The Culver City School Board heard a presentation at the Oct. 10, 2023 meeting from Culver City Council PTA President Summer McBride and CCHS Administrator and Culver Closet Co-Founder Marion Serra on two critical CCUSD programs that provide support to some of our most in-need students, and offered solid evidence on how important they are.
The data supports the efforts; “BackPack” food programs are linked to higher test scores for school children, demonstrating the importance and impact that alleviating food insecurity has on students.
Just over 11 years ago, teachers from one CCUSD elementary school noticed a few students who showed up to school hungry on Monday mornings. Then-CCUSD Superintendent Dave La Rose had supported the creation of a weekend backpack program with groceries for children receiving at his previous school district in South Kitsap, Washington.
Now, in 2023, Culver City’s program is serving 450+ families weekly
As food costs have gone up, so has the need. Supported by the Culver City Council PTA, the Backpacks for Kids Program is run entirely by volunteers and receives no funding from the school district, state, or federal sources, and relies entirely on community donations, grants, and volunteers.
Complementary to the Backpacks Program, the Culver Closet is available to assist families with clothing and household item insecurities. Founded in 2012, the Culver Closet was designed specifically for children living in homeless and low income situations. It was built on the principles of utilizing school space, supported by contributions from community partners and organized by students. For more information, and to volunteer, donate and access, visit CCUSD School and Family Support Services.
For more information, and to help keep the program going with your support, visit: www.ccbackpacksforkids.com.
Both of these programs need volunteers, and contribution of food, clothes and cash.
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