The after school feeding program is operated in partnership with the Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools.

The program is a natural outgrowth of our interest in helping at-risk children receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and develop.  The Food Bank of the Albemarle initially sponsored a Kids Cafe which combined after school meals with a learning and care program.  Parents shared in the cost of the program.  However, over time the program, while extremely beneficial to the children, was not financially sustainable.  Consequently, the number of children we were serving declined to 24.  Something had to be done, because the children and their families needed the assistance.  Options were explored, and ultimately a partnership was formed between the Food Bank and the public school system.

It wasn't easy to give up on a program that was benefiting children, but the facts are

• In the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Public School system, over 55% of the students rely on schools to provide one or two meals a day.
• Hungry children cannot concentrate ... on tasks that teach them basic skills. (Food Research and Action Center)
• Malnourishment hinders cognitive development and results in lost knowledge and brain power. (Tufts University Center on Hunger, Policy, and Nutrition Policy)

Now, the Food Bank, in partnership with the public schools, provides healthy, after school snacks to children enrolled in the Extra Program at all seven of the system's elementary schools. These snacks provide nutrition to the children to enable them to do homework, enjoy outdoor activities, and develop properly. All snacks provided meet the nutritional guidelines of the Child Adult Care Feeding Program.  The program is providing snacks to 178 children each school day.

They also have monthly nutrition education activities at each school through the 4-H Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program. The children learn to eat smart and "move" more. The program includes activities that help them understand portion sizes , the food guide pyramid, ways to get exercise throughout the day, and how to read food labels.

Clearly, even though we were reluctant to close the Kids Cafe, more children are being helped by the existing program.

To learn more please call the Ms. Ethel Staten at 252-335-4035 extension 104.