Why The Avondale School District?

Children and Their Future

About 19% of Avondale School District students (approximately 613 students) are on the free lunch program, with another 6% (approximately 177) on the reduced cost lunch program. These numbers represent a 25% increase from the 2006-07 school year.  The dramatic increase is attributed to the sagging State’s economy and the difficulty of parents finding work following layoffs.

By assisting these at-risk students now we will be changing the future of families and children for the better.  Thriving children who are part of a strong, vibrant and engaged community will have a better chance to mature into strong, self-reliant individuals

First in Michigan

The Avondale School District is the first in Michigan to embrace this program and implement it district wide.  Blessings in a Backpack can make a difference not only in the Avondale community but the entire state.  Avondale’s initiative is an example to all school districts in Michigan on how we can demonstrate caring about the well being of all students beyond the classroom.

First District Wide in US

In other locations nationwide individual schools have adopted the program with a sponsor providing the funding.  With the assistance of the North Woodward Community Foundation the Avondale School District is the first district wide implementation of this program in the United States.

The Avondale School District is the first in the United States to provide meals to all at-risk students striving to achieve the goal that no student in the entire district will go home hungry on the weekend.

Model For Other Communities

The Avondale project is the first in the country to operate as a Partnership between an entire school district, a Foundation, Corporations and private citizens and will serve as a model for other cities to emulate.