McHenry High School District 156's Food for Thought program provides for students in need

McHENRY – Teachers can recognize when a student is struggling with math. They also can recognize when a student might be struggling with food insecurities.

“Food is one of the basic needs. We know, statistically speaking, if a student does not get proper nourishment then they are more likely to be absent from school, less likely to succeed in class, and have a higher number of discipline issues,” said Aubrey Francis, a McHenry High School West Campus teacher. “Healthy students are better learners.”

Last year, Francis and a few teachers found out that a handful of their students did not have guaranteed meals at home, meaning their only meals were breakfast and lunch through free and reduced lunch programs at school. In McHenry Community High School District 156, about 28 percent of students qualify for a free lunch.

Moved to action, Francis and a few of her colleagues began pushing for a way to discreetly supply additional food to students in need. After months of planning and help from teachers, students and community partners, Food for Thought launched districtwide in January at the start of the second semester.

The program offers students a weekend supply of nutritious, nonperishable food for children, commonly for low-income families, to replace the school meals those children miss during their weekend or extended breaks from school. So far the program is serving 60 students, Francis said.

“Not only has the school pulled together, the community has really pulled together,” Francis said. “The amount of commitment and awareness has really been astounding.”

The district has partnered with several area businesses and restaurants including Meijer, Jewel, Buffalo Wild Wings, Kiera Confections and Chipotle, among others.

Students who receive free and reduced lunch also qualify for the Food for Thought program. A letter is sent home to those families making them aware of the program and inquiring about their child’s interest in participating. Any student who participates remains anonymous and can opt in or out anytime.

Ashley Diedrich, a teacher at McHenry High School West Campus who also is a part of Food for Thought, said she became involved to help ensure her students had all of their basic needs met.

“One of the most important things is that students are being given food so they can achieve their goals at the high school level and beyond,” Diedrich said.

Several McHenry High School students have become involved in the program by helping pack the food bags and gathering the donated collections, and have been excited to help even if they don’t know who they are helping.

The program has far exceeded expectations since its implementation in January, a testament to the power of grassroots efforts, Francis said.

District 156 Superintendent Ryan McTague said now that the district has identified a need, it needs to work to ensure the program is sustainable so it can continue providing for students.

“This isn’t just a one-year thing, we need to continue it down the road,” he said.

Those interested in learning more about the program or donating their time or food items, can visit foodforthoughtmchs.wixsite.com/foodforthoughtmchs.