ZION EDUCATION CENTER

SERVING THE SHENANGO VALLEY

AMOUNT DONATED: $2,232.18

ZEC has empowered young children to maximize their potential and exceed their environment both in and outside the classroom. This mission is made possible by the implementation of the following core values:

-Preparing the next generation to overcome generational risk factors through high quality social-emotional and educational strategies.

-Promoting innovative approaches to learning that will empower the next generation to transform and rebuild our community.

-Providing positive coping mechanisms that foster resilience, for children and their families that will break generational cycles of poverty.

-Partnering with local schools to provide nutritional meals and snacks to students attending afterschool programming.

MAKE A GIFT

Giving Week Progress:

FUNDRAISING GOAL: $5,000

Programs Supported by Your Donations

ZEC's primary goal is to sponsor 100 Kitchen Academy meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, throughout summer break. By extending our food services to local students in Mercer County, we aim to alleviate hunger and ensure that vulnerable students have access to nutritious meals during the summer break.

ZEC's Kitchen Academy has a projected budget of $5,000. This amount accounts for the daily cost of $100 to provide 100 meals per day. The funding will cover expenses such as food procurement, preparation and packaging.

By expanding our meal distribution throughout the Summer of 2023, we anticipate a significant positive impact on the community. The benefits of the summer meal distribution will address food insecurity for families who rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition. Through the Zion's Kitchen Academy, we can foster a sense of unity and collaboration among various stakeholders, including community, families, and volunteers. Also, by continuing our food service during the summer, we can mitigate the risk of hunger and ensure the well-being of underserved children in Mercer County.

Needs that Cannot beMet without Your Help

ZEC receives a minimal 10% reimbursement for families who are ineligible for food stamps or free and reduced school lunches. These families are appreciative of ZEC’s provision to serve their children a nutritious meal.

With the rising costs of food, milk, transportation, and the need to purchase equipment, low reimbursements from USDA makes it difficult for ZEC to serve students for the entire summer. Without enough funding, ZEC may have to reduce Kitchen Academy days which would prevent students from both low and middle-income families from receiving nutritious meals. This could negatively impact their health, well-being, and social-emotional outcomes.