A long-running snack program at Weldon School in Bienfait continues to help students stay fueled throughout the day, thanks to support from the local community and businesses like Southern Plains Co-op.
Principal Nina Lonsberry said the school initially had a breakfast program but expanded its offerings when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their ability to provide hot meals. During that time, the school introduced snack bins in every classroom, with the support of the School Community Council (SEC).
"Our parent group was buying the items and bringing them into the school, and then we were giving them out to each classroom," Lonsberry said. "After COVID was over, we just continued with the snack bins."
The initiative has grown with additional funding, including contributions from Southern Plains Co-op’s Community Support Fund. SEC president Theresa Herman helped secure the funding, allowing the school to purchase more snacks for students. With the usage of Co-op gift cards, classrooms were recently restocked with granola bars, noodle cups, juice boxes, and other grab-and-go snacks.
Brooke Spagrud of Southern Plains Co-op explained that the Community Support Fund is designed to assist local groups and nonprofits with fundraisers and community initiatives, including school nutrition programs.
"A lot of schools in our area are now implementing a food or snack nutrition program," Spagrud said. "They align perfectly with our values and how we want to contribute to the community."
"It's relied on by lots of kids," Lonsberry said. "We have snacks twice a day—after both our recesses—so they can grab a snack from the bin or eat something they brought from home."
Student leadership volunteers also play a role by helping unpack and distribute snacks when they arrive at the school.
Spagrud emphasized that Southern Plains Co-op is committed to supporting youth in a variety of ways, including through school programs and youth sports.
"If anybody is looking for information on the Community Support Fund, that is available on our Southern Plains Co-op website," she added.
Lonsberry said she is grateful for the ongoing support, as ensuring students have access to nutritious snacks helps keep them focused and ready to learn throughout the day.