Area students launch campaign to fight hunger

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity.

“In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that support doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. We’re proud of our students for taking action to help their peers and for showing that even the smallest acts—like donating spare change—can have a big impact.”

Led by students from each district, Spare Change Fills Plates encourages everyone to take part.

Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change and non-perishable food items. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting a coin jar and/or a non-perishable food box to help extend the campaign’s reach.

“No one should have to worry about
where their next meal is coming from”

— School Supt. Jeremy Ray

Community members who prefer to give online can contribute directly to the Biddeford Education Foundation for Biddeford and Dayton students, or to Aid for Saco Kids for Saco students, at the following links: https://givebutter.com/BiddEdFoundation or https://givebutter.com/AidForSacoKids.

Every dollar and donated food item will support the local backpack programs and the community, ensuring that students and their families have meals beyond the school day.

Suggested food donations include pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.

“Together, we can fill plates, lift spirits, and show the true power of community,” said Ray. 

To learn more, watch the student launch videos: Biddeford/Dayton video at https://youtu.be/X92mPtjDWII and Saco video at https://youtu.be/X82-DqAjPPY.

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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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