It's almost time to start packing Friday Fare bags again!
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Friday Fare or considered serving but just didn’t know how to get involved? Did you serve a few years ago and are ready to jump back in?
If so, then the Friday Fare team and I can’t wait to see you at Connect Fest!
I recently had a chance to connect with one of our school partners, and I learned that there are several factors impacting families in Westerville just now.
For the past two years, because of COVID relief monies, lunch has been free for all students in the district. Now, that program has ended. While many families are aware of the change, many are not. To be sure, all of the families we serve through Friday Fare are personally identified as needing a little extra help, and a school counselor recommends them. Yet there are likely many more families who have experienced the loss of income and other hardships over the past two years who have been able to ‘get by’ due to the free-lunch-for-all provision. With that safety net removed, many more are expected to be in need.
Increased food costs. Even for families with a steady income, the 12-13% increase in food costs seen in recent months may be difficult to navigate. Many of these families have not needed to ask for help in the past but now find themselves in a difficult situation.
As a result of the opening of Westerville’s newest elementary, Minerva France, schools are shifting for students across the district. Many counselors who worked to help a family in their building last year no longer have that student on their enrollment list—yet, they didn’t move away; they are instead assigned to a different school.
I am so thankful to all those who pray, serve in the ministry, bring in food for the families we serve—and/or provide cash gifts to fill in the holes. Without you, this ministry simply would not be possible. Thank you—I hope to see you at Connect Fest!
Tracy Rush, WCCares Coordinator