60 children added to weekend meals
Ted Escobar/The Sun Tribune - Othello Food Bank Director Sharon Mobley receives a $7,200 check from Monsanto Site Manager Kyle Schmidt for the Bite 2 Go program.
OTHELLO — The number of children who receive weekend meals from a program designed to guard against childhood hunger in this community has risen to 80, thanks to a $7,200 grant from Monsanto.
The Bite 2 Go program was introduced last year and aided 20 children. It is administered by the Othello Food Bank. Monsanto has joined Avista, SVZ and Othello First Presbyterian Church in support of the program.
Kyle Schmidt, site manager for Monsanto, said his company is always looking for ways to be involved in community projects that can make a positive impact on the community, and this program is one of those programs.
This program provides weekend shelf stable food kits for Othello elementary schools children who have been designated as at risk of missing meals. The designations are made by teachers and staff.
“There are many reasons kids may miss meals,” Othello Food Bank Director Sharon Mobley said. “It could be the family just doesn’t have enough money or both parents are out working.”
“With continued donations, the program has steadily grown,” Mobley added.
In addition to the donors and the food bank, the Othello School District and Second Harvest are main participants in the program’s operation. Second Harvest in Pasco puts together the kits which are then purchased with funds donated.
Mobley said the food kits are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature. The meals can be eaten as they are or may be warmed up before serving.
For more information about the program and how other organizations can become involved, you may contact Sharon Mobley, food bank manager, at 509-488-6044.