By LAURA CABE
In collaboration with the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), the Child Nutrition Program, Cherokee Youth Center and Ms. Ronnie Via’s high school calculus class, Cherokee Central Schools is continuing the MANNA backpack program for the fifth year beginning on Friday, Sept. 7. This program is called the MANNA Abundance backpack program and is sponsored by MANNA food bank of Asheville. The program is designed to meet the needs of at risk elementary and middle school students in Western North Carolina.
On Friday afternoons, a bag of supplemental items such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups/ravioli, crackers, cereal/oatmeal, protein items, and snack items are sent home with a selected number of students. These bags are intended to help those families in most need to bridge the gap during the weekend and holiday’s when school is not in session.
Currently, 134 students in the elementary school served it is hoped to expand to the middle school in the hope of reaching more families in need, especially during these hard economic times. If you are a family in need and have a student enrolled in Cherokee Central Schools, please contact Laura Cabe 554-5090 to be enrolled in this program.
Cherokee Central Schools LunchPrepay.com for “A la Carte” Sales
The Child Nutrition Program has launched into the age of new technology by using LunchPrepay.com. Using the secure site to make your payments and monitor your student’s account gives you the assurance of knowing where your money is going and how it is being spent. LunchPrepay.com is an easy, secure and convenient way to apply funds directly to your student’s account online. Visit LunchPrepay.com to start an account and to find more information of frequently asked questions and answers.
Laura is the child nutrition director at Cherokee Central Schools.
