Impact grants at work fighting hunger in our community!

This year, thanks to generous donors, CFMC is proud to award three grants to non-profits and schools within Morgan County, totaling over $23,000. Every dollar donated to CFMC is awarded in grants to our community and we are excited to share these programs with you as they unfold. Today, I would like to share our Impact Grant with Pack Away Hunger. On Friday, March 18^th, 102 students at John R. Wooden Middle School in Martinsville volunteered their morning to pack over 32,000 nutritionally complete meals.

Jessica Schwarz, our Community Development Officer, joined the event. Students participated in a 45-minute presentation on hunger and nutrition education, including the significance and impact of hunger and food insecurity in our local communities. Jessica had the opportunity to visit each table and chat with the students to gather their thoughts on this program and how they believe this will impact and improve food insecurities within Morgan County. For many students, this was their first-time volunteering in a food setting. Hair nets, hand washing, and hand gloves were all used in the production of these meals and were assembled amongst 10 tables in the cafeteria. School staff, and Pack Away Hunger volunteers floated amongst tables to assist students and ensure sanitation and the quality assurance of each meal packed.

Pack Away Hunger chose Morgan County because of our food insecurity situation. 49% of our Morgan County students are eligible for a free/reduced lunch. According to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, 8,820 adults and 2,560 children are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. In addition, Morgan County has a 11.8% poverty rate and 32% of county residents are working, but not earning enough to make ends meet.

The excitement and energy level in the cafeteria was palatable. Students expressed how grateful they were to give back to their community. One student said that no one deserves hunger and hoped these meals would bring a smile to someone as they sit down for dinner.

Read more in this month’s edition and where these meals can be found within our county.

Thank you for continuing to be our partner, friend, and donor.  Together, we make an impact.