Tri-State Food Bank - Youth Programs

Youth Programs

Published on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 15:38 | Written by Super User |

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 39,973 children in the tri-state live in poverty.

Even mild under-nutrition experienced by young children may lead to reductions in physical growth and affect brain development

Our youth programs help fill the gap for many children who rely on free lunches during the school year and during the summer when kids are out of school.

Through our Weekend Back Pack-Food for Kids program, we are providing nutritious meals for the weekend to over 2,000 kids each week. Many kids that rely on the free school lunch program do not have adequate food over the weekend.

Kids Cafe, a structured nutritional program, began in 2003. Kid Cafe operates during the school year and throughout the summer month in partnership with Media Ministries Dream Center located at 16 W. Morgan Avenue in Evansville, Indiana. The Kids Cafe program serves healthy meals to local “at risk” children. Tri-State Food Bank provides nutritious food items used to prepare the meals, a cook, nutrition education materials and primary program support though grants and private donors. Media Ministries provides the venue, educational and organized physical activities, along with staff to supervise and guide the children. Media Ministries also provides transportation.

In the spring of 2009, Tri-State Food Bank launched on our first “Kids Crop”, a children’s community garden project. The garden was planted on Tri-State Food property located at 801 E. Michigan Street in Evansville, Indiana. The garden was a team effort between the children, Kids Cafe organizers, staff members, and experienced volunteers, including Master Gardens. Our objective is to have the “Kid Crop” Children’s Garden become practically self-sustaining for many years to come, bringing families, neighbors and the community together for a healthy, fun, and educational experience.

WEEKEND BACK PACK - FOOD FOR KIDS

Through our Weekend Back Pack-Food for Kids program, we are providing over 2,300 kids each week nutritious meals for the weekend. Many kids that rely on the free school lunch program do not have adequate food over the weekend. some children there is not enough food or not the proper nutritional foods, at home for adequate nutrition.

Good nutrition makes children better prepared for school. Kids become healthier, better focused and alert with better attendance rates and more eager to learn.

Tri-State Food Bank currently provides backpack meals in the following counties:

►IN - Daviess, Gibson, Perry, Vanderburgh, Posey, and Warrick.

►IL - Alexander, Wabash, and White.

►KY - Daviess, Livingston, McLean, and Union.

Program Benefits

School social workers identify the children in need of this program and distribute the back packs on Fridays. Many kids rely on the free school lunch during the week, but have no food security over the week-end.
Several member agencies that sponsor after school programs distribute the back packs throughout the year to hungry kids within their local program. During the summer months, the weekend food helps provide additional nutrition to help kids develop and enjoy summer activities.