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Anchor Point food pantry has been active since 2006 and has established a school children's weekend food program in the Chapman and Nikolaevsh schools consisting of a granola bar, raisins, peanut butter crackers, fruit snack top ramen and nuts every other weekend for approximately 50 kids due to teacher's noting that the kids were hungry on Mondays. Pantry would like to expand current program to every weekend during the school year and is requesting $11,000 to fund this endeavor as well as the kid's summer lunch program.
In a recent article from NO KID HUNGRY publication, it states that "teachers can see the effects of hunger as well: 80% observed the negative impact of hunger on concentration, 76% saw decreased academic performance, 62% saw behavioral issues increased and 47% noticed children getting sick more often". Additionally, this article states "Longitudinal data suggest that children's learning outcomes suffer when they regularly experience hunger and that nearly every aspect of physical and mental function is hurt as well. Food insecurity affects concentration, memory, mood, motor skills, all of which a child needs to be able to be successful in school".
Anchor Point receives some assistance from Feeding America, Food Bank of Alaska and Kenai Peninsula Food Bank but cost is greater than the financial resources. Our club's funding for the weekend food program is provided by member participation in the annual Homer Health Fair, Peony Flower Sale and Homer Cranial Trivia Cup.
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