Apollo Gives Back: BHM Angels Account
School meals play a crucial role for children to perform academically, proving as important as textbooks and teachers. No child wants to go hungry or feel embarrassed they cannot participate in mealtime. Our school professionals work hard to provide a positive meal program in a safe and welcoming school cafeteria.
For the fourth quarter of this year, Apollo Glass is happy to support the District 877 Nutrition Services Angels Account with a $500 donation, helping cover meal account shortalls through the Buffalo, Hanover, Montrose schools. This unique program benefits children of all ages enrolled in the district and is used at the discretion of the Nutrition Services Director. The angel account was established over a decade ago to assist families that may need some assistance during the school year. Many families elect to donate meal account balances as children graduate or transfer schools.
Consider related federal meal program statistics:
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The National School Lunch Act (NSLP) was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946.
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In its first year the NSLP served 7.1 million children nationwide. In 2016 it served 30.4 million kids.
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4.9 billion lunches are served annually
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According to the USDA National School Lunch Program, children can qualify for free or reduced school meals based on household income and family size.
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Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals.
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Those with incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals (student pays 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch)
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SNA’s 2019 School Nutrition Trends Report revealed 75% of districts had unpaid meal debt and the amount of debt has grown substantially in recent years. Debt is increasing despite widespread efforts to support families and prevent or minimize student meal charges.
*stats found through USDA Food and Nutrition Services and School Nutrition Association
If you would like to provide financial assistance to families in our area, donations may be sent to the ISD 877 District Nutrition Services Department (1st Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313). If you have questions about the Angel Account, please contact the BHM Nutrition Services Department at 763.682.8477.
Contribute to this unique account by donating to the ISD 877 District Nutrition Services Department or contact 763-682-8477.
