In a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to address food insecurity among students in local schools, spearheaded by the All Kids Win program. Founded nearly two decades ago by a concerned mother who witnessed the plight of homeless children, the initiative has expanded significantly. It now provides food assistance to students from kindergarten through 12th grade across multiple school districts, including North Thurston, Olympia, and Yelm, distributing approximately 40,000 bags of food each school year.

The program was born out of a recognition of the gap in food support for middle and high school students, as existing programs primarily catered to elementary school children. This initiative has not only filled that void but has also fostered community engagement, with local schools and organizations collaborating to ensure that students receive the necessary support.

Additionally, the meeting touched on a local 5K event scheduled for Halloween, which aims to raise awareness and funds for these food assistance efforts. Organizers expressed hopes that increased marketing could attract more participants, potentially leading to overnight stays in the community, thereby enhancing local engagement.

The All Kids Win program exemplifies a grassroots approach to tackling food insecurity, demonstrating the impact of community-driven solutions in addressing critical social issues.