Children who are homeless often have a number of challenges that can cause disruptions to their education. The McKinney-Vento Act is in place to support students who are homeless, living in temporary situations, or might be in transition of housing.
To combat these challenges, the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) developed The Education Project. This project strives to support student needs and reduce the impact of homelessness.
Throughout the school year, students considered McKinney-Vento eligible are able to receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch. This means that students have the opportunity to eat at least two meals five days a week. Affording food can be very costly, especially for a family with a limited income.
Every winter break, The Education Project has a snack pack donation drive to help supplement the meals students would typically be provided at school. The donation drive will begin Nov. 27 and run through Dec. 8. Items can be dropped off at Livingston Educational Service Agency, 1425 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The snack packs will be distributed the week of Dec. 11. Without the support of the community, the snack packs would not happen, and it is greatly appreciated by the families, students, The Education Project, and LESA.
Snack pack items include but are not limited to:
Pudding, fruit cups
Cracker snacks
Snack size chips, pretzels
Popcorn
Granola bars
Mini cereal boxes, oatmeal
Ramen noodles, soup
Easy Mac
Fruit Snacks
Juice boxes, water
For questions, contact: Candice Olrich, students services specialist; email to candiceolrich@livingstonesa.org; call or text (517) 980-2041.
