For hungry children throughout the county, school is more than a place to learn. Often, it’s where they can be assured at least two good meals each weekday.
But when school isn’t in session, that resource dries up.
That’s why a group from Leadership Johnson County is working to provide meals to needy kids during spring break this year.
“When we first met, we all realized that we really had a desire to do something for children in our community,” said Sara Fisk, a member of the group. “As we talked about it more, we realized one of the biggest struggles for kids in our community is hunger.”
On Monday, the group unveiled its main fundraising push — an online campaign called “Be a Franklin Hunger Hero.” During a span of two weeks, donations will be accepted online.
The goal is to raise at least $5,000, or enough to buy a week’s worth of food for 200 children identified by Franklin Community School Corp. as needing help.
With the money raised, members are working with Gleaners Food Bank to put together packages of food to last an entire week will be compiled and distributed to needy children before spring break.
The group still is exploring with Gleaners about setting it up to be a yearly campaign.
“Our team has an interest in making sure this isn’t just something we do for this project. I think it’s inspired a lot of us to do what we can to make sure it continues on,” Fisk said.
