 Many of the students who attend SAVE High School live independently, and the majority of them would qualify for free lunches if the school had a hot lunch program. The budget is tight for most of these students, and sadly, nutritious food is a luxury they cannot all afford.
Principal Cheryl Huber knew that many of her students were coming to school hungry, and wanted to do something about it. The issue was on her mind when she participated in the SBP Executive Exchange, where she was partnered with Mary Quin from NANA Management Services.
Mary immediately saw the seriousness of the situation, and the two women worked to create a unique three-way partnership for SAVE students. A program between the school, NANA Management Services, and DiTomaso’s Fruit and Vegetables was soon created.
Here’s how it works: each week, NANA Management Services purchases five cases of fruit and two cases of vegetables for the students. DiTomaso’s sells the food at cost, delivers it for free, and also donates bananas. The healthy, nourishing food is then available for the 250 students at SAVE, where it is always consumed at a record rate! The staff at SAVE believes this partnership will result in improved attendance and more attentive students.
In addition to the financial assistance, Ms. Quin has provided employment information to the vocational coordinators at SAVE The partnership is still young, but plans for next year include a community service project to be completed by students, and vocational training opportunities.
It’s an exciting beginning for a partnership that is certain to expand and flourish in the coming years!
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Lupe, Erin and Nai with fruit and veggies. |
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Mary Quin,NMS president, assists with the food. |
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