Hungry Hearts is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2015 by Lake Stevens. Their mission is to help feed hungry children and give them what they need to succeed. They do this by sending home a discreet care packages inside a backpack with students who don’t have enough food to eat at home over the weekend. This service is designed to ease the stress on families.
“It’s hard being a “low income” kid at Lake,” said a Hungry Hearts participant.
LSHS currently has 17 kids being served by Hungry Hearts even though statistically one in five students needs this service. Anyone who needs the service can find a participation request form on their website.
Students can count on “snacks like crackers and cookies, granola bars, oatmeal or cereal, easy to make lunch things like cup of noodles, mac ‘n cheese,” an LSHS student who receives food from the Hungry Hearts program said.
In Washington one in five kids live in a family that struggles to put enough food on the table. Oftentimes, when kids come to school hungry, teachers report a lack of attention, poor academic performance and behavioral problems.
Kids may be worried about people noticing them receiving this service, but it is discreet and private.
“The food is good and the nurses are nice. It’s at the end of the day, so it’s not embarrassing,” the Hungry Hearts participant said.
Not only does Hungry Hearts provide weekend care packages, they also send home packages for holiday breaks. Additionally, they run a gift program for students over winter break. People can sponsor a child and buy a gift for them.
Stockings at Christmas, candy, chicken nuggets, waffles and meals for winter break are some of one of the participant’s favorite items they have received from the program.
In Lake Stevens School District, 31.9% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. For example, that is about ten students in a class of 30 that could be struggling with a lack of food at home.
Without access to proper nutrition, students can struggle with behavioral problems and attention problems.
Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch also qualify for support with ASB, but they need to claim it by visiting the Business Office.
