Every year, in the week leading up to the 100th day of the school year, Byron-Bergen students in grades UPK through 5th set out to collect and donate 100 items per grade level to a local charity or not-for-profit organization. This year, the Student Council voted to take “local” to a whole new level. On February 13, Byron-Bergen Elementary School students donated over 700 snack items, including granola bars, snack crackers, applesauce pouches, fruit and grain bars, cheese and peanut butter sandwich crackers, and fruit cups to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Snack Cupboard.
The School Snack Cupboard began in September at the suggestion of 1st Grade Teacher Nicole Gayton. Using funds donated by the community through the School Supply Drive, sponsored by the Bergen Business and Civil Association and the Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Boosters, Principal Kristin Loftus cleared cabinet space in the Main Office kitchen and filled it with snacks for students. When those snacks began to run out, Elementary School Social Worker Courtney Bapst arranged donations from local organizations, including the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern and the United Way. Currently, over 200 snacks are distributed each month through the School Snack Cupboard.
“It has been truly incredible to see the impact of this initiative on our students,” said Loftus. “Whether a child needs a snack because they’re hungry or because it supports a sensory need, having free and easy access removes barriers and allows them to focus on learning. It also reassures our teachers that they have the support needed to help meet the whole child — including their most basic needs.”
Kindergarten Teacher Ayn Gardner and Instructional Coach and Student Council Advisor Debbie Slocum met with the Student Council to discuss this year’s beneficiary for the annual school community service project. After reviewing the local organizations that have already benefited from the annual project, the Student Council held a discussion, took a vote, and decided to collect food to support the needs of their school’s student body.
“We have never done a community service project to support the District before,” said Gardner. “The students are using it every day. This year, it seemed to be a perfect fit!”
Student Council members helped track donations by coloring in thermometers for each item. Every grade level met the goal of 100 donated snack items.
“I am deeply grateful to our school community for stepping up in such a generous way,” said Loftus. “The outpouring of snack donations reflects the care and commitment that make our school so special. We are beyond thankful.”
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