The past few years have been tough on many families, causing increased food insecurity for students throughout our district. At Lake Washington Schools Foundation, we are committed to finding ways to help families in need and are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
We partner closely with LWSD and other community partners to serve these families in the most effective way possible. One of these ways is through the distribution of food and other basic needs vouchers.
LWSF regularly contributes funding to LWSD Families Helping Families, a district program that provides grocery vouchers to ensure no students go hungry over school holiday breaks.
We have also contributed to the Assistance League of the Eastside (ALE)’s Operation School Bell program, which supports LWSD students facing hardship. This program provides these students with necessary items such as new clothing, shoes, school supplies, medications, and groceries, as well as books to promote education and learning.
In March of 2023, Lake Washington Schools Foundation was honored to receive the 2022-2023 Operational School Bell Award in recognition of its collaboration with the ALE to support students facing hardship.
One of my jobs is helping to connect students and families with outside community resources. Helping to provide additional resources for food over the summer impacts our school community immensely, and I honestly can’t thank LWSF enough for their willingness to help!
Madison Lecompte, School Counselor at Clara Barton Elementary School
One of our families expressed that their bank account was in overdraft and the food vouchers helped them to provide a couple of meals for their family before their next payday!
Na’eemah Webb, LWSD Family Engagement and Community Outreach Coordinator
My kids are so happy to go shopping and pick out new school clothes. We live off hand-me-downs and this brings us confidence on how we look and feel. With the rise of prices, working two full time jobs still isn’t enough for us to get necessities our 5 kids need. Every year this program has helped our family.
LWSD parent, recipient of Operation School Bell Voucher
This program is a great support for us because we are Ukrainians who fled the war and have to start a new life. Our family is grateful for the opportunity to get some clothes and shoes.
LWSD parent, recipient of Operation School Bell Voucher
As a single mom of 3 young children I really appreciate the help now my daughter has new clothes and shoes to wear at school. Thank you so much!
LWSD parent, recipient of Operation School Bell Voucher
