Meals for Minds

A $3.5 million donation from Target will help feed hungry kids so they can learn better. The money, $2.3 million of it, will be used to fund a pilot program operated by Feeding America called, “Meals for Minds.” Feeding America works with local food banks to bring food to schools to feed students and families most in need. Target also committed an additional $1.2 million to local food banks across the country to support other school-based food programs.

Target began piloting the Meals for Minds school pantry program this spring in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Miami, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Chicago. The pilot schools were selected by participating food banks, in cooperation with local schools. At each school, 65% to 90% of students qualify for participation in the free and reduced lunch program.

“Early results of the pilot are encouraging and we're excited to expand the program to even more schools,” said Laysha Ward, Target’s president of community relations.

Various school pantry models are being tested, including in-school and mobile versions. Target also is developing best practices to incorporate nutrition education into the Meals for Minds program and to drive parental engagement in schools.