It’s that time of year again! Summer is winding down and kids are heading back to the classroom. The start of a new school year often brings a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, anticipation, stress, and hope. With so much on their minds, the last thing students should have to worry about is whether they’ll have enough food to eat or clothes that make them feel confident. That’s where Valley Outreach comes in.

Fueling the Growing Mind

Food is one of the most important building blocks of healthy development. Whether a child is just starting kindergarten or preparing for their senior year of high school, proper nutrition helps fuel their bodies and sharpen their minds for learning. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy diet is shown to support cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Put simply: food is fuel!

Here in Minnesota, all students now receive free breakfast and lunch at school which is a huge step forward in addressing childhood hunger. However, the need does not end there. Kids also need healthy snacks to keep them focused throughout the day and food at home to carry them through the evenings and weekends.

To help meet this need, Valley Outreach partners directly with the Stillwater Area School District. We set aside nutritious, shelf-stable snacks for school nurses and other support staff to share with kids who may need an extra boost during the day. We also work with school staff to ensure families know about Valley Outreach’s services if they need additional support.

Dressing for Success

We all know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident on the first day of school—and every day after that. Having the right clothes can help kids feel like they belong, boost their self-esteem, and allow them to focus on what really matters: learning and building friendships.

Through our clothing program, StyleXchange, clients can shop for free, gently used and new items for children of all ages. From sneakers and jeans to dresses and jackets, Valley Outreach helps ensure that kids head into the school year prepared and confident.

Supporting Families

Back-to-school season can be stressful for parents, too. Between rising costs and long supply lists, the financial burden can feel overwhelming. Valley Outreach consistently walks alongside families to ease that pressure. We work to meet basic needs with dignity and compassion, while also offering connections to additional resources and support.

Together, We Help Kids Thrive

Every child deserves the chance to show up at school ready to learn and succeed. By providing food, clothing, and community support, Valley Outreach helps remove barriers so kids can focus on being kids.

This back-to-school season, you can join us in helping kids thrive. Consider donating multi-packs of shelf-stable snacks, such as applesauce, beef sticks, and granola bars to help us support students in our community. Check out our Host a Drive Toolkit for more information on the most needed items at Valley Outreach!