Education leaders ask community to help alleviate food insecurity for students

Food insecurity among Utah students has increased amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

In fact, Granite School District has experienced more than a 300% increase in need as the pandemic took hold in March.

Brent Severe, CEO of the Granite Education Foundation, said in a prepared statement:

Prior to coronavirus, food insecurity was already an issue all of our schools faced to some degree. The pandemic has only exacerbated the need as unemployment drastically changed and the anxiety over possible job loss and the ability for families to meet their daily needs.

More than ever we are in need of the support from the broad community. Every child deserves to come to school and focus on learning rather than wondering where their next meal is coming from.

The foundation helps meet the needs of schools, students, and communities in a variety of ways. One of those is its school pantry program. They provide a range of kits that students can pick up and take home. Hygiene, snack, dinner and weekend kits are examples of the extra assistance they offer, a news release stated.

As a local grocer, Associated Food Stores was able to make a donation of 500 oatmeal packs and 500 KIND bars to help support the foundation as the new school year begins. Additional non-perishable food items are needed.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit granitekids.org. You may also contribute to the Salt Lake Education Foundation by clicking here.