Blessings program makes difference

We all know that the intake of food is vital for physical performance.  In addition, social scientists and nutritionists have long known there is a definitive link between nutrition and learning.

The Citrus County Blessings program was started in 2009 to address the needs of hungry school children.  Its singular purpose is to help feed children of less fortunate families on the weekends, so they will be ready to learn on Monday mornings.

Sixty-eight percent of school age children in Citrus County are enrolled in federally funded subsidy food programs. That translates to the possibility of a large number of children not having proper access to food during days they are not in school.

The Blessings program works in close cooperation with guidance counselors, teachers and administrators from Citrus County public schools. School personnel help identify the neediest children and enroll them in the program.  The schools do not reveal identifying information  about the students enrolled, just the number of children in the school who have a need.  A network of volunteers pack the meals and deliver them to schools, and the kids pick up the meals on their way to buses on the last day of the week.

Blessings currently serves 1,450 students in 18 local schools. The program services all mainstream public schools in Citrus County. Surprisingly, it only takes $125 to feed one child for 35 weekends during the school year. Seventy-six percent of the children served are ages 6-11, and 24 percent are ages 12-18. Participating schools report that children benefit in the following ways:

• Increased access to vitamin-fortified food.
• Increased attendance at school.
• Higher test scores.
• Reduced behavioral problems.
• Increased parental participation.

Citrus County Blessings is completely dependent on money and food contributions to keep this program going.  The ongoing generosity of so many people is a testament to the character of all the communities in Citrus County – but, there is still a need. You can “Adopt a Child” for $125 per year or you can donate an amount that is affordable for you.  You may also donate food.  Many banks and businesses have donation containers with flyers explaining the guidelines for food donations. Visit http://citruscountyblessings.com/ to find out how you can make a difference in the life of a Citrus County child.