Westmore Elementary hosts 3rd annual food drive providing meals to 500 families

Westmore Elementary is making a significant impact this holiday season with its third annual Christmas Break Family Food Project, providing essential meal kits to families in need. Principal Vic Larson announced that the school will distribute over 160 meal kits, supporting more than 500 individuals during the two-week break.

The initiative, which began three years ago after a student's inquiry about food availability during the holiday, has grown tremendously thanks to the generosity of the local community. Larson shared that the response to his social media post about the need for food assistance was overwhelming, leading to the establishment of the food drive.

This year, the meal kits will include a variety of essential items such as peanut butter, jam, ramen noodles, fresh produce, and easy-to-prepare foods, ensuring families have nutritious options during the break. The outreach efforts are spearheaded by Lisonbee, the school's community outreach coordinator, who has been instrumental in connecting with local organizations and donors.

The project not only addresses food insecurity but also fosters community engagement, with local officers participating in the distribution process to strengthen ties with the school and its families. The success of this initiative highlights the power of community collaboration, as Larson noted that the school received generous support from the Alpine Foundation, allowing them to meet the needs of families without additional funding.

As Westmore Elementary continues to support its students and their families, the Christmas Break Family Food Project stands as a testament to the importance of community involvement in ensuring that no child goes hungry during the holidays.