On a mission to feed kids

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The Upper Room Mission is known for helping the less fortunate living on the fringe of society, but it is also active in keeping students fed.

The Healthy Snack Program helps feed more than 250 school-aged children in the local school district.

“The goal of our program is to provide nutritious food items to children so they are able to make healthy food choices, have increased concentration throughout the day, as well as assist them in maintaining a healthy weight,” said Lisa Anderson, with the URM. “We support one elementary school and two high schools; our main focus being the elementary school. Every week, we provide them with healthy breakfast items, as well as snacks that they can access throughout the day.”

The food provided consists of milk, cereals, oatmeal, bagels, peanut butter, jam, cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables and granola bars.

“We purchase and deliver these items every Monday to the school, for the entirety of the school year,” said Anderson. “We also supply breakfast items and snacks to two high schools. Items such as bagels, Mr. Noodle soups, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, anything that can be easily cooked or microwaved, we donate to the schools.”

The URM also sponsors a vocations classroom at one of the high schools and us comprised of a variety of students with diverse learning needs.

The mission supplies items such as baking ingredients, staples and items to make basic meals. Students are taught cooking skills, as well as getting a warm meal at the same time.

“Individuals that experience food insecurity are more likely to be diagnosed with a variety of chronic conditions, and have difficulty managing those conditions,” said Anderson.

The Healthy Snack Program is paid for through donations of cans, bottles and beverage containers, which can be dropped off at the mission.