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After SNAP pause, district and community mobilize to deliver expanded food bags
Summary
When federal SNAP benefits were temporarily paused, the district organized an immediate local response: schools, families and community partners donated thousands of food items and cash; the district is providing expanded weekend bags and after‑school snacks while monitoring SNAP restoration.
Crook County School District and community partners mobilized quickly after a temporary pause of SNAP benefits that threatened weekend food access for some families.
Interim Superintendent Joel told the board that within about 20 minutes of raising the alarm the district began collecting donations, and that community members, board families, students and regional food partners stepped in. Donations included thousands of food items and more than $1,000 in cash, and district staff plan to deliver 150 bags weekly for two weeks as an interim measure.
NeighborImpact's regional representative (speaker 5) told the board that the district's response contrasted with other districts that were waiting for state guidance, and praised the district's rapid action. "On Tuesday, October 28, ODE sent out that guidance," the speaker said, adding that while some districts waited, Crook County "was on it." Joel said the district will keep expanding food bags and after‑school snacks until federal benefits are restored and that families can still enroll in the regular weekend backpack program.
Joel asked staff to track donations and distributions; board members supported continuing the expanded food program while the district monitors SNAP status. Joel also framed a district-level aim: to guarantee that no enrolled student goes hungry. The board asked staff to keep a running tally of need and distribution, and to coordinate with the Family Access Network volunteers (Brenda Bobak and Vanessa Nolan) and regional food banks for sustained support.
