The UW Extension for Door, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc Counties is finding new ways to ensure schoolchildren don’t go hungry.
Nutrition Coordinator Laura Apfelbeck tells Seehafernews.com that she and Lynette Simonar have been working toward more nutrient-dense additions to weekend food backpacks distributed to elementary school children identified as food insecure.
The UW Extension received $4,500 through a Corteva Agriscience Community Building Grant in August.
However, Apfelbeck admits it doesn’t go as far as it could, as the program has 400 participants.
With help from Grow It Forward, fresh fruit is an option for kids, along with a meal that has to be shelf-stable and ready to eat.
Apfelbeck specifically mentions that the UW Extension was able to purchase apples from the Door County Agricultural Research Station and was able to distribute them to children.
They also got donations from the Kwik Trip Cares program, which can provide more fruit to children who want it.
