Medford, Oregon – Hunger doesn’t take a weekend break. That’s reality for elementary students who receive free breakfast and lunch during the school week, only to face the weekend not knowing if they will be fed.
The harsh reality for 730 Jackson County students at more than 30 schools in Medford, Phoenix-Talent, Eagle Point, Central Point, Ashland, Prospect, and Butte Falls, is the fact that they go hungry when they are not in school.
Countless studies show that hungry students have trouble focusing on lessons, and an under-nourished, growing body lacks the energy needed to participate fully in school.
This is where the ACCESS Rouge Powerpack Program comes in: every Friday, Rouge Powerpack (RPP) sends a backpack full of child-friendly foods home with students who may lack food over the weekend.
Rouge Powerpack just completed the annual survey of its program and found that parents in the program are having a hard time feeding their children because of the rising cost of groceries.
Said one anonymous parent: “Because of RPP, I am able to spend less on groceries, provide a more balanced diet for my children and I less often need to skip meals as a parent in order to ensure my children have enough to eat.”
According to the Oregon Hunger Task Force, 61 percent of students in Jackson County are eligible for free or reduced school meals, 52 percent of students rely on school for lunch and 22 percent also rely on school for breakfast.
The children who receive the food backpacks report that they like the food and that the meals provided were easy to make – something that’s very important for an elementary school child.
RPP relies on donations, volunteers, and collaboration with local food banks. Because the RPP can leverage each donated dollar through these collaborations, it only costs $8 to supply one weekend’s worth of food for one student. A $300 donation pays for one student’s food needs through the entire school year. And the program works:
“The Rogue Powerpack Program has drastically improved my student’s attendance and performance due to the hope that it brings to their lives,” said one anonymous teacher. “Their eyes light up at the end of the day when they realize they get to bring food home they otherwise would not have access to.”
Visit accesshelps.org/powerpack to make donations or sign up to volunteer.
At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $13 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.