Backpack Partnership with CRHC
Launch the media gallery 1 playerClarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) Population Health Manager Molly Gilmore has announced a “Backpack Initiative” partnership with the Clarinda Community School District that helps address food insecurity for children in our school district. The USDA says food insecurity can be defined as those children who are struggling to avoid hunger.
Clarinda School Superintendent Deron Stender says, “Our community is fortunate to have caring people and organizations that are willing to partner with the school to help meet the needs of our students. The Backpack Initiative addresses a critical need for some of our students and provides them not only with food, but a lesson about having a sense of community.”
CRHC Population Health Manager Molly Gilmore states, “Statistics show that often times kids go hungry when school is not in session and that food insufficiency is associated with decreased concentration and diminished academic performance.” This program is not a new concept and is offered in other school districts throughout our area. On the last day of the school week, a bag of shelf stable food is placed into the backpacks of those students identified by the district as children faced with the threat of hunger. Gilmore goes on to share, “While these products won’t meet the entire nutritional requirements of that child, it’s a start and helps supplement their dietary needs”.
The Backpack programs start-up is made possible by a generous gift from an anonymous donor. If anyone would like to be a partner or donate to this charitable cause, please reach out to CRHC Director of Ancillary Services Greg Jones or Population Health Manager Molly Gilmore.