On August 18, 2020, as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the City of Bellevue’s Human Services Commission voted to approve grants to four nonprofit agencies meeting the city’s eligibility criteria to address food insecurity, including $160,000 to Bellevue School District. The district will use the grant to distribute food and supplies for basic needs through the Family Connection Centers.
With one in six Washington children living in a food insecure household, these funds will ensure that Bellevue School District’s Family Connection Centers can provide families with essential resources, including food, hygiene products and other items. Research shows that there is an association between food insecurity and delayed development in children, including being at-risk for chronic diseases and behavioral problems.
“We’re thankful for the grant provided by the City of Bellevue,” Dr. Ivan Duran, Superintendent, Bellevue School District, said. “Our community partners are vital to the success of our mission and vision to support every student so that they can become the creators of their future world. By ensuring students and families are nourished with food, we know that we will be able to nourish them academically.”
“The Bellevue School District Family Connection Centers are a key component to getting immediate food and other basic needs into the hands of families in our community so they can focus on learning, growing and thriving, with confidence their basic needs will be met thanks in part to this important funding,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson.