooski School District campus.
The gift, which was recommended to VCF through anonymous advisors, will provide critical funding for the construction of a 380 square foot Necessities Store and the construction of a 175 square foot Grab and Go Corner Cafe.
The Necessities Store, at no cost to shoppers, will contain fresh produce, culturally appropriate non-perishable foods, essential household items such as cleaning supplies and menstrual products, as well as winter clothing/gear for students. These necessities will be available to any of the 850 students in the district as well as their families.
Sarah Keblin, Director of Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications for the Vermont Foodbank, said her organization is excited to support the WSD in providing a permanent and accessible location for families to access food. “The store will be hosting our pilot school pantry program, VeggieVanGoPlus, providing a culturally responsive food pantry to students and community members. The full-time free store builds on the Winooski School District’s commitment to address the unique needs of its community and to expand access to food in meaningful ways.”
The Grab and Go Cafe will serve free pre-made meals to students throughout the school day to accommodate students’ varying schedules. This flexibility is important for many middle and high school students who take advantage of learning opportunities off-campus and miss regular meal times. Due to a high rate of students who qualify for free and reduced lunches, all meals in the district are provided at no-cost to students through federal funding.
“Addressing food insecurity is always top-of-mind for the Community Foundation and our fundholders,” says Dan Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Vermont Community Foundation. “We’re thrilled to support this innovative pilot program that creates another tool in the toolbox for getting culturally-relevant food and other necessities to the populations who need it.”
Read more about the Necessities Store and Grab and Go Cafe here.
The Heart of Winooski Foundation funds projects and programs that uplift our school community and empower students to change their world for the better.
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