Lainey Zumalt is a counselor at Whittier Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas, where 95% of the 250 students qualify for free and reduced lunch.  

“Some kids don’t receive all three meals every single day. That’s why school is so important for our kids to show up every day, and receive that free breakfast and lunch,” Zumalt said. 

When her students are hungry or lacking good nutrition, their behavior in class can take a nosedive. A meeting in her office to change course nearly always includes a snack. 

“I think it’s important for our kids to know it’s OK if you need something extra to focus, and sometimes that’s all it takes. You need some Goldfish, here are some Goldfish, and then that kind of gets them through the day,” Zumalt said. 

“We have a very large need for extra support and extra resources here, and part of my job is to make sure we can have that. BackSnack has been an integral part of providing kids and families with the extra snacks or food they need each week.” 

Since the population is largely Hispanic, permission slips to receive extra food from BackSnack are sent home to parents in Spanish. 

“Kids want to participate. It’s almost like a treat for them. Families are the same way. Everyone is included. There’s no secret that we are doing this,” Zumalt said. “They know they need it, but they also see it as a fun thing, too. They really don’t see it as an abnormal thing in our school, they just love having that extra food to take home to their families.” 

Every Friday, Zumalt divides 65 BackSnack among the various grades and sibling groups, but the school’s need for supplemental food is larger than the number of bags it currently receives.  

“On a monthly basis, rather than weekly, everyone will receive something, but not every week because of the high needs of our school,” Zumalt said. “I’m just very appreciative of Harvesters and our community partners.”