Since its inception in the fall of 2013, the Nutrition On Weekends (NOW) program has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching out to hundreds of children facing food insecurities in their homes. As we approach the 2023/2024 academic year, our program is proud to announce that we are currently supporting nearly 500 children, a testament to the increasing impact of our mission.
The NOW program remains dedicated to providing essential supplemental food packs for children to take home over the weekend throughout the school year. Last year alone, the program served children in the Marshfield, Auburndale, Granton, Greenwood, Loyal, Pittsville, Spencer, and Stratford School Districts, including the Marshfield location of the Wood County Head Start program.
The overwhelming support from our communities has been instrumental in the program's growth, shaping it into the vital initiative it is today. To sustain and further expand our success, United Way has introduced a sponsorship form as an additional means of supporting the program. With each food pack averaging a cost of $3.91, and the program operating for 36 weeks during the school year, your sponsorship of a child for the entire academic year amounts to $140.
Together, we can continue making a substantial difference in the lives of these children, ensuring they have access to the nutrition they need for a brighter and healthier future. Your support matters, and with the increasing number of children benefiting from the NOW program, your contribution becomes even more impactful. Join us in our mission to combat food insecurities and uplift the well-being of our community's children.