Winter break started a week ago for Roaring Fork School District students, and the time off could mean some students are left without food they would typically get in school.
Sarah Fedishen, the director of Family Services at the Family Resource Center in the district, says to help students and their families who are food insecure, the district gave them food before the break started and also works with local food pantry Lift Up.
“Lift Up is our partner in the community, and we let our families know where the Lift Up is located in each community so that they can go there,” Fedishen said.
Students at Sopris Elementary and Carbondale Middle School also did their part before winter break. First graders at Sopris Elementary collected just under 600 pounds of food that was delivered to district families. Carbondale Middle School students donated over 400 nonperishable items to Lift Up.
Fedishen says the Family Resource Center works with families year-round with food security, among many other things. Fedishen said last year, the center worked with about 800 families.
Aspen Family Connections works similarly in the Aspen School District.