Jackson County Food 4 Kids

04/14/2026

Food Insecurity is not always visible.

However, based on Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap 2024 study, food insecurity remains a significant issue in Jackson County, MN, where nearly 17% of the population, or approximately 1,700 individuals, were projected to be food insecure.
• Overall Food Insecurity: 17%
• Child Food Insecurity: Over 20% of children in Jackson County are estimated to live in food-insecure households.
• Context: Feeding America notes that 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural, and Jackson County Food 4 Kids is actively working to address this need locally.
These figures show that hunger affects roughly 1 in 6 people in the county, often driven by high food prices and a lack of consistent access to nutritious food.

Jackson County Central Nutrition Services Immanuel Lutheran School, Lakefield, MN
HLO District 330

04/13/2026

Hunger doesn’t take weekends off—and neither does Jackson County Food 4 Kids.
Since September 2014, our program has provided weekly food packs to qualifying K–5 students, ensuring they have meals when school is out.
Today, we proudly serve all elementary schools in Jackson County and operate a middle school food pantry where students can choose the food they need.
Together, we’re helping children return to school ready to learn—not worried about hunger. ❤️

Lutheran School, Lakefield, MN HLO District 330

04/09/2026

Jackson County Food 4 Kids is having a positive impact in Jackson County MN.

✅ Serving Jackson County students since 2014
✅ Expanded from 1 to 4 elementary schools in one year
✅ Middle school food pantry launched in 2017
✅ ~10 pounds of food per student, per visit
✅ Supporting families in a community where 17% of rural
households face food insecurity

Jackson County Food 4 Kids is making a difference—one child, one backpack, one weekend at a time.
To learn more about our program visit our website:
www.jacksoncountyfood4kids.org

04/05/2026

Happy Easter!!

03/31/2026

Nutrition and learning have a strong connection.
Proper nutrition ensures students have the nutrients needed to learn at their best all day long!

03/25/2026

Your words shape your child. Speak wisely.

03/23/2026

Cherish the time.

03/17/2026

03/11/2026

The impact of hunger on children who skip meals often suffer from lower attention spans, reduced concentration, and poor memory.
A diet high in processed foods are linked to increased hyperactivity and fatigue, while balanced, nutritious diets support better emotional regulation and academic achievement.

03/07/2026

Spring Forward Time

When March winds blow and cold days go,
We turn our clocks ahead, you know!
One hour lost? Oh, what a sight!
But now we have more evening light.
So jump and play, the day is long,
The birds have come to sing their song!

03/02/2026

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!
Nationwide, schools are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday today, March 2nd!
Across the country, libraries and community centers are encouraging kids and teens to read.
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) published his first book , And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street, in 1937. He published over 60 books during his career, including the ever popular Green Eggs and Ham, and have produced numerous adaptations, including eleven television specials, five feature films, a Broadway musical, and four television series.

We hope you celebrate this day by reading a Dr. Seuss book or eating Green Eggs & Ham!
I know the kids at JCC did. 😉

Riverside Elementary-JCC Jackson County Central Schools

02/20/2026

All public school districts in Minnesota offer free breakfast and lunch each day kids are in school. Meals follow USDA guidelines, featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk.

What was your favorite lunch or breakfast when you were in school?

Jackson County Central Nutrition Services HLO District 330

picture credits: Jackson County Central Nutrition Services