Hey Neighbor, there's still time to get your tickets for Scarborough Night at the Sea Dogs on August 3rd!

Too many kids in Maine - and in our town, too - are hungry and not getting enough nourishment. When kids come to school hungry, it threatens their futures in profound ways. Hungry kids have a harder time concentrating on lessons and generally score lower on tests, are at higher risk of health problems, tend to miss more school, and are also more likely to experience behavioral issues and social difficulties. Hunger makes it harder to fully participate in school or other activities. It doesn't have to be this way for our kids.

At a recent school board meeting, Project GRACE awarded the Scarborough School Nutrition Program a $3,000 grant for milk and snacks, breakfasts and lunches, and second helpings, for students whose families are struggling.
 
"We're picking up the lunch tab for our neighbors who want to provide healthy meals for their kids, but can't because of set backs like loss of work, illness, or other circumstances that make it difficult to make ends meet," says Project GRACE's Board President, Bert Follansbee. "No child should have to go hungry, and our partnership with the schools and the generous support of our friends makes it possible for us to respond with discretion and compassion." 

Almost 3,000 kids attend school in Scarborough; about 12% are participating in the 'free and reduced' school meal program. Even so, some children need extra helpings to make up for not getting enough food at home. Other families, especially working families who earn just a bit too much to qualify but not enough to make ends meet or a family going through a temporary rough patch, need help feeding their kids. The longstanding partnership between Project GRACE and the schools ensures vulnerable students get the daily nutrition they need to stay on track to succeed.

Our community's generous investment in Project GRACE allows us to meet basic needs for kids in our schools so that teachers and students can focus on learning and preparing for a bright future.