The Pocahontas School Weekend Food Bag Program continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students and families by ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals outside of school hours.
This long-standing program allows students in need to take home food each Friday to eat over the weekend, providing two breakfast items, two lunch items, two dinner items, and several snacks each week. The effort currently supports 205 students across the district.
Unlike many other assistance programs, the Weekend Food Bag Program receives no state or federal funding and relies entirely on the generosity of local donors. Each contribution—whether food, financial, or in-kind—directly impacts the lives of children in the community.
Recently, the district expanded its outreach by partnering with the NEA Food Bank to introduce a family food bag pick-up service. Families now receive weekly family-sized food bags every Thursday afternoon, providing additional support through food supplied by the NEA Food Bank.
This school year, several local organizations and businesses have stepped up to help sustain the program, including:
Sutton Free Will Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Carter Realty
American Made Store
New Bethel Church
Harps Store
Liz Ford
Chris Robinson
Wal-Mart
As the need for assistance continues to grow—especially with the recent shutdown of SNAP benefits—the Pocahontas School District encourages the community to help keep this vital program going.
Those interested in contributing to the Weekend Food Bag Program can contact the district office for more information on how to donate or volunteer.