MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell Weekend Snack Pack Program continues to grow, now serving 513 students across local preschools, elementary schools and Mitchell Middle School.

The program, which began in 2009 under the leadership of Cindy Novachich, initially served fewer than 100 students. Its first delivery took place Jan. 8, 2010. Since then, it has expanded significantly to meet increasing community needs.

Each school year, the program distributes more than 90,000 food items to children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. Its mission is to provide easy-to-prepare snacks for weekends, when some students may not have reliable access to food due to parents’ work schedules or limited household resources.

Organizers estimate the program provides more than $50,000 in food annually to support local youth.

Community members can support the effort in several ways, including donating food, organizing food drives, volunteering to help pack snack bags or providing financial contributions. Donations of scrap metal or aluminum cans can also be made through H&R’s drop box, with proceeds designated for the Snack Pack program.

Program leaders say continued community involvement is essential to sustaining and expanding the effort to ensure no child in Mitchell goes hungry over the weekend.