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Care to Learn chapter reports 6,732 student needs met; proposes expanding weekend food backpacks
Summary
Care to Learn reported meeting 6,732 student needs this year, documented about $51,000 reimbursed through the DESI grant, and proposed expanding Friday food backpacks to 70–75 students next year at an estimated cost of $400–$450 per backpack.
Care to Learn’s St. Genevieve chapter presented its end‑of‑year report to the board and asked for support to expand weekend food assistance.
The presenter said the chapter became active two years ago and this year met 6,732 requests for emergent student needs spanning health, hunger and hygiene—items ranged from medication co‑pays and glasses to laundry and extermination services. The chapter used a mix of local donations and a DESI grant; administrators reported DESI reimbursements to the chapter of about $51,000 for the school year.
To broaden support, the chapter proposed increasing the Friday food‑backpack program to 70–75 backpacks next year (up from 56) to better serve students; the cost per backpack was estimated between $400 and $450 for the September‑through‑May school year, depending on grocery prices and donated support. The presenter described logistics (switch from drawstring backpacks to heavy‑duty reusable plastic bags for durability and return rates) and outlined partnerships with local grocers and the food bank.
Board members asked about distribution, funding safeguards, and whether backpacks are assigned per family or per student; the presenter confirmed the plan is to provide bags per student, not per family. Administrators said they will continue to use DESI funds as available and to keep donor‑designated funds separate for program sustainability.
The board did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting; the presenter invited donations and said she would follow up with the district on fundraising plans and logistics.
