LYNNWOOD, Wash., March 31, 2021 – The Foundation for Edmonds School District announced today that it has been awarded $54,325 in emergency COVID-19 relief funding from the Verdant Health Commission. Dedicated to the health and wellness of the local community, Verdant Health Commission is providing local non-profits with important emergency COVID-19 funding to help vulnerable persons gain access to important health and nutrition services, in addition to its multi-year health program and project applications.
Funding from the Verdant Health Commission will help provide emergency food services through the Nourishing Network, a Foundation initiative that was created in partnership with and at the request of the Edmonds School District to provide meals and services to hungry and homeless students and their families. Programs include Weekend Meal Kits, Summer Meals Program, Pop-Up Pantries, home meal deliveries, and holiday meals.
The Nourishing Network currently serves 470 students each week with weekend meal kits, delivered to wherever children are sheltered in place, alongside thousands of additional food items to supplement Edmonds School District grab and go meals kits for more than 4,000 children. Monthly, the Nourishing Network also serves more than 300 families through 7 drive through pop up pantry locations.
Through the Nourishing Network, the Foundation provides critical and urgent food services to students experiencing the effects of homelessness, parental unemployment, financial instability, and persistent poverty, particularly due to the pandemic. “We are committed to our children and families in our District and work tirelessly to meet the needs they face,” says Deborah Brandi, Executive Director. “Important funding like this ensures our children have nutritious food to eat. We are tremendously thankful for Verdant’s support.”
The Edmonds School District is Snohomish County’s largest public school district, serving more than 21,000 students across 35 campuses. Boundaries span five communities including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Brier and part of Bothell.
For 37 years, the Foundation for Edmonds School District has worked in partnership with the District to ensure that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. With an all-volunteer board and active community participants, the Foundation provides supplemental funding to support students, families, and educators in the pursuit of educational excellence. www.foundationesd.org
Author: Mario Lotmore
