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After‑school WonderCare and school pantries highlight growing food support in Webster schools
Summary
WonderCare directors and teachers told the board WonderCare serves 771 unique students districtwide and detailed partnerships with Emmanuel Lutheran, Hope House and volunteer groups that support on‑campus pantries and holiday food box programs.
Directors and staff who run WonderCare and school pantries described to the board on Oct. 14 how school‑based food programs and after‑school care are meeting rising need in Webster.
Presenters said WonderCare serves 771 unique students across the district with examples such as Plank South (167 unique students). "So it's, we look at those numbers and we get pretty excited seeing that 771 students in the district we serve," one presenter said while summarizing enrollment and per‑site averages.
A WTA representative and staff who run pantries explained how Spry’s pantry began 3½ years ago and expanded to serve more families over the school year and holiday breaks (from three boxes to eight to 10 boxes last year). They described practical lessons learned — stocking items that do not require a stove or can opener for students living in motel rooms — and logistics such as moving pantry locations to increase student access.
Speakers noted partnerships with Emmanuel Lutheran, the Webster Food Insecurity Coalition and Hope House; organizers such as Jamie Buss and local volunteers were named as helping connect families to resources, and school staff coordinate holiday boxes and meat donations.
Board members thanked presenters for operating pantries and facilitating community partnerships; the presentation closed with an invitation for board questions and follow‑up on how the district supports students in need.
