Welcome Food + You School Partners

The Digital Program Resource is your primary source for Food + You program information and support materials. This resource explains each of the three components in detail, including suggestions and examples of how you can interact with Second Harvest Heartland Child Hunger Program staff to provide students and families with additional food resources.

Overview

Schools and Food

More than 328,500 students in Minnesota rely on free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Meal Program. This represents nearly 38% of the student body statewide. Free or reduced-priced meals play an important role in ensuring students have the energy and nutrients they need to succeed. However, students accessing the program are often at risk of experiencing hunger and poor nutrition during evenings and weekends when they are not able to access the meals provided through school.

Program Outline

Food + You aims to increase healthy food resources available to students and their families by partnering with schools to create tailored solutions. This multi-dimensional program connects students and their families with existing federal nutrition programs, direct food distributions, and community resources.

Program Objectives

Second Harvest Heartland Child Hunger Programs staff will work with your school to develop a step-by-step customized action plan designed to address food needs in your school community and unique student body through three program components: