When you think of food support programs, it’s easy to assume they’re only for those experiencing extreme hardship. But for families like Shane’s, these resources are just as meaningful by helping to fill in the gaps that everyday life can bring.
Shane moved to Jamestown in 1997 to attend college for computer science. Years later, his journey brought him full circle as he returned to school himself but this time, to become a teacher. Today, he teaches at Jamestown High School and is a father of three growing kids.
Like many parents, summer break can bring both joy and a bit of a juggling act. With children home all day, grocery bills stretch a little further, and meals need to be readily available and easy to manage. That’s where the Youth Summer Meal Program, supported by the Great Plains Food Bank and local extension offices, has stepped in to help.
This marks Shane’s third summer participating in the program. He shared how helpful it’s been not just for meals but for the independence it gives his children during busy days.
He shared that he appreciates the snack-sized portions, which his kids can use to make simple meals when parents are away during the day or pack as snacks in their lunchboxes once school starts again. One of their favorite things to do is use the applesauce provided to bake muffins together.
As Shane put it: “It’s a cool thing that the food bank does and that the extension office helps with.”
His story is a reminder that food access isn’t about labels or need alone, rather it’s about community. It’s ensuring that every family, no matter their situation, has what they need to nourish their children and enjoy the time they have together.
Because support should be for everyone. And sometimes, just a few snack-sized items can go a long way.
