You Won't Believe How Many Neenah Students Are Going Hungry—One Local Group Is Taking Action!

In Neenah, Wisconsin, a noteworthy initiative is taking shape at Neenah Middle School, aimed at ensuring students have access to healthy snacks throughout the school day. With many students facing challenges in accessing proper nutrition at home, the school has introduced a program that offers fresh fruit, Nature Valley granola bars, and beef sticks to help bridge the gap.

Tracee Lemke Hildreth, a counselor at Neenah Middle School (NMS), explained how this program began as a pilot at the end of the last school year and has now been fully implemented. "This is a program to provide snacks to our students throughout the school day," she said. The initiative is particularly significant given that approximately 35% of the school's 2,000 students qualify for free or reduced lunch, highlighting the broader issue of food insecurity among school-age children in the community.

Social worker Kassidy Urbanek emphasized the importance of this program in the academic success of students. "When students come to school and they didn’t eat a proper breakfast, or they don’t have something for lunch, it really holds them back academically," she shared with FOX 11. Urbanek noted that inadequate nutrition can lead to behavioral challenges and diminished focus during class, particularly during testing periods. The goal, she explained, is to provide healthy snacks that support students’ ability to concentrate and perform academically.

The program, called the Feeding Minds and Bodies, is made possible through a partnership with the Neenah Rotary Club. Member Renee Neumeyer shared that the initiative is funded by a $3,000 annual grant from Rotary International, along with community donations that contribute to the total cost of approximately $5,000. Initially starting with one grade, the program expanded to include a second grade, allowing more students to benefit from the nutritious snacks provided.

As spring break approaches, the demand for these healthy snacks has become evident. "Many of the shelves where the school stores the snacks are empty," Urbanek noted, attributing this to both the upcoming break and the enthusiasm of students for the program. She recounted the excitement of students when they are offered healthier options, saying, "The snacks we’re getting are the healthier ones — and they’re always like, ‘Oh my gosh, these are so amazing. We don’t get these all the time.' It’s been a huge impact on our students." Lemke Hildreth added, "And we’re dealing with middle schoolers that are always hungry. So, food is a big hit around here.”

The Neenah Rotary Club is optimistic about expanding the program across the district in the coming years, recognizing the critical role that nutrition plays in supporting students' educational experiences. This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also fosters a more conducive learning environment, paving the way for academic success and overall well-being among students. As schools across the nation grapple with the challenges of food insecurity, Neenah Middle School’s proactive approach serves as a model for other districts seeking to support their students' health and education.